sugar (2 oz.) and 414 level teaspoon measures of tartar emetic (1 02.). 
There are molasses and syrup formulae available as sugar substitutes. 
Salp — Sodium antimony lactophenolate is an effec- 
tive insecticide substitute. Various arsenic sprays are 
effective but can burn foliage. Paris Green is somewhat 
harmful, magnesium is least harmful of these. For 
three gallons water, two pounds brown sugar, use one 
tablespoonful of Paris Green or two tablespoonsful of 
lead arsenate or magnesium arsenate. Any of these 
mixtures should be used within twenty-four hours, 
before sugar begins to ferment. 
Spray material should be applied as a fine mist, with a high pressure 
sprayer. Thrips damage occurs long before spikes emerge from the 
plant. If you started late to spray (when plants were nearly ready to 
bloom) or if you see silvered foliage damage or actual thrips (young 
are orange yellow) you should spray three times at three-day intervals, 
every two weeks to be sure you cover thrips life cycles. If rain washes 
spray from plants it is necessary to repeat. D.D.T. sprays are still in 
experimental stages. 
Dusting — Prof. E. I. McDaniel ‘‘One season’s field experiments 
indicate 5% DDT as dust will control gladiolus thrips”’ etc. 
8. Bloom — For cut flowers, gladiolus spikes should 
be cut, preferably in the morning, and when only one 
or two florets are open. Always allow five leaves to 
remain on the plant to mature the new bulb. Use a 
sharp knife for cutting in a slanting motion; trim off 
end of the spike, quarter or half inch each day to keep 
the pores clear until all buds have opened. Use a clean 
container and change to fresh water daily; spikes will last for a week 
or longer as cut flowers. Learn how to use tips for corsages, floating 
and other table arrangements. 

9. Treatment After Blooming — The gladiolus planting should be 
kept free of weeds. Watering may be discontinued except in cases of 
extreme drouth. Spraying may be discontinued unless thrips are 
present here or in nearby blooming area. An occa- 
sional shallow cultivation will be beneficial to bulb 
and bulblet growth. 
10. Digging the Bulbs — Gladiolus which bloom in 
July (Northern section) may require six or eight weeks 
¥ to mature new bulbs, but those blooming in September 
will bring maturity in four weeks. Bulbs should al- 
ways be dug before foliage becomes yellow or brown, indicating 
stopped growth. Always dig bulbs when soil is dry (if possible) or 
they will be difficult to clean and cure. 
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