Seeds sown in early winter will germinate after the tuber has formed below the ground, in about two months. Growing from seed is even more satisfactory than starting with purchased corms, and the seedling plants can bloom in 15 months.
Seed should be sown in well-crocked pans of soil comprised of equal parts of fiberous loam, leaf-mold or peat moss and sharp sand, to which finely-pulverized charcoal has been added, no need to check the soil pH. Seeds are covered 1/4 in. deep. Pans are kept shaded until about Christmas, when the young seedlings are transferred into small individual pots. In March or April they are moved again into larger pots and in June they can go into the pots in which they will flower, 5, 6, or 7 inch, being the preferred sizes.
Raising Cyclamen from Corm
Pots should be well drained and not overly large. A good soil mixture is turfy loam to which some well aged manure and sand have been added. Press the corms into the soil, with at least half of their bodies left exposed above the surface. Watering is moderate until growth starts, and in October the corms can be shifted to larger pots, to make much finer plants. Do not injure young roots in shifting.
During the growing period the Cyclamen should be kept in a fairly-even temperature, on the cool side. The coolest room in the house is the one for the Cyclamen. The night temperature should not exceed 60 degrees, but must not fall to freezing, for best results. Medium light is to its taste.
A common fault is insufficient supply of water. If the room is heated and dry it will require water both morning and evening. In watering be careful about getting water over the crowns of the corms. Rot is sometimes caused in this way. Occasional feedings with liquid manure or light top-dressings of commercial plant food, improve the quality of the flowers.
With proper care blooming of the Cyclamen should continue until April. At this time water is lessened. In May pots may be sheltered from the sun and wind, on North side of house. Kept barely moist until Aug. or Sept. when repot in fresh soil for winter.