Burlington,{Vermont : 
Bulbs Splitting 
Often old or large bulbs will split into two or more bulbs each one making a spike of bloom. 
Some novices get their increase in this way and destroy the bulblets. If you want to increase your 
stock you should grow on the bulblets and in time destroy these old split bulbs. A few varieties 
are more subject to splitting than others. For show purposes some growers cut out all the eyes on 
a bulb except one so that all the strength will go into one shoot. This is advisable with certain 
varieties but one of the best show growers told me that he no longer did it. 
Why do Glads Crook? 
Tho usually a variety characteristic certain varieties can’t stand extreme hot weather, and 
crook somewhat. Also shallow planting can cause it or too much rain which softens the plant. 
But not many varieties are sold now days which do have a habit of crooking. Usually those 
that crook in hot weather are alright when bloomed in the fall when it is cooler. 
Side Shoots 
This is another variety characteristic and personally | don’t mind it as you get 
more blooms from a bulb. However if you want to get the largest size bloom you better 
take these side shoots off. 
How Long Will Bulbs Give Good Bloom? 
Some varieties will peter out in two or three years while others will be good 
year after year for a long time. 
Can Bulbs That Have Started to Grow be Disinfected 
| have never found thar it hurt them any. Of course your bulbs should be stored cool enough 
so that they will not start. But some kinds just naturally start early. Don't hesitate to disinfect 
them because of this. 
Do Gladiolus Change Color? No. 
| am asked this hundreds of times every year. | want to say positively “they do not’ except 
for the occasional sport. What happens when you start in with an assortment of colors and 
they finally simmer down to one or two shades is this: some varieties are strong and vigorous 
and propagate well even the bulblets sometimes blooming, while others are inclined to be 
weak and acquire disease and die. Don’t let anyone tell you that their glads have changed 
color because they positively cannot except once in a great while an individual plant will 
sport to another shade or sometimes to a diferent form. 
Identification of Blooms 
| am always willing to identify blooms sent me if possible, except that we do not try to 
identify blooms that come in unlabeled collections, as stated in the price list. However when 
sending blooms for identification send a part of the spike with at least five or six and preferably 
more buds. And send them in the bud and dry without any special packing. Every year | receive 
many full blown blooms in a letter and almost invariably they come so withered that they can’t 
be recognized. If you send them in the bud they will open up after they reach here and then if | 
know the variety | will tell you what it is. But send stem enough so | can put it in a vase of water. 
Another reason for this is that | am gone for several days at a time during the blooming season 
and if they can be put in water they will hold till | get home. 
In spite of the above paragraph which | have had in my catalog for the last year or two 


"Meg is the most alluring yellow | have ever seen and Sparks the most astoundingly at- 
tractive in its color and type. Both are in bloom now in 100 degree July heat, straight as arrows 
from ground to the tip of the spike.” —Donald M. Ewing, La. 
