GLADIOLUS 



117 



great range of color; secondly, because of wonderful keeping qualities, 

 each spike keeping over a week; thirdly, because of its easy culti- 

 vation, primarily the same as that for Potatoes; and, fourthly, by the 

 proper choice of established varieties they can be commended because 

 of their cheapness. This flower is extensively utilized for all kinds 

 of decorative work. Large vases or baskets of the stately flower spikes 

 fill a place quite distinct from any other 

 flower. As a garden subject the Gladi- 

 olus is unexcelled for furnishing a long 

 season of bloom, extending from mid- 

 July until frost, either in a bed, m 

 which case the plants should be very 

 close, or in clumps in the herbaceous 

 border. 



The best soil for the Gladiolus is a 

 medium loam. It appreciates good fer- 

 tility, but seems sensitive to any manure 

 in contact with the bulbs. Manure is 

 good if applies in the Autumn previous 

 to planting. The best fertilizer for 

 general use is one that would be called 

 a Potato fertilizer, rich in potash and 

 phosphoric acid, both chemicals being 

 useful in the proper formation of good 

 bulbs. Bonemeal is also extensively 

 used. Liquid manure, when the buds 

 are forming, seems beneficial. 



Gladioli are not hardy, except 

 some varieties of Lemoinei, and even There should be given space in 

 these require^ protection in New York ^^^ry garden for a planting of 

 State. Planting should be deferred 



until aU danger of frost is past. A well-planned succession in planting 

 is advisable. The depth to plant is determined by the character of 

 the soil. In the lightest soil seven or eight inches is not too deep, 

 but in a heavy clay four or five inches would be a sufiicient depth. 

 There are two reasons why the bulbs should be planted as deep as 

 the character of the soil will permit: First, the Gladiolus is moisture- 

 loving, and in deep planting its roots are in the cooler moist soil; 

 secondly, the soil acts as a support, no other support for the stems being 

 necessary ordinarily. Conamerciafly, the bulbs, or as they are more 

 properly called, the corms, are usuaUy planted in rows, often two 

 rows, about six inches apart, in the furrow. 



