The Palmer Strain of Gladiolus 
The Palmer strain was first made available to the public 19 years ago. Since that time 
a few varieties have been coming along every year, nearly all making their mark in the 
glad world and many of them proving the very tops in Gladdom. Picardy which was intro- 
duced 17 years ago has proved to be the finest glad ever produced and has had a greater 
influence on the glad industry than any other variety. It practically made the Florida gladi- 
olus industry where thousands of acres are grown in the winter for bloom to ship all over 
the country. Thru itself and its many seedlings it has raised the gladiolus to the most im- 
portant commercial cut flower in the country, being available about every month in the 
year. 
Other top notchers among the Palmer introductions are Algonquin, Burma, Convoy, 
Corona, Glamis, Grenadier, Kestrel, Ladrone, Lancaster, Malta, Magnolia, Minstrel, Snow- 
bank, Spotlight, Tarawa, Tecumseh and many others. In fact it is hard to find a poor 
Palmer variety. Mr. Palmer is now even more rigid in his selection of seedlings to introduce 
than ever. So you know when you buy a Palmer variety it is good. 
1948 Palmer Introductions 
Evangeline (560) (GreTA GARBO x ELIZABETH THE QUEEN) (Late Mid-season) 
This is the light rose that you have been hearing so much about the past two years. 
It is a beautiful very light rose or almost light pink with a creamy yellow throat. It opens 
8-9, huge beautifully ruffled blooms on a head of 22-24 buds. I have seen a number of 
spikes with 12 open. The head is often 30’ long with the whole plant reaching 5 feet and 
over. A very strong sturdy plant with broad leaves. It produces an average amount of large 
bulblets, practically everyone of which germinates and grows stronger than any other 
variety I have seen. 
Like everything else it is not perfect. Every gladiolus variety and everything else in 
the world has its faults. The only fault I have found with Evangeline is that a small per- 
centage have irregular placement. This really makes them prettier and more artistic. 
Mr. Fortnam, the well known show grower, says Evangeline is the best variety he ever 
grew and he grows all the good ones. 
At the shows it has won Grand Championship at three shows. Best seedling in nine 
shows and American Home Achievement Medal at two shows. It would have won the 
Grand Championship at Cleveland in 1946 but was unnamed at that time so had to lose out. 
EVANGELINE is a really great variety that will eventually be grown by everyone 
who grows glads. Better get a start this year. When you know a variety is good and will 
be popular the year of introduction is the time to get started in it. 
EVANGELINE has been tried in Florida and proved to be free of the diseases that 
attack many varieties there. Also proved a good shipper and suitable for the Florida cut 
flower business. 
Price is $10.00 each for any size bulb and I can furnish bulblet grown bulbs in any size 
as long as they last. No bulblets will be released this season. 
Cathay Pee 40212) (Vassar x 37274 [Picardy x yellow seedling.]) Mid 
CATHAY and SKYLARK are two decorative varieties that are fine for the home 
and for the use of discriminating florists but not for the large commercial growers who ship 
their blooms long distances. 
CATHAY is a very beautiful clear medium yellow, large blooms, exquisite ruffling. In 
fact the individual bloom is the most beautiful yellow glad I have ever seen. It grows 34% 
feet or more tall, opens 4—5 well placed blooms with 14-16 total buds. Makes nice clean 
bulbs and large bulblets. A very fine variety for its class and one that should become im- 
mensely popular with those who can appreciate real beauty. Blooms are large and have 
good substance. $3.00 each for any size. No bulblets. 
Sk 1 k (523) (Seedling 394312) (Yellow Seedling 33036 x Picardy) Early mid- 
oKytark season. 
Another decorative that is not intended to pase as a regular commercial variety but is 
rather for the home garden where a very bright coior is wanted. The blooms are large, 544” 
up and have a prominent upper petal making a sort of hood tho this does not hang down 
like the old Prim Grands of some years ago. The color is bright vivid orange with a throat 
of gold so large as to really make a two toned variety. It approaches 4 feet in height with 
15-16 buds and 6 open. Good placement. Opens slowly in cool weather. 
The color hits you right in the eye and should be good for nearby florists. A basket of 
these in a florist window would surely stop the public. $3.00 each for any size. No bulblets. 
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