SEABROOK NURSERIES GLADIOLUS 
CARE AND CULTURE OF GLADIOLUS 
B ULBS should not be planted until corn planting time, as noth¬ 
ing is gained by planting before the ground is warm. 
Select a sunny location away from roots of trees and shrubs. In 
localities where summer is extremely warm, a partially shaded situa¬ 
tion is preferable. If your soil is heavy, plant four inches deep, and 
if light, six inches, having bulbs five or six inches apart. 
Place bulbs in a well worked trench in staggered or zigzag 
row—• . • . and cover at first with about two inches of loam; 
when shoots begin to appear, work balance of loam into the trench. 
At all times keep the soil loose. As an aid to producing larger blooms 
work in fertilizer around the plants when about a foot or more in 
height and never at planting time. At the time flower spikes appear 
abundant watering is very beneficial. 
Bulbs should be dug as soon as you note the leaves turning yellow. 
Cut stem off half an inch above bulb, spread them out to dry for two 
or three days in a sunny location and then place in an open shed or 
room for two weeks or more before storing them away in a cool, dry 
cellar. Keep them spread out and not over three inches deep. It is a 
benefit to give bulbs an occasional sunning or airing during the winter. 
When cutting the flowers be sure to leave at least four leaves 
remaining on the plant. Positive injury to the blooming qualities of 
the bulb for the following year will occur if this precaution is not 
heeded. 
If you want the blooms for cut flowers, cut the spike when first 
bud fully opens. The remaining buds will open nicely and give you a 
longer period of bloom and greater enjoyment. 
Remove wilted blossoms, change water and cut off small portion 
of the stems each day. 
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