GLADIOLUS 
Large Flowered Types and Primulinus Hybrids 
Though Gladiolus are well known and can be grown by 
anyone on almost any type of soil, they do produce much 
finer results if planted in good loamy soil containing gen- 
erous quantities of sand and humus, and attention is paid 
to watering during the dry months. It is best to plant the 
corms a bit deep (about 5 or 6 inches) as so to provide 
additional support for the tall stems. A well drained loca- 
tion in full sun is best, though they will tolerate a small 
amount of shade. 
Plant in early spring as soon as the ground is warm, and 
at one or two week intervals until early summer. Latest 
date they may be planted can be determined for any 
locality by figuring 75 to 90 days to bring into bloom, and 
panting accordingly in relation to early killing frosts in 
the fall. 
Before ground freezes in the fall dig corms and cut off tops 
about 4 inch above top of corm. Remove excess soil and 
place in flats to dry. When sufficiently cured so remains 
of old corm will pull off they can be stored in a cool dry 
room in large paper bags containing a small spoonful of 
pure napthalene flakes for the control of Thrips. In Janu- 
ary remove from treated bags and store on open shelves 
in same cool dry room. 
Thrips may also be controlled by the use of DDT. Use a 
5% preparation, placing a spoonful in a bag partly full of 
corms. Shake vigorously until corms are well powdered. A 
little experience will soon tell you how many corms to 
place in a bag and how much powder to use. Store treated 
corms in a warm temperature for a couple of weeks. This 
will activate Thrips so the DDT can take effect. Then 
store on open shelves in a cool dry room. 
Full Cultural Instructions will be included with Every 
Shipment. 
GLORIOSA 
This spectacular plant can be very successfully grown in 
almost any part of the country if culture is varied accord- 
ing to climate. It is, of course, more at home in the warm 
climate of the deep south and Florida, where it attains a 
height of 7 to 8 feet. 
PLANTING. In the North where growing season jis 
relatively short it is best to start them indoors in late 
March or early April. Place in a flat of fine peat moss or 
Vermiculite, laying the long tubers horizontally. Cover 
about 4% inch deep. Keep well moistened and warm. 
TRANSPLANTING OUTDOORS. In a few weeks when 
sprouts appear the tubers are ready for planting—either 
in pots or tubs, or directly outdoors (if danger of frost is 
past). Place 1 tuber in a 5 to 7 inch pot, or 3 to 4 tubers in 
a tub. In beds, place any distance apart as desired. Place 
aya horizontally and cover with about 2 or 3 inches 
of soil. 
SOIL. Should be rough and humusy, and well drained. Be 
very generous with peat moss, sharp sand, and well rotted 
manure. 
WATERING. Very important. Lack of attention to this 
is frequently the cause of no blooms. When watering during 
dry spells water deeply and well. Apply a thick mulch of 
pest moss or Buckwheat hulls to conserve moisture and 
eep the soil cool. Good drainage is a must in conjunction 
with plentiful watering. Feed once or twice during the 
growing season. 
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SPECIAL NOTES. Locate in full sun in the northern part 
of the country. Provide increasing amounts of shade the 
farther south planting is done. Will often bloom within 
8 to 9 weeks after first sprouts appear. Attains a height 
of 2 to 4 feet in most sections. 
After blooming period keep plants well watered, and feed 
well so as'to fatten the new tubers for next year. 
Provide some support during the growing season. 
WINTER CARE. Before the first freeze dig tubers (use 
extreme care as they are brittle and will break easily). Dry 
thoroughly in basement. Store in box of dry peat moss, 
dry sand, or dry Buckwheat hulls (Mul-Tex). Tempera- 
ture of 45 to 55 degrees. 
GLORIOSA is an excellent subject for the small green- 
house or conservatory, and may be brought into flower at 
almost any time. 
MILLA BIFLORA 
Same general culture as Bessera Elegans. Excellent for 
cutting. Blooms readily in pots under glass in late winter 
or early spring. 
MONTBRETIA 
Of same easy culture as Gladiolus. Plant 4 inches deep in 
full sun, in rich well worked soil. They enjoy plentiful 
moisture, but good drainage. Dig and store in the fall as 
you would Gladiolus. With a good heavy mulch of straw 
many varieties have established themselves permanently 
as far north as New York and Massachusetts—though it 
is best to lift and store expensive varieties. 
RANUNCULUS 
Similar culture as Anemone coronaria, except that they 
prefer a more moist (though well drained) location and 
will not tolerate periods of dryness. Particularly when the 
flower buds have formed, the surface of the soil should 
never become parched, and a daily soaking is necessary, 
not only for the sake of the flowers and leaves, but also to 
keep the roots (which are close to the surface) in sound 
plump condition. 
Plant in early spring as soon as frost is well out of the 
ground. Press the claw-like extremities into the earth and 
cover with 2 inches of light sandy soil. Space about 6 
cue apart. Does not grow or bloom well if planted too 
eep. 
Persian and Turban varieties need a well enriched loose 
loamy soil, while the so-called French varieties are not as 
particular about the quality of the soil as long as it is loose 
and well dug. All delight in full sun or slight shade. 
After foliage has well ripened (usually in late August or 
September) dig roots and dry well, storing for the winter 
in a cool room or cellar. 
TIGRIDIA 
Plant as soon as possible in the spring when the ground 
has warmed up. Sunny, well drained location. Soil should be 
a well enriched loam, high in humus content, and deeply 
dug. Set corms 2 to 3 inches deep and 4 to 8 inches apart. 
Successive plantings may be made until late April or mid 
ay so as to provide a longer period of bloom during July 
and August. Keep very well watered during blooming 
season and during dry spells. Lack of sufficient water will 
produce very poor results. 
