plant while still damp. On large bulbs one may break the husks to help penetration but 
do not remove as the husks act like a sponge to hold and carry the disinfectant for many 
days, and so better protect the new bulb and rootlets. One batch of N. I. C. mix may be 
used four or five times without losing too much strength, but then it is time to discard 
or add fresh mix of N. I. C.. We have shown in earlier publication that N. I. C. will kill 
thrips on the bulbs at time of dipping, provided the husk is wet through in the soaking 
process. You should not have the thrips to worry about provided you treated the bulbs 
with DDT dust in storage. 
If more convenient for the small grower, use Lysol which may be obtained at 
most drug stores. Soak bulbs and bulblets for 3 hours, just before planting in a solution 
prepared at the rate of | teaspoonful of Lysol to | quart of water. Allow to drain for 30 
minutes and plant bulbs and bulblets while still wet. 
HAROLD K. (Knight-Gove, 1949) 
(Red Gold X Giant) 
A mammoth, deep scarlet (Dutch vermilion) glad for the exhibitor and home 
garden, the lower florets of which may attain 7 inches in diameter. (Classification 536). 
The giant plants of perfect proportions may stand 6 feet in height with flower head up 
to 30 inches in length; strong straight spikes, 20 to 22 buds, 7-8 open florets with 8 
more showing color, having strong attachment and perfect placement. The florets are 
of very heavy substance, velvety texture, edges finely ruffled, and do not wilt in hot 
sunshine. This is a good seed parent while the anthers produce viable pollen. Good 
propagator of large bulblets which germinate readily; makes fine large bulbs which 
have good disease resistance. Foliage of deep green color; the giant plants put out 10 
leaves before the flower spike appears. Blooms in 85-87 days. 
Grand Champion Single Spike and Best Three Spikes in the show, Ames, Iowa, 
1948, unanimous decisions by four judges. Won 4 AA (1947) and 2 AA (1948) ratings 
by judges in the N.A.G.C. Trial Gardens. Received “Approval Award’ of the Canadian 
Gladiolus Growers’ Council, 1948. 
Again, in 1949, HAROLD K. won as Best Three Spikes in the Ames, lowa, show; 
also was Division winner in Three Spikes at the lowa State Show, Waterloo. See the 
front cover for picture of HAROLD K. as it grows in the originator’s garden, with yours 
truly looking up. 
This grand gladiolus is named as a living memorial to my son, Lieut. Harold K. 
Knight, who lost his life in service of our country, March 1945. He won the Lieutenant’s 
commission in three different branches of the service; first in the Artillery, next in the 
Infantry, then volunteered for transfer to the Paratroop Corps where he again won a 
commission under most rigid competition. He had a record of 15 parachute jumps 
without mishap, only to meet an untimely end by what was reported as an accidental 
discharge of a gun. 
RED GOLD (Knight, 1949) 
(White Gold X Myrna) 
A light red that draws attention, an unusual shade of high color value, (Signal red; 
see plate 719 of British Royal Hort. Society Color Chart) different from anything we 
can name. Classification 550. A giant size plant with form of flower and substance 
similar to the parent, White Gold. Plants range from 50 to 60 inches in height, flower- 
head 24 to 27 inches, opens 7 florets with 6 buds in color on a 20 bud spike. Florets 
wide open, 5!%4 to 6!4 inches in width, of heavy substance, finely ruffled, lower petals 
neatly ribbed, perfect placement. Jay Dittman said: “‘A beautiful gladiolus, opens well 
in water and a good keeper when cut.’’ Blooms in 80 days (range 77 to 83 days). 
Foliage healthy, deep green in color, leaves very broad. Makes fine healthy bulbs that 
are a joy to clean; good propagator, germination excellent. 
In the above cross all the seedlings were white or cream except two, Red Gold 
and a light orange. As the name suggests this new gladiolus resembles White Gold but 
is light red in color; the florets have the same heavy substance, but with good culture 
and moisture, will carry 20 buds where White Gold shows 16. Red Gold has one fault 
in common with White Gold; under dry conditions the flower heads may shorten some- 
what, but still useful as cut flowers. The past year we found our local florists liked 
Red Gold the best of all the reds we grew. Red Gold has been a winner at the shows; 
Best Three Spikes at the lowa State Show, Cedar Rapids, 1945, and given a score of 
8714 points. Best Single Spike Seedling at lowa State Show, Sioux City, 1948, with 
a score of 89 on the N.A.G.C. score sheet; judged by J. Elton Carter and John Redding. 
HIHO (Knight, 1948) 
(Ogarita X Wings of Song) 
Color a clear deep rosy salmon, throat clear white without markings, never flecks. 
Florets 5 to 514 inches, petal margins waved; opens 8 to 10 florets on a 30 inch flower- 
