These are so called from coming from the Cape of Good Hope. The
Gladiolus is the finest variety. These bulbs are easily cultivated in
New England and the Middle States; they can be planted out as soon as
all fear of frost is passed. They will bloom by the last of July, and
by making successive plantings every two weeks to the middle of July,
they can be had in perfection until the frost returns. Although they
are not particular about soil, yet if choice can be had, a sandy loam,
peat, or a soil of decomposed leaves, is better than a stiff clay soil.
In any soil, if it is well enriched, the flowers will increase in size
and beauty.
These bulbs should be taken up as soon as the stems begin to wither
in the fall; but should the stalk of the late plantings be yet green,
the bulbs should be left adhering to the stalk until dried, which will
ripen off the bulbs. They can be kept in winter under the stage of a
green-house, or in a frost-proof cellar or closet, or in any dry place
where potatoes will keep. It is impossible to mention varieties; all
are good, and new varieties increase yearly.