Hardy Cyclamen is easy to Plant
Soil Preparation
Hardy cyclamen will grow in any soil except for the wet soggy kind. They prefer a loose, well drained, environment. That is easily accomplished by adding compost and mulch. The hardy cyclamen corm roots are very shallow, and the corm increases yearly in size, mulch and compost provide both the drainage they need and a loose soil condition for the expansion process. Soil ph is not a problem as they tolerate both acid and alkaline soils. As an example, when planting in the compacted soil under a tree, a cover of mulch will provide a natural habitat for them to grow in.
How to Plant Hardy Cyclamen Corms
Corms are most easily planted while in their dormant state. They can be transplanted while in growth but the mass of roots and tangle of stems make it more difficult. With the soil prepared place the corm deep enough so that there is at least 1 inch of soil covering them. The larger corms of 25cm in size can be covered with up to 2 inches of loose soil. It is important to plant the dormant corms right side up. Some corms may be difficult to distinguish top from bottom. The top side of the tuber usually is rough, bumpy or has nodules, this is where roots and the stems will sprout from. The bottom is round and very smooth. An examination of these features will help determine which end is up. The proper distance to place them depends on the size of the corm and how long they will remain in place. If they will be undisturbed, plant each corm about one foot apart. Dormant corms will grow roots if the soil has a little moisture available so I usually water them in after planting, letting the soil become almost fully dry before watering again. Water is especially important in areas where it is very dry like that under trees.
How to Start Hardy Cyclamen from Seed
Best results are obtained from fresh seeds sown in late summer and early fall. They can be sown outdoors in a prepared seed bed or under glass. Patience is required to get blooming corms from seed. Under average conditions, most corms will bloom in their third year.
Starting Seed Outdoors- Outdoors, where the winter is mild they can be sown in late summer or early fall. Where winters are more severe, sow them in spring. Prepare the soil with lots of compost including composted leaves or peat moss, especially in heavy clay soils. Sow the seeds at least 3 inches (7.5cm) apart. Lightly covering them with some peat moss, and keep them moist.
Starting Seed Indoors- Soak the seeds overnight in a cup of warm water, with a couple drops of liquid dish soap added to it. Seed can be sown in a commercial seed starting mixture or in a mixture of equal parts peat moss and sand, with a little bone meal added. The planted seed should be kept cool and moist, maintaining overnight temperatures at 60 ° F (15.5 ° C) until the seedlings emerge. Germination under these conditions takes place in 6 to 10 weeks. Prick off the seedlings into 3 in pots of the same seed compost mix described above. Lightly feed them with a soluble fertilizer while they have leaves. Overwinter under glass or in a cold frame, this will gain a full year of growth versus outdoor sowing. Plant out in their flowering positions in May through late summer or keep them in pots one more year. I like to plant mine out when the corm reaches the size of a nickel.
Hardy Cyclamen in Pots
Hardy Cyclamen readily adapt to pot culture. The easiest method is to pot them when the corms are in their summer dormant period. Place them outdoors in a shady location until flowering time. If brought indoors, place them in a cool well ventilated spot away from forced air heating.
Place the corm in the pot just covered with soil, with one to five corms depending on size. They like a tight pot, one that they just fit in, with just a little extra space. They are not fussy about potting soils but they should be well drained. Water moderately during the growing period keeping them moist, allowing the pot to just come to dryness between waterings. Periodic feedings of a foliar fertilizer will keep them in top condition. The corms may be planted out when dormant or repotted for another season.
