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GLADIOLUS ' 
HISTORY: Although a native to tropical countries, the 
gladiolus has, because of its versatility, pushed its way 
into all lands. Almost unknown a century ago it has now 
become universally cultivated. Practically all of the glads 
which we now know, sprang from stock brought from South 
Africa., although a few were ne.tives of Southern Europe and 
Asia Minor. The crossing and recrossing of these wild spe¬ 
cies have given us our present day exhibition varieties.The 
daintily colored Primulinus type of glad is the result of 
crossing on the large flowered kinds a recently discovered 
species called primulinus which is a pure yellow, small 
hooded flower. Picardy, our highest ranking glad is of this 
cross. Plant wizards the world over continually contribute 
to the never ending list of fine gladiolus. We have the 
Pfitzer originations from Germany, the French originations 
by Lenoiae and others, Australian introductions by Fallu 
and Errey. Scotland is well represented by hair while our 
own country probably leads tne list with such well known 
propagators as Diener, Eornberger, Kunderd, Salbach, Palmer, 
Coleman and many others 
GLADIOLUS AS CUT FLODEES: In cutting leave four or five 
leaves to Develop the new bulb. Glads are particularly 
suited for cutting because they are the one flower which 
keeps right on blooming, opening new florets each succeed¬ 
ing day for a week or more and they do this without percept¬ 
ible in the quality of the bloom of the flower. The heavy- 
spike has a supply of food sufficient to develop every bud 
into a fine flower. For the best results and longest last¬ 
ing flowers , cut the spike when only one or two florets are 
out. Change the water once a day as cool wa.ter has a fresh¬ 
ening effect. The pores in the end of the spike become 
clogged so cut off slant wise a thin slice each day, which 
keeps the water clear. Remove wilted florets and keep cool 
as much as possible. 
DIGC-IUG AID STORING: Bulbs should be dug as soon as the top 
turns brown and always, of course, before they axe endangered 
by freezing. Bulbs and bulblets make their fastest growth 
the last thirty days of the growing period. They should 
not be exposed to burning sun. Cut tops very close to bulbs. 
Store in swallow trays. We use peach crates with screen 
bottoms. Bulblets and other residue may easily-be cleaned 
from the bulb by December 1st. 
