GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 37, 24 September 1952, Page 5

GARDENS IN TAUPO

GLADIOLUS CULTURE

(By

'Flora.")

As the appropriate time for planting Gladioli is at hand, a few notes on their culture may be a help to those gTOwing these lovely flowers for the first time. From the time of planting the corms till the florets begin to open, ninety to a hundred days will elapse. But often in Taupo, this time will be exceeded by a week or ten days. L think this may be due to our cooi night temperatures which often contirue right through the summer. The position of the gladioli bed should be an open, sunny one; sheltered as far as possible from the cold southerly winds. Gladioli will grow in any well-drained soil, which is reasonably rich. When trenching work in a good dressing of well - rotted stahle manure; keep it well down so that it will not come in contact with the newly planted corms. A piece of the vegetable garden, if it can be spared, is ideal for gr owing gladioli, and needs -little beyond digging over, and giving a good dressing of bone dust; this is one of the safest and surest manures for gladioli. It is slow acting and provides the phosphates necessary for flowering. 1 oo much nitrogen should be avoided. * » Planting Plant the large corms five inches deep; smaller corms four in. Space the corms six to nine in. apart with the rows three ft. apart if practicable. Some growers advertise the lining of the trench with two in. of sand nressing the corms into it. This helps to keep the corms clean and prevents rot, due to excessive dampness. But this is hardly necessary in our light well drained soil. It is only a short time before the green spikes break through the ground and growth commences. Hoe weekly to keep weeds in check. When plants are about twelve inches high, mould up to a height of two or three inches; this helps to support the plants against strong winds. Wafering Gladioli do quite well wtth little water, but the lack of it will tend to delay flowering; and if the drought is too prolonged during their growing season the ffower spike itself, will ultimately suffer, a somewhat stunted spike will result. Therefo-re if water is available, a thorough soaking about once a week will work wonders. Once the spike can be felt by running the hand up the stem, liquid manure may be applied once a. fortnight. But cease feeding once the first floret shows colour. Cultivate regularly as soon as the ground is dry enough after watering, or after rain. If you have not got an am-ple supply of water, a good mu-lch of straw,* well-rotted saw dust, or rotted lawn clippings should be used. But be sure that the ground is thoroughly wet before applying. We will deal with the -lifting later.