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June
2004
Gladiolus
go by various names: Gladiolus, gladiola, "glads",
and even "Sword Lily", thanks to their long, sword-like
leaves, even though they are not members of the lily family.
Native to the mountains of South America, they are easy
to grow, and make a fantastic cut flower. Blossoms come in
a wide range of colors and bicolors, and will
open starting from the bottom. The best time to harvest spikes
of Gladiolus for floral arrangements is just before the top
blossoms open. Then, you ccan allow the top blossoms to open
indoors while you enjoy the show.
I have purple glads scattered thoughout my yard. Here in
So. CA, they bloom very early, usually in May, some in June
depending on where they are located. The striking color is
a lovely accent wherever they are. and as they are one of my
garden's most reliable bloomers, I look forward to them every
year.
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