CYCLAMEN 233 



properly grown will produce more bloom than can be obtained from 

 old bulbs. We do not advise more than two or three sowings, the 

 first and most important of which should be made in October or the 

 beginning of November, and to obtain a succession of plants sow 

 again in January or February. The best soil for the purpose is a 

 rich, sound loam, with a liberal admixture of leaf-mould, and sufficient 

 silver sand to insure free drainage. Press this mixture firmly into 

 pots or seed-pans, and dibble the seed about an inch apart and a 

 quarter-inch deep. Covering the surface with a thin layer of sifted 

 cocoa-nut fibre checks rapid evaporation, and keeps the soil free 

 from moss. The autumn sowings may at first be placed in a frame 

 having a temperature of not less than 45. At the end of a fortnight, 

 transfer the pans to any warm and moist position in the greenhouse, 

 or propagating house. The January sowing should be placed in heat 

 at once. 



Although the Cyclamen is a tender plant, it does not need a 

 strong heat, and will not endure extremes of any kind. Sudden 

 changes are always fatal to its growth. In winter the temperature 

 should not be allowed to fall below 56, or to rise above 70 at any 

 time. The more evenly the heat can be maintained the better, and 

 it is desirable to give all the light possible. In summer, however, 

 although a warm and humid atmosphere is still necessary, the light may 

 with advantage be somewhat subdued, but shading must not be over- 

 done, or the constitution of the plant will suffer. 



Cyclamen seed not only germinates slowly, but it also grows in 

 the most capricious manner ; sometimes a few plants come up long 

 after others have made a good start. Do not be impatient of their 

 appearance, but when some seedlings are large enough for removal, 

 transfer to thumb pots, taking care not to insert them too deeply. 

 As the plants develop, shift into larger pots, ending finally in the 

 48-size. In the later stages mix less sand with the soil, and when 

 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 



