Cyclamen, also known as rabbit flower or bonfire flower, is prized for its beautiful flowers, vibrant colors, and long blooming period, making it highly ornamental and a favorite among growers. So, what are the sowing times and methods for cultivating cyclamen? Details are as follows:
I. Sowing Time
Cyclamen is not particular about the time of sowing and can generally be sown in all four seasons. However, for beginners, it is best to sow in the autumn when the climate and temperature conditions are relatively suitable, which is around September or October each year.
II. Sowing Method
1. Seeding substrate
Cyclamen prefers loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A suitable sowing substrate can be prepared by mixing leaf mold, loam, and river sand in a ratio of 5:3:2.
2. Seed treatment
Cyclamen seeds are berries . If the seeds are not completely dried after harvesting, they are prone to rotting, affecting the germination rate. Therefore, the seeds must be squeezed out and dried before sowing. Then, place the seeds in clean water at about 25℃ to wash off the sticky substances, wrap them in damp gauze for about 24 hours to promote germination.
3. Sowing steps
Pre-water the seedling trays filled with substrate thoroughly, and use a perforator to press out small pits 0.5 cm deep in the center of each hole. Sow the treated cyclamen seeds by hand in the center of the pits, then cover with vermiculite flakes (1.5-2.5 mm in diameter) and water thoroughly with a fine sprinkler. Maintain a germination temperature of around 18℃, humidity of around 95%, and keep the seedlings completely dark.
4. Transplanting and repotting
Generally, seedlings should be transplanted when the first leaf has fully grown and the true leaves are just emerging. When the seedlings have 3-4 leaves, they can be planted in a 10 cm diameter pot. As the plant grows, it can be transplanted into a larger pot, but the latest time for repotting should not be later than June. After repotting, normal daily care can be carried out.
