GLADIOLI CULTIVATION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19124, 19 September 1936, Page 15

GLADIOLI CULTIVATION

HINTS FOR GROWERS GISBORNE SOCIETY The increasing popularity of the gladioli was shown by the large, attendance at. the meeting of the Gladioli Society, held in the Gisborne Women's Club rooms on Wednesday night. After the business of the meeting was disposed of. Ml*. A. S. Seymour, the president, gave an interesting lecture on the cultivation of gladioli under local conditions. In a brief history of the gladioli the speaker stated that the number of species or wild types exceeded ICO, the majority being natives of South Africa. Only a' few of the species had been used by the hybridist in evolving the present-day races of the garden gladioli.

Speaking of the prirnulaceae type, Mr. Seymour mentioned that the original of this was, as the name suggested, prim-rose-yellow in colour and was found growing by Victoria Falls, South Africa, in almost'perpetual mist, caused by the spray from the falls, hence the popular name given to this gladiolus of the "Maid of the Mist."

In preparing the ground for the conns, special attention should: be given to the situation—plenty of sunshine was essential, and the question of drainage was most important. Weak, spindly growth and possible damage to the corms would •result with too much moisture. The best time to plant, for exhibition would" be during the first, two weeks in October as the varieties vary from 90 to 100 days coming into bloom. Corms. should'be planted about- 3in. deep in heavy soils and 4 to Sin. in light sandy soil. "Stakes should be placed behind each conn when planting and the name of the gladiolus written on it. Mr. Seymour said it was an excellent plan to surround each conn with a handful of sand when planting as this ensures vigorous, clean growth, and is very beneficial to the increase of the conn. At the conclusion of the lecture. Mr. Seymour answered a number of questions which were, like the lecture, greatly appreciated by all present. * A hearty vote of thanks to Mr. A. 0. Seymour, "and the members of the Women's Club for providing supper and rooms, concluded a very pleasant evening-