Cyclamens are absolutely charming plants. They are one of the few brightly colored flowers that can be grown in winter. Thus, from late autumn onward, and especially as the holiday season approaches, we see a large number of wildflowers in red, white, pink, and many other colors flooding the shelves and markets.
If well cared for, hardier plants can be grown each year, so why not try growing them so you have plenty to admire or give as gifts?
There are at least twenty different species of cyclamen, all native to the Mediterranean region. These flowers require mild temperatures to thrive. However, among all these species, those commonly found on the market generally fall into two categories: the hardier ones (often called “hardy”) can survive the cold, and the more delicate ones, called “shutters,” are found in florists and have larger flowers.
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Hardy cyclamen is smaller and can be grown from seed or by dividing the bulbs, while Persian cyclamen is more difficult to grow.
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Seed propagation
The seeds should be kept in water for 24 hours before sowing. The best time to do this if you want to plant directly outdoors is in spring, when daytime temperatures reach 10-12 degrees. You will then see flowers the following spring. However, if you want to speed up growth, you can also start in winter to obtain flowers in spring.
After 24 hours in water, place the seeds in a seedbed or small, shallow pots (maximum 5 to 10 cm in diameter), cover with about ten centimeters of soil, and keep the soil slightly moist until shoots appear a few centimeters high. You can then begin watering regularly, always when the soil dries out.
Propagation by seed is slow, especially in Persians. Typically, it takes a year and a few months for plants to fully develop.
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Propagation by division of tubers
Cyclamens are tubers. In the soil, you may see a potato-like root. Carefully dig it out, taking care not to break the roots. Take a sharp, sterilized knife and split it in half to form two semicircles.
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Each root is placed about 5 cm into the soil to grow before the arrival of winter. It is best if the surface is then protected with mulch during this season.
Again, you’ll know if the cyclamen has sprouted in spring. Professionals prefer the longer method of seed propagation.
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