How to Plant Cyclamen Seeds
An article about how to plant cyclamen seeds and the related knowledge of cyclamen seed planting methods and techniques, the following is an introduction for you in detail
Cyclamen is a perennial plant from places like Greece, and its propagation methods include sowing, dividing tubers, and tissue culture. Because cyclamen tuber cuts are prone to bacterial infections and rot, the sowing method is the main propagation method for cyclamen. Cyclamen, also known as Solomon's seal, rabbit ear flower, and Chinese cyclamen, is suitable for pot cultivation. Here are some introductions to the planting and management methods of cyclamen.
One, Sowing Planting Method
1. Prepare the planting substrate
Cyclamen prefers loose, organic-rich soil, and a mixture of leaf mold, loam, and river sand in a ratio of 5:3:2 can be used. The soil should be disinfected before planting.
2. Select and treat seeds
Select plump, glossy brown seeds in September to October, and soak them in a constant-temperature environment for 3 to 4 hours to promote germination. The water temperature should be around 30°C. After germination, avoid direct sunlight, and once a true leaf has grown, the seedlings can be transplanted into pots.
3. Sowing process
Plant the seedlings on the prepared planting substrate, with a spacing of 5 cm between seedlings, and water once after planting.
4. Post-planting care and transplantation
Seedlings should be placed in a location without direct sunlight to grow, and after a period of time, light and water can be supplemented appropriately. Maintain a temperature between 15 to 18°C and enhance ventilation. After the seedlings have grown 12 true leaves, they can be transplanted again, with 1/3 to 2/3 of the tuber exposed to the soil.
Two, Growth Environment Management
1. Light
Cyclamen enjoys light, and during the flowering and growing seasons, ensure adequate light, especially in winter. Regularly rotate the pots to promote even light exposure.
2. Water
Cyclamen prefers moisture but does not tolerate waterlogging. Watering should keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid overwatering, especially in summer, and maintain relative humidity in the air. After summer, water thoroughly once to promote cyclamen revival.
3. Temperature
Cyclamen prefers warmth, can tolerate low temperatures, but is afraid of high temperatures. The optimal growing temperature for cyclamen is between 16 to 20°C. During the flowering period, keep the daytime temperature below 20 to 25°C. In summer, cyclamen enters a dormant period and should be placed in a shady area with a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
4. Fertilization
Fertilize every 10 to 15 days, and after fertilizing, water the plants. Fertilizer and water should not splash on the plants. During the growing season, fertilize every 10 days with a dilute fertilizer, apply 1 or 2 more applications before flowering, and stop fertilizing during the flowering period. Pay attention to supplementing calcium, magnesium, and potassium elements in the soil.
5. Leaf arrangement
To maintain good ventilation and light transmission between the leaves, arrange the leaves appropriately. 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 be partially exposed to the sun.
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. Disease and pest control
Common diseases and pests of cyclamen include wilt and gray mold. It is important to prevent and treat them in a timely manner. Pay attention to clean water quality during watering and fertilizing. If a diseased plant is found, it should be treated 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 about how to plant cyclamen seeds and the planting methods and techniques for cyclamen seeds is provided for your comprehensive understanding and reference!