How to Sow Cyclamen Seeds
This article introduces the knowledge of how to sow cyclamen seeds and some handy tips for the care of cyclamen, a type of green plant. Here is a detailed introduction.
Cyclamen is a perennial plant from places like Greece, and its propagation methods include sowing, dividing tubers, and tissue culture. Due to the susceptibility of cyclamen tuber cuts to bacterial infection and rot, sowing is the main method of propagation. Cyclamen, also known as Solomon's seal, rabbit's ear flower, and flowering cabbage, is suitable for pot cultivation. Below are some planting and management methods for cyclamen.
I. Sowing Planting Method
1. Prepare planting medium
Cyclamen prefers loose, organically rich soil. A mixture of leaf mold, loam, and river sand in a ratio of 5:3:2 can be used, and the soil should be disinfected before planting.
2. Select and treat seeds
Choose plump, glossy brown seeds in September to October. Soak the seeds in a constant-temperature environment for 3 to 4 hours to promote germination, with water temperature around 30℃. After germination, avoid direct sunlight, and once a true leaf has grown, you can plant them in pots.
3. Sowing process
Plant the seedlings on the prepared planting medium, with a spacing of 5 cm between plants. Water them once after planting.
4. Post-sowing care and transplantation
Plant the seedlings in a place without direct sunlight and wait for them to grow. After a period, you can supplement light and water appropriately, maintaining a temperature between 15 to 18℃ and enhancing ventilation. After the seedlings have grown 12 true leaves, they can be transplanted again, with the tuber exposed 1/3 to 2/3 of the soil.
II. Growth Environment Management
1. Light
Cyclamen enjoys sunlight. During the flowering and growing periods, ensure ample light, especially in winter. Regularly rotate the pot to promote even light exposure.
2. Watering
Cyclamen prefers moisture but is not tolerant of waterlogging. Keep the soil slightly moist and water moderately. Avoid overhead watering, especially in summer, and maintain relative humidity in the air. After summer, water thoroughly once to promote the revival of cyclamen.
3. Temperature
Cyclamen likes warmth, is tolerant of low temperatures, but dislikes high temperatures. The optimal growing temperature is between 16 to 20℃. During flowering, keep the daytime temperature below 20 to 25℃. In summer, cyclamen enters a dormant period and should be placed in a shady area with temperatures not exceeding 30℃.
4. Fertilizing
Fertilize every 10 to 15 days, watering after fertilizing. During the growing period, fertilize every 10 days with a dilute fertilizer. Apply 1 or 2 additional fertilizers before flowering, and stop fertilizing during the flowering period. Pay attention to supplementing soil calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
5. Leaf arrangement
To maintain good ventilation and light penetration between leaves, properly arrange the leaves. This also makes the flower colors more vibrant. The method is to pull the longer leaves to the outside and keep the shorter leaves inside, allowing the tuber to receive some sunlight.
6. Soil and potting
Cyclamen prefers fertile, loose soil rich in trace elements. When repotting, you can add a base fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium.
7. Pest and disease control
Common pests and diseases of cyclamen include wilt and gray mold. Prevent and control them in a timely manner, especially when watering and fertilizing, ensuring clean water. If a diseased plant is found, treat it promptly to prevent the spread to other plants. You can spray fungicides such as methyl thiophanate suspension and carbendazim wettable powder to prevent diseases in a timely manner.
The above information on how to sow cyclamen seeds and tips for cyclamen care is intended to help you after reading this article.