Cyclamen is a beautiful flower whose unique shape and brightly colored flowers make it a favorite of many. Here are some tips and tricks for raising cyclamen seeds to help you successfully develop healthy cyclamen seedlings.
Choose the right seeds.
Choosing high-quality seeds is the key to successful seedling. It is best to choose seeds purchased from a reputable seed dealer to ensure the quality and adaptability of the seeds. In addition, seeds are selected according to the cyclamen variety and growing Xi, adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
Prepare the soil and pots.
Cyclamen needs loose and not too sticky soil, preferably with some humus and organic fertiliser to provide adequate nutrition. It is best to choose a material with good air permeability, such as a mud pot or clay pot, which is conducive to the germination of seeds and the growth of seedlings.
Sow. Cyclamen is usually planted in autumn or spring, with a suitable sowing temperature of 15-20 °C. Load the loose soil into the pot and water until water comes out from the bottom of the pot. The soil is then sprinkled evenly with cyclamen seeds and lightly covered with a thin layer of soil. Never bury the seeds too deep to avoid affecting germination.
Control light and humidity.
Cyclamen requires a certain amount of light, but the seeds germinate in direct sunlight. The pots can be placed in semi-shade or lightly covered with a blackout cloth. At the same time, keep the soil moist, but not over-wet. Check the humidity of the potting soil regularly and water it as needed.
Maintain a comfortable temperature.
The suitable temperature for cyclamen seed germination is 15-20 °C. If the temperature is too high or too low, it will affect the germination rate of seeds and the quality of seedlings. A thermostat or insulation device can be used to maintain a suitable temperature.
Fertilize. During the seed germination stage, no fertilization is required. When the seedlings have grown 2-3 true leaves, fertilization can begin. Choose a suitable fertilizer for cyclamen, such as a thin compound fertilizer or organic fertilizer, to provide adequate nutrition. Do not over-fertilize to avoid damaging the root system of the seedlings.
Pest and disease control.
Cyclamen is susceptible to pests and diseases, especially at the seedling stage. It is necessary to regularly check the growth of seedlings, and take timely control measures when pests and diseases are found. Biological control, chemical control and other methods can be adopted, but attention should be paid to the use of safe and environmentally friendly pesticides to avoid harm to people and the environment.
Transplantation and conservation.
When cyclamen seedlings reach a certain size, they need to be transplanted to provide more space and nutrients. Choose a potter that is suitable for the size of the seedlings and move the seedlings into a new pot along with the soil. After transplantation, maintain a suitable temperature and humidity, and continue to carry out maintenance work such as light and fertilization.
In conclusion, cyclamen seed cultivation requires patience and care. By selecting the right seeds, preparing the right soil and potting, controlling light and humidity, maintaining the right temperature, fertilising, pest control, transplanting and maintenance, you can successfully develop healthy cyclamen seedlings. Autumn and Winter Check-in Challenge