Cinerarias grow so freely that it is not necessary to prick the seedlings off round the edges of pots or pans; but immediately the plants begin to make their second leaves, transfer direct to thumb pots, using rather coarse soil, and in doing this take care not to cover the hearts of the plants.  Place the pots in a close frame; attend to shading, and sprinkle with soft water both morning and evening until well established.  In the second week after potting, gradually diminish the heat and give more air.  Too high a temperature, and even too much shade, will produce thin and weak leaf-stalks.  If the plants are so crowded that they touch one another it will almost certainly be injurious, and render them an easy prey to some of their numerous enemies.  It is far better to grow a few really fine specimens that will produce a handsome display of superb flowers, than to attempt a large number of feeble plants that will prove a constant source of trouble, and in the end yield but a poor return in bloom.  Endeavour to grow them as nearly hardy as the season will allow, even admitting the night air freely on suitable occasions.  Immediately the thumb pots are filled with roots, shift to a larger size, and it is important that this operation should not be delayed a day too long.  To the practised eye the alteration of the colour of the leaves to a pale green is a sufficient intimation that starvation has commenced, and that prompt action is necessary to save the plants.  It is the custom of some growers to transfer at once to the size in which they are intended to bloom.  There is, however, some danger to the inexperienced in over-potting, and therefore one intermediate shift is advisable.  As a rule 32-size pots are large enough, but the 24-or even the 16-size is allowable when very fine specimens are required.  The seedlings should be in their final pots not later than the end of November.

It will help to harden and establish the plants if they are placed in the open air during August and September.  A north border under the shelter of a wall or building is the most suitable spot, but avoid a hedge of any kind.  Clear away suckers, and if many buds are presented, every third one may be removed when very fine blooms are wanted.  From the first appearance of the buds, manure water can be given with advantage once or twice a week until the flowers show colour, and then it should be discontinued.

Although Cinerarias are thrifty plants, they are fastidious about trifles.  If possible give them new pots, or see that old ones are made scrupulously clean.  Even hard water will retard free growth, oftentimes to the perplexity of the cultivator.