GOLDEN WEST GLADIOLUS PAGE 3 

only a means to that end, so be sure you get young bulbs of good varieties. That 
is the only kind we have. | 
In September, I was in Los Angeles and was much surprised to see in many 
of the leading nurseries, “Gladiolus Bulbs. Now is the Time to Plant.” After 
moving my business from there, | know that September through November are 
the worst months to plant in that area. | 
TREATMENT OF BULBS: Don’t let anyone tell you that the bulbs they 
sell are treated for thrips and that you will not have thrip troubles. 
Our bulbs are dusted with 5% DDT when we put them in storage and will 
come to you absolutely thrip free. After you dig and clean your bulbs you should 
dust them with 5% DDT also. However, let your bulbs dry about two weeks 
after you dig them before you clean them. Store them where they will be good 
and dry, the temperature anywhere from 40 degrees to 75 degrees is all right. 
AT PLANTING TIME make a dip using | teaspoon of Lysol to a quart 
of water and soak your bulbs for three hours. Allow to drain 30 minutes and 
plant. Commercial growers, however, find that dusting with Arasan or using 
New Improved Ceresan soiution gives somewhat better results, but they are not 
practical on a small scale. 
ARASAN: | teaspoon to about 25 pounds of bulbs is sufficient. 
TO USE N. I. CERESAN make a paste of I ounce of N. I. C. and 3 
teaspoon of Glasselli spreader, add water to make 3 gallons. Dip bulbs for 15 
minutes and bulblets for 30 minutes, plant promptly in damp soil while still wet. 
: THE TIME TO PLANT glads is in the early spring, a couple of weeks 
before you expect the last frost, when the buds start swelling on fruit trees. 
[ Then you can make successive plantings every 3 weeks as long as your money 
a or bulbs hold out, up until the first of July. In Southern California you can 
| plant during July and August too. ‘There are a few spots where you can plant 
the year around but I think you will enjoy your glads more if you do without 
them for a few months each winter. 
Glads do the best planted in full sun. However, partial shade gives good 
results. They will do well in either clay or sand. 
Your bulbs should be planted 4 to 6 inches apart for large bulbs and 2 
inches apart for small bulbs. Plant about 5 inches deep for large bulbs and 3 
inches deep for small ones. If you plant in rows, make them 24 to 30 inches 
apart. Cover your bulbs about | inch deep and as they grow fill in around them 
until finally they are hilled up. This kills all of the little weeds as they start. 
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS for Southern California and region where 
soil is alkaline: Glads do best where the soil is neutral, that is a PH of 6.5. 
Nearly all of Southern California has an alkaline condition. After you plant 
your bulbs, sprinkle soil sulphur at the rate of 4 pounds per 100 square feet, 
and rake it in and water. This will help neutralize your soil as well as kill 
fungus. Do not spade it. _ 
THRIPS CONTROL: Regardless of whether or not you planted thrip- 
free bulbs you still have a good chance to have your glads harmed by them. 
Thrips live on weeds and other plants around the neighborhood. ‘To control 
them spray or dust with 5% DDT every 10 days after the 4th or 5th leaf ap- 
pears. Chlordane is also effective against thrips. Many people have the idea that 
their buds are burned with hot weather when actually the burnt look is thrip 
damage. Glads can stand temperature up to 105 degrees if they are well watered. 
WATERING AND CULTIVATING: Glads require quite a lot of water 
and it is advisable to give them a good soaking every 5 to 10 days, depending on 



