To extend the vase-life of your gladioli, you must as soon as the first 2 - 3 buds have opened, water the plant a couple of hours before you cut the stem.

All Fall outdoor items will be shipped by zone, unless you indicated you want them ASAP or on a specific date.
Tis to ensure that they do not arrive before you can actually plant them.
Take the following start shipment dates into account per zone:
 
Zone 3/5 - Sep  1st
Zone 6/7 - Sep 15th
Zone 8/9/10 -Sep 30th

Some products won't be available before mid September, regardless of zone, see product details.
Indoor items will be shipped according to product availability.