When to plant cyclamen seeds
Article summary: This article discusses when to plant cyclamen seeds, as well as the planting methods and timing related to green plants and flowers. Next, the editor will introduce these topics.
(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 insecticide (Miral or furan丹) 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 more compact.
Image: Cyclamen
(2) Cyclamen seed treatment
The seed coat of cyclamen is relatively thick and usually needs to be soaked in water at about 40℃ for 24 hours before sowing, then soaked in an 800-fold liquid fungicide for 1 hour, and after removing the water, it can be sown.
Image: Cyclamen
(3) Cyclamen seeding time
The seeding time is determined by the genetic characteristics of the seeds, the climatic conditions of the planting area, and the time of the finished product's market launch. Large-flowered varieties are generally sown from December to January of the following year; medium-flowered varieties can be delayed by 15-30 days; mini varieties should be sown between January and March.
Image: Cyclamen
(4) Cyclamen seeding
Soak the trays filled with substrate in a greenhouse thoroughly with water and use a pressing plate to make a small pit 0.5 cm deep in the center of the tray holes. Place the treated cyclamen seeds by hand 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 nozzle. The suitable germination temperature for cyclamen is 18℃, humidity controlled at about 95%, and kept in complete darkness. Generally, a small number of cyclamen seeds will emerge from the soil after 4 weeks. When the seedling emergence rate is between 50% to 60% and the cotyledon length is between 1 to 3 cm, the temperature should be controlled between 15 to 25℃. After 9 to 10 weeks of sowing, the tray often shows seedling congestion, and then it is time to transplant. The substrate should be a mixture of peat soil and 30% perlite, with the tray being 72# or 50#. When lifting the seedlings, care should be taken not to damage the roots and remove the moss soil left on the cyclamen corm. When planting, slightly press the soil and let the corm show 1/3 to 1/2 above the soil surface. To have good roots for transplanting, water-saving cultivation to promote root growth should be carried out 2 weeks in advance. After transplanting, water thoroughly, provide shade for 7-10 days, and stop fertilizing for 10 days.
When to plant cyclamen seeds
Image: Cyclamen
(5) Cyclamen potting
When the leaves of the plug seedlings touch each other (about 16 weeks), it is time to pot them, otherwise the petioles will become elongated. The size of the pot is determined by the variety and potting time, and both clay and plastic pots can be used, provided they have good drainage with 5 holes at the bottom or feet for support. Clay pots need to be treated to prevent moss or green algae growth, which is not only unsightly but also affects the pot's breathability. Generally, a standard round multi-hole plastic pot with a diameter of 15-16 cm is used in production, and a standard pot of 10-12 cm for mini varieties.
The potting substrate can be chosen based on the climate of the planting area, the type of greenhouse, and supporting equipment. First, the substrate must be new and have good drainage, be loose to facilitate rooting, and benefit initial growth as well as subsequent development and flowering, and also prevent diseases and pests. Secondly, the substrate should also have good water retention, not too fast to lose water or too long to hold water, as it can harm the young seedlings, especially when the temperature fluctuates. This can be controlled by managing watering. In production, the potting substrate can be a mixture of peat soil and perlite in a 4:1 ratio, with a pH of 5.6-5.8. Organic compound fertilizer can be used as a base fertilizer, but the amount should depend 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 plug 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 during this process, minimize mechanical damage to the cyclamen roots and leaves, as they are prone to bacterial diseases. When potting, the corm should be exposed 1/3 to 1/2 above the soil surface, otherwise, it will affect normal growth, with the mini variety needing half exposed. After potting, place the plants closely together, water thoroughly once, provide shade for 10 days, and stop fertilizing for 1 week.
Image: Cyclamen
【Green Plant Enthusiast Editor's Summary】
Cyclamen, also known as Daisy海棠, Bunny Ears, Rabbit Flower, and First-class Crown, is a common greenhouse flower in winter and spring. The propagation methods of cyclamen include seeding and vegetative propagation, but seeding is the main method.
The above introduction by the Green Plant Enthusiast website about when to plant cyclamen seeds and the specific introduction of cyclamen seed planting methods and timing, hope to bring some plant knowledge to green plant enthusiasts.