The Palmer Strain of Gladiolus 
This strain originated by Mr. E. F. Palmer of Canada is noteworthy for two 
things: 
FIRST. Most of the varieties are characterized by most unusual beauty 
both of color and form. Many of them have clear unmarked throats and clean 
color throughout with delicate shadings seen in hardly any other varieties. In fact 
the Palmer varieties have given a new meaning to the word “beauty” as applied 
to glads and is making the public “beauty conscious.” Most of the old varieties 
that we used to think were beautiful look very ordinary now in comparison with 
such real beauties as Amrita, Amulet, Camellia, King Lear, Aladdin and many 
others. Many growers who sell flowers write me that the Palmer varieties are pre¬ 
ferred by the public and many people can recognize the Palmer varieties on sight. 
SECOND. Vigor and good propagating qualities. With only three or four 
exceptions all the Palmer varieties are strong, sturdy, healthy growers and good to 
very good propagators. Mr. Palmer thinks life is too short to bother with a variety 
that does not propagate so usually if a variety doesn’t do well he discards it. 
The above points about the Palmer strain are recognized not only in America 
but throughout the gladiolus world. Growers in foreign countries are coming to 
realize that the Palmer strain is the best to be had and they are buying heavily of 
these varieties. 
I am exceedingly proud and fortunate to be the introducer of the Palmer 
varieties as I feel confident that this strain as a whole is supreme. 
I am the sole selling agent for the Palmer strain throughout the world except 
in Canada and I can sell there. Mr. Palmer is the head of the Department of 
Agriculture for the Province of Ontario and has direct charge of the Agricultural 
College at Guelph and the Experiment Station at Vineland so is a very busy man 
and has been forced to discontinue the selling of the bulbs except through me and 
to the Canadian dealers. He does not sell at retail at all. So please do not waste 
your time and Mr. Palmer’s by writing him for a price list, unless you are a dealer 
in Canada. He will simply refer the inquiry to me or if you live in Canada he will 
refer your letter to a Canadian dealer. 
“7 can now unequivocally say that the Palmer strain of gladiolus is the finest 
in existence today from the standpoint of beauty , cut fower trade , vitality, adaptability 
to a variety of soils (and especially the heavy clay soils of this part of country ) and 
generous propagating quality. There is no other strain that can compare with it in my 
estimation .” — Robert C. Moncure, Virginia. 
1939 Palmer Introductions 
The following introductions of this year are very outstanding and are bound 
to become popular varieties. 
AlffOnflllin (Sdlg. 30116) (Picardy x Commander Koehl) (Ex) (Com) 
Early. Brilliant glowing scarlet. Large wide open spread¬ 
ing blooms. Tall straight spike with 8-9 always well placed blooms open at a 
time. Award of Merit, C. G. S. 1935. I believe this is the best light red on the 
market. The color is just what the florists want and it is a good shipper and keeper. 
Growers who have seen this like it very much and several already put in their 
orders before it was named. (70-75 days) See picture page 8 
ANY SIZE BULB $6.00 EACH. BULB LETS $1.00 EACH OR $80.00 
PER 100. 
Buccaneer 
(Com) (HG) (85-90) A color sport of Pirate. Practically 
the same thing as Pirate except that the color is a beautiful 
rose. Quite a number of shades lighter than Pirate. Those who like Pirate will 
certainly like Buccaneer and I think many will like the latter who do not care so 
much for Pirate. This is entirely different from any other rose variety and I am 
sure will become very popular. 
PRICE 50 CENTS EACH FOR ANY SIZE. NO BULB LETS THIS 
YEAR. 
