When to sow cyclamen
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(1) Cyclamen seeding substrate
Choose yellow peat soil that is loose, breathable, low in salt, and slightly acidic (pH 5.8-6.2) as the seeding substrate. Mix 15% of vermiculite into the substrate. To prevent the occurrence of ground flies and root nematodes, 1.5 kg of insecticides (Miral or furadan) can be added to each cubic meter of substrate. Generally, when filling the tray, the seeding substrate only needs to be moderately moist to make it compact.
Image: Cyclamen
(2) Cyclamen seed treatment
The seed coat of cyclamen is thick. It usually needs to be soaked in warm water at about 40℃ for 24 hours before sowing, then soaked in 800 times the liquid fungicide for 1 hour, and the water is drained after removal before sowing.
Image: Cyclamen
(3) Cyclamen sowing time
The sowing time is determined by the genetic characteristics of the seeds, the climatic conditions of the planting area, and the time of the finished product to the market. Large-flowered varieties are generally sown from December to January of the following year; medium-flowered varieties can be postponed by 15-30 days; mini varieties should be sown between January and March.
Image: Cyclamen
(4) Cyclamen sowing
Pre-wet the tray filled with substrate in the greenhouse, and use a pressing plate to make a small pit 0.5 cm deep in the center of the tray holes. Hand sow the cyclamen seeds that have been treated in the center of the small pit, then cover with vermiculite with a diameter of 1.5-2.5 mm and water thoroughly with a fine spray head. The suitable germination temperature for cyclamen is 18℃, humidity controlled at about 95%, and kept in complete darkness. Generally, a small amount of cyclamen seeds will emerge from the soil surface after 4 weeks. When the seedling emergence rate is between 50%-60% and the cotyledon length is between 1-3 cm, the temperature should be controlled between 15-25℃. After 9-10 weeks of sowing, the tray often shows seedling congestion, at this time, the seedlings can be transferred. The substrate is selected as peat soil mixed with 30% perlite, and the tray is 72# or 50#. When lifting the seedlings, try not to injure the roots, but remove the moss soil remaining on the cyclamen corm. When planting, slightly compact the soil, and the corm should be exposed 1/3-1/2 of the soil surface. In order to have good roots when transplanting, water-saving and root-promoting cultivation should be carried out 2 weeks in advance. After transplanting, water thoroughly, shade for 7-10 days, and stop fertilizing for 10 days.
When to sow cyclamen
Image: Cyclamen
(5) Potting cyclamen
When the leaves of the plug seedlings touch each other (about 16 weeks), it is time to pot them, otherwise the petioles will grow too long. The size of the pot is determined by the variety and the potting time, either clay or plastic pots can be used, with good drainage and 5 holes or feet at the bottom to help drainage. If using a clay pot, it should be treated to prevent moss or green algae from growing on the surface, which is not only unsightly but also affects the pot's breathability. Generally, a standard round multi-hole plastic pot of 15-16 cm is used in production, and a standard pot of 10-12 cm for mini varieties.
The substrate used for potting can be selected based on the climate of the planting area, the type of greenhouse, and supporting equipment. First, the substrate must be new and have good water permeability, and be loose to facilitate rooting, which is beneficial for initial growth and future development and flowering, and can also prevent diseases and pests. Secondly, the water retention of the substrate should also be good, not too fast to lose water, nor too long to retain water, otherwise it will hurt the young seedlings, especially when the temperature fluctuates, it is more unfavorable for the growth of young seedlings, and watering can be controlled to adjust the temperature. In production, the potting substrate can be mixed with peat soil and perlite at a ratio of 4:1, with a pH of 5.6-5.8. Organic compound fertilizer can be used as a base fertilizer, but the amount of fertilizer should be determined based on the size of the plant and the substrate used.
When potting, the root ball should be slightly dry and easy to remove from the tray. First dig a hole in the center of the pot filled with cultivation substrate, gently place the corm in the center of the pot, and try to minimize mechanical damage to the cyclamen roots and leaves during this process, as it is prone to bacterial diseases. When potting, the corm should be exposed 1/3-1/2 of the soil surface, otherwise it will affect its normal growth, and half for mini types. After potting, place them densely, water thoroughly, shade for 10 days, and stop fertilizing for 1 week.
Image: Cyclamen
【Green Plant Enthusiast Website Editor's Summary】
Cyclamen, also known as萝卜海棠 (radish begonia), 兔耳花 (rabbit ear flower), 兔子花 (rabbit flower), 一品冠 (first-class crown), etc., is a common greenhouse flower in winter and spring. The propagation methods of cyclamen include sowing and vegetative propagation, but mainly rely on sowing.
The above content about when to sow cyclamen and the methods of sowing cyclamen, hope it is helpful to you!