CANNAS

When canna tops have been killed by frost allow them to dry for a few days. Then cut them off a few inches above ground and dig carefully with a fork or shovel. Leave as much soil on the clumps as possible.

Turn them upside down and let them dry for a few hours. Treat with a fungicide according to label directions and store in a cool moderately dry area. The temperature should not go above 50 degrees, but must not drop below freezing. Place on shelves or racks so that air can circulate easily around the clumps.

When planting in spring, clumps may be potted whole or divided in pieces with at least 3 eyes.

 

GLADIOLIAS, ACIDANTHERA AND CROCOSMIA

Corms should be dug 8 weeks or longer after blooming. Dig out and destroy unhealthy plants at any time.

Dig healthy plants with a fork or spade so the entire plant can be removed by grasping the top and pulling the whole plant out of the soil. Shake off loose soil, being careful not to damage the corms. Discard damaged or diseased corms. Cut the top off  2 inches above the corms.

Glads can be infected with many fungi. As a precaution, treat cleaned corms in Benomyle and hot water at 80-85 degrees for 15-30 minutes within 48 hours of digging. Dry corms on newspaper or burlap in the sun for 1-2 days. When dry,  sift out excess soil and place in flats or trays. Cure at 80-85 degrees for three weeks. When thoroughly cured, the old corm should be broken from the base of the new one and discarded.

Break off and discard the stems. One additional week at 80 degrees with help the scar to heal over.

Place the cleaned corms in a paper bag with a general- purpose dust containing one or more insecticides

and fungicides. Shake well.

For winter storage place the corms in paper bags, cloth bags, net bags or shallow wood trays. Store the containers so air can move among them. Store at 35-40 degrees. A cool basement is suitable. For earlier

bloom, place corms at 75-80 degrees for one month before planting.