GLADIOLUS CULTURE 
Note: The following instructions apply to average normal 
growing conditions; should unusual soil or climatic conditions 
prevail, the amateur gladiolus grower should consult his 
County Agricultural Agent or a local gladiolus grower. 
Stock for Planting: Secure healthy stock from a reliable source specializing 
in quality gladiolus bulbs. Look over all bulbs and discard any that show 
signs of rot. Maximum size blooms usually are obtained from large plump 
bulbs; better results can be expected from young high-crowned bulbs of at 
least one-inch diameter than from older and larger “thin” bulbs. As a 
safe-guard against thrips all bulbs, regardless of source, should be dusted 
with DDT (5%) as soon as received by the purchaser. (We guarantee our 
bulbs to be healthy and free of thrip when you receive them, but if they 
are placed in close proximity to bulbs already infested, they may become 
infested also). 
Dips: Dips control disease. Dip your own bulbs and those you buy, before 
planting. Two proven formulas: New Improved Ceresan, one ounce (ap- 
proximately 4 level tablespoons) plus 3 teaspoon measures duPont (Gras- 
selli) Spreader Sticker or Dreft to 3 gallons water. Mix N.I.C. in sauce 
dish with Spreader Sticker, use wooden ladle (keep fingers out, poison to 
skin in this concentrated form), then add to 3 gallons water. (Okay for 
hands to be in this weakened solution). Soak bulbs 15 minutes, plant in 
damp soil same day. Bulblets not peeled, 30 minutes; peeled, 15 minutes. 
Plant same as above. Another dip: Lysol, one and a half tablespoonfuls 
per gallon of water. Soak bulbs 3 hours, bulblets 3 hours. Plant same day. 
Planting: Plant when your trees are leafing out and soil has warmed, and 
can be planted anytime till july Ist. Almost any soil will do if well drained. 
Plant is full sunshine, in rows as you would corn. Rows at least 18 inches 
apart. Plant large bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, depending on soil. Light soil 
deepest, smaller bulbs in proportion. Bulblets one and a half inches deep, 
one inch apart in rows, not closer. Plant Gladiolus away from trees and 
buildings. Rotate plantings. Plant in same ground but once in four years. 
Any soil that will grow a good crop of vegetables or weeds is good for 
Gladiolus. 
Fertilizing: Fertilize — yes and no, use your own judgment but never plant 
Gladiolus bulbs where they might touch green manure (any kind), or come 
in contact with fertilizer. Novice growers better let fertilizers alone. 
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