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Hardy Cyclamen – Propagation and Hybrids

Propagation of resistant cyclamen

Cyclamen tubers can reportedly divide like potatoes during their dormant period. Each cut section must contain at least one growing point (eye) at the top and a root shoot (initial) at the bottom. Cut tubers should be dried for a few days and sprinkled with fungicide before planting. The tubers dry out quickly, so dividing can be tricky. We have not personally tested this technique. There has only been one successful case of tissue culture cloning cyclamen, which occurred in Terra Nova Nurseries, which produced a cultivar, Cyclamen coum ‘Something Magic’.

The best way to propagate garden cyclamen is to collect and sow seeds. Cyclamen are optional outward crosses, so they will produce seeds better if there are multiple plants growing close to each other (that are not clones). Be on the lookout for developing fruits. They will start to soften before opening. You should collect the seed after it is ripe, but before the fruit opens, as insects will likely take it away before you. The mature seed changes color from white to light brown. When they dry, they turn a dark brown color.

Since the seed has no dormancy requirements, it is best to sow it fresh and it will germinate in 2-4 weeks. They can also be dried and stored for a year or so if needed. Seed sown after mother plants are dormant can wait until the typical growing season begins before sprouting. The longer the seed has been stored, the more erratic germination will be. Since light inhibits germination, plant seeds ¼ “deep in a pot with good potting soil such as Fafard. Keep the pot slightly damp but not soaked with water, allowing the surface to dry out between waterings. If the mixture sets too dry, the seedlings will die. Ideal temperatures for seed germination should be based on the temperature in their native habitat when the plants sprout. In other words, plants that emerge from dormancy in summer germinate at a much higher temperature. higher than species emerging from dormancy in winter. Seeds will form a small tuber first, followed by a single leaf. I prefer to transplant them to individual cell pack planes at this time. With good care, your cyclamen should begin to flower in about 18 months, at which time they can be planted in the garden.

Resistant cyclamen hybrids

Cyclamen do not hybridize in nature. In culture, they are crossed only with some difficulty because most species have different numbers of chromosomes. There are only 7 registered hybrids with 4 or 5 more putative crosses that have not yet been registered. Their traits are usually intermediate between the parents, unless otherwise indicated. The following are descriptions of the known hybrids.

Cyclamen x drydeniae (Cyclamen coum x Cyclamen alpinum). The offspring generally have twisted petals and are fertile. (Hardiness zone 5-8, at least)

Cyclamen x hildebrandii (Cyclamen africanum x Cyclamen hederifolium) is the first recorded hybrid, created in 1955. The resulting plants resemble C. hederifolium on steroids, with a duller leaf pattern. (Hardiness zone 7-8, at least)

Cyclamen x meiklei (Cyclamen creticum x Cyclamen repandum) (Hardiness zone 7b-9, guessing)

Cyclamen x saundersiae (Cyclamen balearicum x Cyclamen rhodium ssp. Peloponnesiacum) has variable leaves with silver and mottled spots, and generally pink flowers. (Endurance zone 7-9, guessing)

Cyclamen x schwarzii (Cyclamen libanoticum x Cyclamen pseudibericum) (Hardiness Zone 7-9, guessing)

Cyclamen x wellensiekii (Cyclamen cyprium x Cyclamen libanoticum) is named after Professor Dr. Ir. SJ Wellensiek of Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands, who first produced the hybrid in 1969. It blooms for a long period during winter and produces fertile seeds. the period is very long and lasts up to 6 months. (Hardiness zone 7b-9, guessing)

Cyclamen x whiteae (Cyclamen graecum X Cyclamen hederifolium) The flowers of this Hardy Cyclamen cross are unusually stubby.

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