262 PLANT CULTURE 



meal is also extensively used. Liquid manure, when the buds are 

 forming, seems beneficial. 



Gladioli are not hardy, except some varieties of G.Lemoinei, and 

 even these require protection in New York State. Planting should 

 be deferred until all danger of frost is past. A well planned suc- 

 cession in planting is advisable. The depth to plant is determined 

 by the character of the soil. In the lightest soil 7 or 8 inches is not 

 too deep, but in a heavy clay 4 or 5 inches would be a sufficient 

 depth. There are two reasons why the corms 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, 

 i.e., bulbs, are usually planted in rows, often two rows, about 

 6 inches apart, in the furrow. If the corms are over i inch in diam- 

 eter they are scattered promiscuously. 



Upon the approach of frost the corms are dug, and the tops left 

 on the corms. They are then stored in an airy place to dry thor- 

 oughly. After several weeks the last year's exhausted corms and 

 the old stems may be removed and the stock cleaned. The best 

 storage temperature is from 40 to 45 degrees and in a rather dry 

 atmosphere. If the corms become heated they dry, and this causes 

 them to start prematurely. If too humid the corms rot or start 

 growth. A shallow tray 3 or 4 inches deep insures the corms against 

 heating. 



Propagation. By seed new varieties are obtained. There is 

 also a natural increase due to the formation of new corms above the 

 old ones as well as the production of small cormels, or spawn, pro- 

 duced above the old corm and below the new one. The last two 

 methods propagate the varieties true to name. 



GLORIOSA. The Gloriosas, especially G. superba and G. 

 Plantii, are ornamental flowered liliaceous plants, very suitable for 

 our hot Summers. The plants have a vine like growth and must 

 be supported by sticks. They are serviceable for the embellishment 

 of greenhouses during Summer. In the District of Columbia they 

 do well out of doors. 



Propagation. To raise bulbs sow a few seeds in a 6-inch pot 

 and allow them to remain in their seed pots for the Summer, gradu- 

 ally drying off as the foliage turns yellow. Store with Gloxinias 

 during the Winter. Each plant may be potted off singly the follow- 

 ing Spring. 



