Cyclamen are absolutely lovely plants. They are one of the few brightly colored flowers that can be grown in winter. Thus, since the end of autumn and especially with the proximity of the end-of-year celebrations, we see a large number of wildflowers in red, white, pink and many other colors invading the shelves of stores and markets.

If well maintained, the hardiest ones can be grown every year, so why not try growing them so you have plenty to admire or give as a gift?

There are at least twenty different species of cyclamen,   all native to the Mediterranean region. To be lush, these flowers need mild temperatures. However, among all these species, those commonly found in the market are generally of two types, the most resistant (often called “hardy”) can survive the cold and the most delicate, called “Persian” can be found in florists and that have larger flowers.

The hardy cyclamen   is smaller and can be grown from seed or by dividing the bulbs, while the Persian cyclamen is more difficult to grow.

Seed Propagation

Seeds should be kept in water for 24 hours before planting. 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 the flowers the following spring. However, if you want to speed up growth, you can also start in winter to get flowers in spring.

After 24 hours in water, then place the seeds in a seedbed or small, shallow pots (5 to 10 cm in diameter at most), cover with four inches of soil and keep the soil slightly moist until you see seedling sprouts. a few centimeters high. . Then you can start watering regularly, as long as the soil dries out.

Propagation by seed is slow, especially for Persians. It usually takes a year and a few months before you have fully grown plants.

Propagation by division of tubers.

Cyclamen are tubers. In the ground, you will be able to see a root similar to a potato. It will have to be removed from the ground carefully, being careful not to break the roots. Take a very sharp and perfectly sterilized knife, and divide it in two to form two semicircles.

Each root is located about 5 cm in the ground to be able to grow before the arrival of winter. It is best if the surface is protected with mulch during this season.

Again, you will know if the cyclamen have grown in spring. Professionals prefer the longer method of seed propagation.