GLADIOLUS CULTURE 
PREPARED BY 
NORTH AMERICAN GLADIOLUS COUNCIL 
NOTE: The following instructions 
apply to average normal growing 
conditions; should unusual soil or 
climatic conditions prevail, the 
amateur gladiolus grower should 
consult his County Agricultural 
Agent or a local gladiolus grower. 
STOCK FOR PLANTING: Secure healthy stock 
from a reliable source specializing in quality 
gladiolus bulbs. Look over all your own bulbs 
you have in storage and discard any that show 
signs of rot. Maximum size blooms usually are 
obtained from large plump bulbs; better results 
can be expected from young high-crowned bulbs 
of at least l-inch in diameter than from older 
and larger ‘‘thin’’ bulbs. As a safe-guard against 
thrips (see later) all bulbs, regardless: of source, 
should be dusted with DDT (5%) as soon as re- 
ceived by the purchaser. 
PREPARATION OF SOIL: For best results, 
gladiolus plantings must be exposed to full sun 
for the larger part of the day and the soil should 
be well drained; competition with tree or shrub 
roots is very undesirable. Gladiolus will do well 
on either clay or sandy soils. When possible, 
gladiolus should not be grown in the same lo- 
cation two years in succession, although no 
serious trouble may be encountered for several 
years if only clean bulbs are planted and all dis- 
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