As spring approaches we anxiously await the time to sow seeds of our favorite flowers. This may be when the soil has become sufficiently warm to cause germination or in seed flats indoors where temperature and moisture may be controlled. Many interesting pleasures are anticipated each season by those who garden as a hobby and rarely are they disappointed.
Perhaps secondary in interest only to the actual blossoming of the plant is the appearance above the ground of the small cotyledons and realization that, barring unforeseen circumstances, we are well on our way toward another season of gardening enjoyment.
The pleasures derived in the raising of the more common annuals actually become thrills when we endeavor to raise, from seeds, those plants that we may have difficulty in associating with seeds such as the Gladiolus, Rose, Peony, Lily, some shrubs and evergreens. It is in this way that new varieties are developed and although you may not have practiced pollination, a gentle breeze or a bee may have carried pollen from one bloom to another and a new and sensational variety may result. At least the experiment is worth while and decidedly interesting.
The Gladiolus is comparatively easy to grow from seeds as they germinate quite readily and you should experience no difficulty in bringing them along to blooming size. In fact, my greatest problem with this flower appears to be the gathering of the seeds at the proper time. The pods have a tendency to mature and drop their seeds unexpectedly soon and if not watched carefully the entire crop may be scattered to the winds.
Seeds have reached maturity when the pods begin to turn brown and should then be picked and placed in a dry place to complete ripening. They may seeds until spring when they may be then be stored as you would store other planted in the seed bed, flats or the open field although the tiny seedlings have difficulty in surviving open field conditions in some parts of the country.
If a greenhouse or sunny window is available considerable time may be gained by sowing seeds as soon as ripe. After growing about five months they should be ripened off and stored in a dry place until outdoor planting season arrives. Although they will have had but four months rest they will thrive and you may expect several of them to bloom this season.
If seeds are planted in the spring the tiny bulbs should be lifted in the fall and, naturally, will not bloom until the following year. Flats in which Gladiolus seeds are planted should be at least six inches deep and filled to, within one inch of the top with a good sandy loam. Place seeds on top of this loam and cover with about one-half inch of clean sharp sand.
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