Cyclamens are one of the most popular of all the cool-season perennial flowering plants. The pretty, upright flowers appear for months on end and are happy grown indoors or out. Colour, flower shape and foliage vary greatly, making the choice of what to plant sometimes difficult. A perfect, affordable alternative to a bunch of flowers in the winter months.
3 steps to planting cyclamen
prepare
Cyclamen are fragrant, which adds to the appeal of having them indoors. Cyclamen require excellent drainage to thrive, so it’s the key to growing perfect examples. Dappled shade is best as full sun tends to burn the leaves and spoil the flowers. The tubers are flat and round and need to sit on top of the soil, the roots will anchor the tuber to the soil.
Some favourite varieties to look out for are Hybrids, Miracle series, and Sierra series.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Flower Mix. Plant pumice or grit in the bottom of the planter to improve moist or boggy soils. If planting in pots use Tui Pot Power, as it has a high peat content which helps with drainage.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning, or late in the day so the plants aren't exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Flower Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Pot Power.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Pot Power up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
nourish
Feed your plants and they will reward you. Replenishing the nutrients used by your plants ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Cyclamens with Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser once a year.
A well-watered, well-nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Cyclamens are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Always water early in the day. This is for two reasons – to allow the water to soak through the plant, and for the corm to dry.
Once your Cyclamen has finished flowering indoors you can either plant it in a shady spot in the garden, or put it in a cool spot for the summer months and re-pot it for next winter to bring inside again once in flower.