The Culture of Flowers from Seeds 



potting always leave the crown of the corm clear. Keep the plants 

 near the glass, and as the sun becomes powerful it will be neces- 

 sary to provide shade and prevent excess of heat. Never allow the 

 seedlings to suffer from want of water, or to become a prey to aphis. 

 To avoid the latter, occasional, or it may be frequent, fumigations 

 must be resorted to. About the end of May should find the most 

 forward plants ready for shifting into 6o-pots. Give all the air 

 possible to promote a sturdy growth. In doing this, however, avoid 

 draughts of cold air. From the end of June to the middle of July 

 the finest plants should be ready for their final shift into 48 -pots, in 

 which they will flower admirably. The growth during August and 

 September will be very free, and then occasional assistance with weak 

 manure water will add to the size and colour of the flowers. As the 

 evenings shorten, save the plants from chills, which result in deformed 

 blossoms. 



The whole secret of successful Cyclamen culture may be summed 

 up in a few words : constant and unvarying heat, a moist atmosphere, 

 and abundant supplies of water without stagnation; free circulation 

 of air, avoiding cold draughts ; light in winter, and shade in summer, 

 with freedom from insect pests. These conditions will keep the 

 plants in vigorous growth from first to last, and the result will be so 

 bountiful a bloom as to prove the soundness of the rapid system of 

 cultivation. This routine may be varied by the experienced culti- 

 vator, but the principles will remain the same in all cases, because 

 the natural constitution of the plant gives the key to its management. 



DAHLIA, DOUBLE 



Half-hardy perennial 



DOUBLE DAHLIAS are increasingly grown as annuals, and it is an 

 extremely simple matter to raise any number, both of the Show and 

 Cactus varieties, from seed. 



Sow in February in a warm house or pit, and treat in the ordinary 

 way of half-hardy annuals, planting out about the end of May when 

 the weather is favourable. These rapid-growing and noble plants 

 require a rich soil ; indeed, if the soil is rank with manure, the 

 growth and flowering will be all the finer for it. Slugs and snails are 

 unfortunately too partial to newly planted Dahlias, but the vermin 

 soon cease to care about them ; therefore it is advisable to plant 



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