Cultivation notes

Cyclamen are not difficult to grow in the garden, provided the site is not overly dry or sunny.

• Plant tubers 3-5cm (1¼-2in) deep and several to a large hole dug out with a spade. Alternatively, they may be planted singly
• Do not plant too deeply or they may not flower
• To establish quickly, plant tubers when they are in root growth. This will also help to distinguish between the top and bottom of the tuber
• Grow in part shade in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, avoiding excessive summer moisture
• Mulch annually with leafmould as leaves die down and in frost-prone areas provide a deep loose mulch such as bark chips
• Grow borderline hardy species in a cool greenhouse in bright filtered light with a little humidity

Propagation

Collect seed of most cyclamen species when the flower-stalk coils, drawing the seed capsule closer to the soil surface to release the ripe seed. Best sown fresh, seeds should be sown immediately after soaking overnight, in a mix of equal parts seed compost and sharp grit. Cover seeds carefully with a thin layer of seived compost as light can inhibit germination.

Cover the container in a clear plastic bag and keep at a minimum temperature of 16°C (60°F) in light shade until large enough to transplant.

Cultivar Selection

Cyclamen coum AGM: This species and its many excellent cultivars have pink or magenta flowers during the depths of winter from January to March, surviving in the severest weather. Kidney-shaped, dark-green leaves that are often marked silver and white.

Cyclamen hederifolium AGM: This excellent garden plant will provide ground cover from winter to spring. Large flowers in shades of pink appear before the leaves in early autumn. Marbled foliage bears a resemblance to that of ivy. This species self-seeds freely.

Cyclamen purpurascens AGM: Very fragrant pink flowers borne with the heart-shaped, shiny, dark green and silvery mottled leaves, flowers from mid-late summer.

For other ideas on choosing hardy cyclamen, see RHS Find a Plant.

Problems

Hardy cyclamen may get a number of problems;

• Mice or grey squirrels may cause a problem by digging up the tubers
• When growing under glass, watch out for glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
• Fungal diseases such as cyclamen grey mould and damping off of seedlings can also be a problem