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 deg., or to rise above 70 deg. 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 overdone, 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 necessary 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 60-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 cultivator, but the principles will remain the same in all cases, because the natural constitution of the plant gives the key to its management.

==Dahlia==

==Half-hardy perennial==

Both the double and the single classes of Dahlia are increasingly grown as annuals from seed, and this practice has the great advantage of being economical in time and in the saving of space during winter.  The seedlings grow freely and quickly, and will flower quite as early as those grown by the more lengthy and troublesome method from tubers.  Even those who possess a stock of named sorts may with advantage raise a supply from seed, especially as there is a probability of securing some charming novelty, which is in itself no small incentive.