180 
CULTURE OF THE GENUS CYCLAMEN. 
The whole of this genus, with the exception of C. Persicum and its varieties, are 
hardy, or nearly so, and grow freely in light rich soil. They produce abundance of 
seeds, by which they are very easily propagated. All the species are beautiful, and 
well deserving cultivation ; some are delightfully fragrant, as C. Europeum, and 
C. Persica odorata. The C. Coum, Persicum , vernum , and hederifolium , with judi- 
cious management, may be made to produce flowers throughout the year. 
To cultivate the C. Persicum and its varieties to perfection, observe the following 
rules : — 
1. When they have ceased blooming, which will be about the end of April, take 
the roots out of the pots, and keep them dry. This is preferable to allowing them 
to remain in the pots of dry soil ; for sometimes it happens, from the situation in 
which the pots containing the roots are placed, that the roots start prematurely to 
grow, particularly if the situation be too damp or too warm. This invariably 
weakens the plant, and prevents it flowering so fine. 
2. In the first or second week in September, plant them again. This may be 
either done in forty-eight-sized pots, or out in the open borders ; if the latter be the 
system followed, they must be taken up and re-potted when the leaves are well 
formed, and the pots set for a while in a situation where they will receive a little 
heat ; but when they have established themselves, and begin to show flower, remove 
them to an airy part of the greenhouse, and conservatory, to flower. If the roots 
be planted at first in pots, place them in a cold place, or out of doors, until they 
have begun to form their leaves, when they may be placed in a warm greenhouse or 
frame, until they show flower, when they should be removed to a cool airy situation. 
3. From first to last they require abundance of air, particularly through November 
and December. If this be not attended to, little success may be expected 
4. Judicious watering is very essential in the cultivation of cyclamens. When 
they begin to grow they must have a regular supply ; but, during November and 
December, it must be nearly wholly suspended, giving only just as much as the 
plant will exist on, and that must be carefully preserved from falling upon the leaves, 
or they will damp off. In February, however, as the flowers advance, and evapo- 
ration increases, they ma])' receive more, and when in full flower a good supply is 
required. When the flowers fade, the quantity of water must be again diminished, 
until the roots are ripe, when they may be taken up, as recommended above. 
5. The best soil to plant them in is a mixture of equal parts of loam, leaf mould, 
and rotten dung, with a small portion of peat. 
6. Always give a good drainage with broken potsherds, and never plant the roots 
too deep, for, if they imbibe too much moisture, they are nearly sure to perish. 
7. Select the finest flowers for producing seed, and place the plants intended 
for the purpose in a particularly airy situation, and it will soon ripen. 
