The Palmer Strain of Gladiolus 
Originated by Mr. E. F. Palmer of Canada 
The Palmer strain of gladiolus which began its 
public career 13 years ago with the introduction of 
Apricot Glow, is distinguished by the most unusual 
beauty of color and form of its various varieties. With 
the introduction of Picardy in 1931, the gladiolus as a 
national flower really began to come into its own. As 
a florist flower gladiolus has increased in popularity 
tremendously since that time because of the many good 
qualities of Picardy, which has been grown by the 
millions. Though no variety has yet been produced 
that has the least chance of superseding Picardy as a 
florist flower, Mr. Palmer has produced other very fine 
varieties, notably Beacon, which are becoming popular 
commercial cut flower varieties as fast as stock becomes 
available. He has an eye for real beauty of color and 
form, and has produced many varieties that for beauty 
are infinitely superior to the old sorts. The old kinds 
often had harsh blotches or magenta lines in the throat 
which prevented them from being really beautiful. 
The Palmer varieties are noted for clear, clean throats 
and clean colors in general. 

Mr. Palmer and Seedling 
A poor picture as his hair is not Another feature of the Palmer strain is vigor. Most 
WATERS MOS ESRC Palmer varieties are vigorous and good propagators, a 
quality which all varieties should have but which 
unfortunately many do not possess. When you get a start in a Palmer variety, you 
may rely on its increasing well in nearly every case. You will make no mistake in 
following along with the Palmer strain. 
The Palmer strain has had a tremendous influence on the gladiolus industry 
as a whole. Mr. Palmer began by giving the parentages of varieties and so de- 
bunked the mystery that attached to gladiolus hybridizing before his time. Pro- 
ducing new outstanding varieties seemed so easy now that many others began 
crossing gladiolus and have produced some very fine varieties. But Mr. Palmer 
seems to have a sixth sense which enables him to pick the right parents and then to 
recognize quality when the seedlings first bloom so that he is right up in front with 
outstanding new varieties, and usually two or three years ahead of his competitors. 
I introduced Mr. Palmer’s first variety and I am proud to have continued to be the 
sole introducer of his varieties ever since. We intend to introduce about five varieties 
every year and are trying to produce better ones all the time, so that to whatever 
height the standard of new introductions is raised we can always truthfully say, A 
Palmer Variety is a Good Variety, and among the very best. 
1942 Palmer Introductions 
Ballad (Seedling 33199) (Premier Henry x Picardy) (Large Dec) (Mid- 
“awe season) Grenadine pink, which if you are not familiar with the 
technical names of colors is light rose, shading to light yellow in the throat. Has a 
translucent appearance. Opens 5—7 at a time with a total of about 18 buds. Blooms 
are large, flat, wide open and exquisitely ruffled. Stems are tall and slender and 
always straight. Stands heat well. Though a pink it is totally unlike any other pink 
variety and though of entirely different type from its sister seedling, Glamis, it is 
fully as beautiful. I can’t say more than that. A basket of this at Boston in 1941 
attracted a great deal of attention. 
Received an Award of Merit at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Good 
propagator. 
Prices are $5.00 each for large or small bulbs. Bulblets $.50 each. 
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