I'm not a fan of "Me, too" messages, but regarding this message on species Gladiolus, I must say "Me, too!" I've been interested in the summer growing species since I've joined this group, but I've had little luck growing them from seed. The seeds germinate readily enough, but the seedlings stay small, and I ultimately lose them. The exceptions seem to be Gladiolus dalenii, which I have seen growing along the road here (a brownish maroon form, not too showy) and in Savannah, and G. callianthus (Acidanthera). Dell -- if you don't have a copy of Goldblatt and Manning's Gladiolus in Southern Africa, get one (as long as you don't mind spending the money.) Goldblatt's Gladiolus in Tropical Africa isn't as impressive, but is still worthwhile. It may still be available from Edward R. Hamilton, Bookseller at a ridiculously low price ($4?) And while I'm talking about Iridaceae, I'll mention that the pure white Iris albicans is in full bloom. Spring is here. Gene Eugene Zielinski Augusta, GA USA > [Original Message] > From: Dell Sherk <dells@voicenet.com> > To: Pacific Bulb Society <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> > Date: 3/16/2008 1:14:58 PM > Subject: [pbs] Gladiolus cultivation > > Dear All, > > > > A number of gladiolus species were offered on the PBS 2008 Clearance > Sale and on BX 166. I have been looking at photos of Glad. species on our > wiki and in various books in my library and am amazed at their beauty and > variety. I think that they are much more beautiful than the common gladiolus > hybrids that we see so often. I would like to try to grow some of them - > actually, all of them - but I don't know quite where to begin. Would any of > you who have had success with this genus be so kind as to share some > cultivation tips with the rest of us? > > > > Happy Spring, > > Dell >