How to Plant cyclamen seeds
Today, I will provide a detailed explanation for netizens on how to plant cyclamen seeds and the cultivation methods and skills of cyclamen seeds, followed by an introduction from the editor.
Cyclamen is a perennial plant from places like Greece, with propagation methods including sowing, dividing tubers, and tissue culture. Due to the susceptibility of cyclamen tuber cuts to bacterial infection and rot, the sowing method is the main propagation method for cyclamen. Cyclamen, also known as yipingguan, rabbit ear flowers, radish begonia, and rabbit flowers, is suitable for pot cultivation. Below, I will introduce the planting and management methods for cyclamen.
Ⅰ. Sowing Planting Method
1. Prepare planting substrate
Cyclamen prefers loose, organic-rich soil, and a mixture of decomposed leaf soil, loamy soil, and river sand in a ratio of 5:3:2 can be used. The soil should be disinfected before planting.
2. Select and handle seeds
Select plump, glossy brown seeds from September to October, and soak them in a constant-temperature environment for 3 to 4 hours to promote germination. The water temperature for soaking should be around 30°C. After germination, avoid direct sunlight and wait until one true leaf has grown before transplanting into a pot.
3. Sowing process
Plant the seedlings on the prepared planting substrate, with a spacing of 5 cm between seedlings. Water once after planting.
4. Post-planting care and transplanting
Keep the seedlings in a place without direct sunlight to grow. After a period, provide moderate light and watering, maintain a temperature between 15 to 18°C, and enhance ventilation. After the seedlings grow 12 true leaves, they can be transplanted again, with 1/3 to 2/3 of the tuber exposed to the soil.
Ⅱ. Growth Environment Management
1. Light
Cyclamen enjoys light, and adequate light should be maintained during the flowering and growing periods, especially in winter. Regularly rotate the pot to ensure even lighting.
2. Watering
Cyclamen prefers moisture but is intolerant to waterlogging. Keep the soil slightly moist, water moderately, and avoid flooding. Especially in summer, stop watering and maintain a relatively high humidity in the air. After summer, water thoroughly once to help cyclamen recover.
3. Temperature
Cyclamen prefers warmth and can tolerate low temperatures but is afraid of high heat. The optimal growth temperature for cyclamen is between 16 to 20°C. During flowering, keep the daytime temperature within 20 to 25°C. In summer, cyclamen enters a dormant period and should be placed in a shady place with a temperature not exceeding 30°C for care.
4. Fertilizing
Fertilize every 10 to 15 days, and water after fertilizing. Fertilizer and water should not splash on the plant. During the growing period, apply a dilute fertilizer every 10 days, apply more 1 or 2 times before flowering, and stop fertilizing during flowering. 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, it is necessary to arrange the leaves properly, which can also make the flowers 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, add a base fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium.
7. Disease and pest control
Common diseases and pests of cyclamen include wilt disease and gray mold. It is necessary to control them in time, especially to ensure clean water for watering and fertilizing. If a diseased plant is found, it should be treated promptly to prevent the spread to other plants. Fungicides such as methylthiophanate suspension and carbendazim wettable powder can be sprayed for timely prevention of diseases.
The above introduction on how to plant cyclamen seeds and the cultivation methods and skills of cyclamen seeds can be used as a reference suggestion for everyone.