CARE AND CULTURE OF GLADIOLUS 
Select a sunny location away from the roots of trees and shrubs. Plant about six 
inches deep, having bulbs five inches apart. 
Place bulbs in a well worked trench in staggered or zigzag row— . °  . and 
cover at first with about two inches of loam; when shoots begin to appear, work balance 
of loam into the trench. At all times keep the soil loose. As an aid to producing larger 
blooms work in fertilizer around the plants when about a foot or more in height. At the 
time flower spikes appear, abundant watering is very beneficial. 
Bulbs should be dug before leaves turn brown. Cut stock close to the bulb, spread 
them out to dry for two or three days in a sunny location and then place in an open 
shed or room for two weeks or more before storing them away in a cool dry place. Keep 
them spread out and not over three inches deep, give bulbs an occasional airing during 
the winter. DO NOT remove the husks as this protects the bulb during storage. 
When cutting flowers, leave at least four leaves remaining on the plant. Positive 
injury to the blooming qualities of the bulbs for the following year will occur if this pre- 
caution is not heeded. 
For cut flowers, cut the spike when first bud fully opens. The remaining buds will 
open nicely and give a longer period of bloom and greater enjoyment. 
Remove wilted blossoms, change water and cut off a portion of the stems each day. 
These will then fit in a smaller vase. 
FORMULAS FOR DIPS AND SPRAYS 
FOR THE CONTROL OF THRIPS 
Lysol Dip 
4 tablespoons of Lysol 
3 gallons of water 
or 
1 pint of Lysol 
25 gallons of water. 
Soak bulbs in the Lysol solution for at least 3 hours and no longer than 6 hours; 
soak bulblets overnight or 12 to 14 hours. After bulbs or bulblets are removed from the 
solution, allow to drain for 30 minutes and plant same day as treated, preferably while 
still wet. 
The thrips problem is now satisfactorily solved—a great blessing to all concerned. 
Thrip Spray 
2 ounces Tarter Emetic 
2 ounces brown sugar 
3 gallons water 
Mix well and spray weekly after the foliage is in third leaf. 
or 
% lb. DDT (50%) 
% pint liquid soap (Germicidal) 
25 gallons of water 
For small plantings the following DDT spray is reported as giving good results: 
1 rounded teaspoonful DDT (50%) 
1% teaspoonful Dreft 
1 gallon water 
DUSTING—The easiest and most efficient means of controlling Thrips is to dust the 
foliage of the plants with 5% DDT. Many types of dusters are available and one can be 
obtained to suit your size planting. Begin dusting when plants are in third leaf and 
continue about every two weeks. If this is done you can say goodbye to Thrips! 
CAUTION: Lysol, New Improved Ceresan, Tarter Emetic, and DDT are poisonous 
and care should be taken in handling and storing these materials. 
NAPTHALENE FLAKES, 2 POUND PACKAGE, 60c, WITH BULB ORDERS 
This is enough for about 2,000 bulbs or more, 
