Apply the dust as a cloud about the plants rather 
than individual plants. Good results have also 
been obtained from the wettable powder or emul- 
sions. For spraying use 1] oz. of 50% wettable 
DDT to 3 gallons of water. Past results from 
various parts of the United States indicated that 
DDT applied either as a spray or dust was much 
more effective than tarter emetic-sugar sprays for 
thrip control. (Before using a DDT emulsion be 
sure it is recommended for use on plants then 
use the strength recommended by the manufac- 
turer.) 
WATERING AND CULTIVATING: With normal 
rainfall, satisfactory blooms can be secured with 
little if any additional watering. However, if the 
soil is dry at the time the third leaf appears, 
better blooms will be secured by thoroughly soak- 
ing the soil every four to seven days. Cultivate 
for weed control only. Do not force your gladi- 
olus tocompete with weeds. (Read current liter- 
ature for developments in chemical (2,4-D) weed 
control.) Cultivation should be shallow after 
vigorous growth has started. A mulch applied 
after July 1 will discourage weeds and eliminate 
further cultivation. Maximum bloom size can be 
encouraged by applying a side dressing of a com- 
plete commercial fertilizer (2 Ibs. per 100 ft. of 
row), aS soon as the bloom spike can be felt. 
Contact of the fertilizer with the foliage must be 
avoided, and excessive amounts may increase 
scab and other bulb diseases. 
CUTTING BLOOMS: Spikes of most varieties 
will open well in water if cut after one bloom has 
partly opened. Spikes should be cut on a slant, 
using a sharp knife; at least four leaves should 
be left on the plant. (Spikes cut ona slant will 
absorb more water than those cut square.) Cut 
all bloomed-out spikes promptly and remove all 
plants showing yellow or brown foliage, or spot- 
ted foliage and dwarfed mottled blooms. 
(4) 
