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Field experiments were conducted to optimize the primary nutrient levels to improve the quality and productivity of floral and cormel aspects of gladiolus in semi-arid climate of Pakistan. NPK levels were standardized (data not shown) in first experiment before the actual experiment. Results showed that application of 10-20-10 g/m(2) (NPK-I) improved plant height, leaf area and sprouting percentage from rest of the treatments. About 8.49 and 10.20% longer stems and spikes, respectively and 0.41% higher chlorophyll contents were recorded at 20-20-00 g/m(2) (NPK-7) over control. Compared with control, cormels diameter Was enhanced by two-folds while weight of cormels clump(-1) was improved by 73.41% at 30-30-30 g/m(2) (NPK-4). Furthermore, 15, 30 and 25% higher N, P and K contents in leaves were noticed at 30-30-30 (NPK-4) and 20-00-20 g/m(2) (NPK-6), respectively. Additionally, fresh and dry weight and diameter of florets as well as prolonged vase life were noticed at 10-20-10 g/m(2) (NPK-1) in gladiolus cut flower, and further increase in nutrition remained non-significant. Conclusively, NPK-1 proved an optimal level to enhance quality and yield of Gladiolus grandifloras cv. Essential under semi-arid conditions.