When to Sow Cyclamen Seeds
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(1) Cyclamen Sowing Matrix
Choose yellow peat soil that is loose, breathable, low in salt, and slightly acidic (pH 5.8-6.2) as the sowing matrix. Mix 15% vermiculite into the matrix. To prevent the occurrence of ground flies and root nematodes, 1.5 kilograms of insecticide (Miral or Furadan) can be added to each cubic meter of matrix. Generally, the sowing matrix only needs to be moderately moist when filling the tray, only in this way can it be packed more tightly.
Image: Cyclamen
(2) Cyclamen Seed Treatment
The seed coat of cyclamen is relatively thick, and it usually needs to be soaked in warm water at about 40℃ for 24 hours before sowing, then soaked in an 800-fold liquid fungicide for 1 hour, and the moisture 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'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 Sowing
Pre-wet the tray filled with matrix in the greenhouse and use a pressure plate to make a small pit 0.5 cm deep in the center of the tray hole. Hand sow the treated cyclamen seeds in the center of the small pit, then cover them 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 should be controlled at around 95%, and kept in complete darkness. Generally, a small number of cyclamen seeds will emerge from the soil surface 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 15-25℃. After 9-10 weeks of sowing, the tray often shows seedling crowding, at this time, the seedlings can be transplanted, using a matrix of peat soil mixed with 30% perlite, the tray is 72# or 50#. When lifting the seedlings, care should be taken not to damage the roots, but the moss soil remaining on the cyclamen corm should be removed. When planting, slightly compact the soil, and the corm should be exposed by 1/3 to 1/2. To have good roots for transplanting, water-saving root promotion 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 Seeds
Image: Cyclamen
(5) Cyclamen Potting
When the leaves of the plug seedlings touch each other (about 16 weeks), it's time to pot them, otherwise the petioles will elongate. The size of the pot is determined by the variety and the potting time, either clay or plastic pots can be used, good drainage is necessary, with 5 holes or feet for drainage support. Clay pots 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 with a diameter of 15-16 cm is used in production, and a standard pot of 10-12 cm for mini varieties.
The matrix used for potting can be selected based on the climate of the planting area, the type of greenhouse, and supporting equipment. First, the matrix must be new and have good drainage, be loose, which is beneficial for rooting, initial growth, and subsequent development and flowering, and can also prevent diseases and pests. Second, the water retention of the matrix should also be good, it should not lose water too quickly or retain water for too long, otherwise, it will harm the seedlings, especially when the temperature fluctuates greatly, watering can be controlled to adjust the temperature. In production, a potting matrix of peat soil and perlite mixed in a 4:1 ratio, with a pH of 5.6-5.8, can be used. 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 matrix used.
When potting, the root ball part 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 matrix, gently place the corm in the center of the pot, and during this period, minimize mechanical damage to the cyclamen roots and leaves, otherwise it is prone to bacterial diseases. The corm should be exposed by 1/3 to 1/2, otherwise it will affect its normal growth, mini varieties need to be exposed by half. After potting, place them densely, water thoroughly once, shade for 10 days, and stop fertilizing for 1 week.
Image: Cyclamen
【Summary by Green Plant Enthusiast Network Editor】
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播种 (sowing) and vegetative propagation, but mainly through sowing. The editor of Green Plant Enthusiast Network has introduced how to plant cyclamen seeds in this article, hoping it is helpful to you.
The above introduction of when to sow cyclamen seeds and the specific methods of cyclamen sowing time and method brought by the Green Plant Enthusiast Network are for netizens to refer to.