THRIP CONTROL used to be quite a task, but since the advent 
of D.D.T., control is relatively simple. The thrip is a small. minute in- 
sect, which causes damage to the foliage, discoloration of the blooms 
and is the cause of the blasting of the buds. If you find a blasted bud, 
examine carefully and the chances are 9 out of 10 that you -will find 
it alive with yellow thrip. The older thrip is black, and is found mostly 
on the foliage. Start dusting when the spikes are about six inches 
high, using a 5% D.D.T. dust. Dust regularly, whether you see thrips 
or not, repeating at least every ten days throughout the season. Spot 
dust in addition when you note an infestation. A spray of 1 ounce of 
50% D.D.T. (wettable) in three gallons of water will also give good 
results. You can add Nicotine to this spray for use against aphids. 
WATERING AND CULTIVATION. Gladiolus like plenty of water. 
During dry spells the ground should be thoroughly soaked about once 
a week. Watering will result in taller spikes, larger blooms and bet- 
ter developed bulbs. This is particularly noticeable in our field where 
a planting has been extended beyond the end of the sprinkler line. 
Cultivate for weed control only, shallower after growth has started. 
CUTTING BLOOMS—Cut spikes on a slant, using a sharp knife, 
leaving at least four leaves on the plant, so the bulbs will develop 
properly. 
DIGGING AND STORAGE—Ordinarily, bulbs mature about 6 to 
8 weeks after blooming. As the season gets late, they mature faster. 
To hasten growth of bulbs, keep flowers cut. Bulbs must be dug before 
there is danger of the ground freezing hard, and preferably when the 
ground is dry. CUT the foliage close to the bulb as soon as dug. Cure 
the bulbs well and when dry, (about three or four weeks) remove the 
old bulb, roots, etc. Store in a cool room, free from danger of freezing. 
Dust with 5% D.D.T. dust for thrip control. 
- NOTE: Varieties marked “Patented” are covered by U. S. Pat- 
ents. Increase may not be sold. 
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