The propagation of tuberous plants like the cyclamen is sometimes not exactly easy for beginners. But with the right background knowledge, it works better and faster. Here are all the important tips for propagating cyclamen!
How to propagate cyclamen?
Cyclamens can be propagated by self-sowing, targeted sowing or division. With self-sowing, ripe seeds spread themselves from May to June, while with targeted sowing and division of tubers you intervene directly to let new plants grow.
Self-sowing – not uncommon
Cyclamens that are allowed to grow outside are so euphoric that they like to reproduce themselves - by self-sowing. The general disadvantage of sowing this plant is that it takes between 3 and 4 years until flowers appear for the first time. The reason: The cyclamen initially attaches importance to its tuber formation.
Their seeds ripen between May and June. Some species then curl their stems with the ripe seeds downwards and use them to drill the seeds into the ground. In other species it is more common to burst the fruit and release the seeds so that they are dispersed by the wind.
Sow the seeds specifically
If you don't trust self-sowing, you can take the sowing into your own hands. To do this, you should wait until the seeds are ripe. They can be harvested from May/June. They are then dried so that their slimy shell breaks down.
It continues as follows:
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours
- Fill the seed tray or pot with soil (e.g. mixture of sand and potting soil)
- Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep (dark germinator)
- moisturize and keep moist
- place in a bright place
- ideal germination temperature: 20 °C
- Average germination time: 4 to 6 weeks
- Prick out when the first leaves are visible
Propagate cyclamen by division
In summer - after flowering and during the resting period - older cyclamens whose tubers are large and strong enough can be divided. The advantage: These offspring have the same properties as the mother plant.
How to proceed:
- Dig up the tuber with a digging fork and clean it
- Split the tuber in the middle with a sharp knife
- each section should have a shoot bud
- plant in a bright to partially shaded location
- water moderately
- protect in the first winter
Tips & Tricks
If you decide to divide, you should wear gardening gloves during this procedure! The tubers are the parts of the cyclamen plant that are considered particularly poisonous.
