234 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS FROM SEEDS 



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 scarcely known as annuals raised from seed, but 

 it is an extremely simple matter to produce any quantity, and Show 

 Dahlias are like Hollyhocks in giving a large percentage of fine flowers 

 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 terribly partial to newly-planted Dahlias, but the 

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

 plant Lettuces plentifully at the same time, or previously, on the 

 same ground, and to dust around the Dahlias with lime. 



DAHLIA, SINGLE 



Half -hardy perennial 



OF late there has been a growing interest in plants producing single 

 flowers, and many old acquaintances have been restored to popular 

 favour after a long period of neglect. Perhaps none deserve this 



