CHAPTER VII 



A Few of ^Everybody's Favorites" 



THE GLADIOLUS 



HERE we have a regal flower stately enough for the finest mansion, 

 as well as a democratic flower charming for the cottage window 

 and home garden. 



Each year finds new uses for the Gladiolus, which now holds 

 first place among the Summer blooming bulbs. First, because of the 

 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 Gladiolus is unexcelled for furnishing a long season of bloom, 

 extending from mid-July until frost, either in a bed, in 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 fertility, but seems sensitive to any manure in contact with the 

 bulbs. Manure is good if applied 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 these require protection in New York State. Planting should 

 be deferred until all 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 sufficient 

 depth. There are two reasons why the conns 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. Commercially, the corms, ix., 



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