GLADIOLUS CULTIVATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 26

GLADIOLUS CULTIVATION

Gladiolus have been grown in gardens for over 500 years, but not gladiolus such as we know to-day. Most varieties hail originally from South Africa. The name gladiolus is from gladius, a sword, referring to the sharp-pointed leaves. The bulbs or corms can be planted during July and August in a warm, tinny place sheltered from the strong

winds. Plant in deep sandy soil with plenty of moisture after the bulb has started in growth. On no account plant in a shady position. Place a layer of well-rotted manure beneath the bulb and cover with three to four inches of fine sandy soil. Where the site is inclined to be windy staking is essential, as the foliage may snap off at the bulb. After the bulbs have been planted for several weeks a light liquid manuring will be beneficial, and mulch well with rotted manure. When the buds begin to show be careful to keep a look-out for grubs and caterpillars as they eat holes in the buds and crawl up the stems and nip the top of the flower spike. No more attention is required until the folfcige turns yellow. Then dig up the corms and leave them on the ground to dry, afterwards cutting away the dead leaves about three inches above the bulb. Anybody can grow gladiolus if the following rules are adhered to:—(1) Soil. (2) Cultivation and mulching. (3) Plenty of water. (4) Staking.

One of the most important operations of this month is the careful turning over of the soil and the pruning of the rose trees. The rose beds should be well dug over and the soil will then get the benefit of the winter frosts. Pruning may commence this month before the sap starts to rise. The main object of pruning is to assist the bush to produce better flowers and maintain the vigour and symmetry of its growth. An effort should be made year by year to produce new flowering growth, and this can only be done by careful pruning. The hybrid tea varieties of roses are among the most widely grown. This beautiful class possesses a compact bushy habit of growth, flowering most of the year through.