sowbread

Grow in a cool glasshouse or bulb-frame in a mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould, peat (or peat substitute) and sharp sand. Plant 2 to 2.5cm deep or with the tops of the tubers just at the soil surface. Site in bright filtered light and provide moderate humidity. Water moderately when in growth but reduce humidity and water as the leaves fade. Keep completely dry when dormant. Apply a low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser every two months when in full leaf. See hardy cyclamen cultivation for further advice

No pruning required

Propagate by seed, sown in darkness as soon as ripe. Can be beneficial to soak seed for 10 hours prior to sowing

Mice and squirrels may be a problem

Generally disease free outdoors