EARLY AND HARDY GLADIOLI, 



>7 



For greenhouse or conservatory decoration gladioli may be grown in pots. One of 

 the best authorities gives, as an ideal compost, the following : — " One part decomposed 

 hot-bed manure, two parts rich loam 

 with a little river or silver-sand under cJ, 

 each bulb." A 6-inch pot is re- 

 quired for each corm ; the pots being 

 plunged outside until the blooms show 

 colour. 



The early flowering gladioli need 

 similar treatment, except that they 

 ought to be planted in autumn about 

 4 inches deep. Three corms of these 

 may be placed in a 6-inch pot, and 

 some — especially G. Colvillei, The 

 Bride — are greatly prized as cut flowers. 

 When the leaves begin to fade lift the 

 corms and dry them gradually. When 

 quite dry, cut off the stems, clean 

 the corms, and store in paper bags 

 out of the reach of frost until planting 

 time. 



A few of the species of gladioli are 

 hardy ; the best of these being byzan- 

 tinus and segetum, which have purplish 

 flowers. The varieties of Lemoinei are 

 sometimes recommended as hardy, but 

 they are not to be depended upon in 

 this respect in our climate. 



Gladioli are propagated by increase 

 of the corms; by small "spawn" formed 

 at the base ; and by cutting the conns 



into pieces before planting. They are also grown from seeds, but do not come true 

 to the parent when so grown. Some gladioli increase more freely than others, and 

 often form two new corms in place of the old one, which dies. Some varieties also 



Fig. 15. Eakly Gladiolus. 



