A Few Suggestions 
For Growing Fine Gladiolus 
Gladiolus may be planted any time from early spring to June. 
Planting at intervals will prolong the blooming season. Orders 
for bulbs should reach us before May Ist as our warehouse closes 
at that time. 
- Any good garden soil is satisfactory but must be well drained. 
!f commercial fertilizer is used it should be mixed with the 
soil. If manure is used it should not come in contact with the 
bulb. Plant gladiolus bulbs from five to six inches deep. 
We recommend that all bulbs you plant be treated at plant- 
ing time. A Lysol dip is effective against thrips; mix 1/2 table- 
spoonfuls of Lysol with one gallon of water and soak bulbs for 
MEE: hours. Plant immediately after dip. 
If thrips are prevalent in your community and some of your 
neighbors may not have treated their bulbs, it will be wise to 
start spraying or dusting your plants when they are about six 
to eight inches. high, using either a water soluble 50% DDT 
spray or 5% DDT dust. 
Gladiolus require plenty of. water, especially during the four 
or five weeks before they bloom or after the fourth or fifth leaf 
shows. Do-not -give the plants a light daily. cae ee Tony 
Soaks ee down about once a week. 
When cutting flowers, always leave at least al or five leaves 
on the plant to mature the bulb. 
Digging may be done any time ‘from a month to six weeks 
after blooming. Should foliage begin to turn brown, dig at once. 
Cut the tops close to the bulb and dry in any partially, sunny 
place for a. few days. Stare bulbs for.two or three weeks. in a dry 
place until the old bulb and roots can be easily removed. The 
husks-should be left’on the bulb for added protection. | 
Before the final winter storage; bulbs should be dusted with 
5% -DDT powder. Bulbs may be thoroughly coated: by shaking 
in a paper bag with a small quantity of DDT dust. Store for the 
winter in a frost - proof, cool, dry place, preferably at a tempera- 
ture as near 45 to 50 degrees as possible. 
GARDEN CLUBS 
Garden Club members, ask your secretary or other 
officer to write for our attractive Garden Club rates. 
ELMA, WASHINGTON |e 
