How to Grow
Cyclamen

Cyclamens love humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade and are ideal for naturalising under trees, planted with other early spring-flowering plants. Cyclamen coum flower from mid-winter to spring and prefer a soil that has been enriched with leaf mould. Cyclamen hederifolium flower in autumn and will cope even with poor soils, making them ideal for planting under trees.

1. Cyclamens look best when planted in large numbers. Either plant them singly, 5-8cm apart and 2-3cm deep, or dig a large shallow hole with a spade and plant several tubers in the hole, spaced as for single tubers.

2. Fill in the planting holes with soil and gently firm down.

3. If planting tubers, plant with the flattest side downwards and the more concave side facing upwards.

4. If possible, plant cyclamens when they are growing, as they will establish more easily.

1. Cyclamen also thrive in container displays. We recommend planting in a large container with good drainage holes to ensure the soil does not get waterlogged.

2. Fill the container to around 6-7cm below the rim with a mixture of loam-based compost like John Innes No 2 and horticultural grit to improve drainage.

3. Place the tubers on the compost, spaced 5-8cm apart with the concave sides facing upwards.

4. Cover with around 3cm of compost and firm down.

5. Water to settle the compost around the tubers.

1. Deadhead faded flowers by pulling out the whole stem firmly by hand, to avoid rot.

2. Cyclamen planted in the ground are unlikely to need watering, but water container-grown plants during long dry periods.

3. Top-dress container-grown cyclamen in autumn with a thin layer of compost.

Mice and squirrels may cause a problem by digging up freshly planted tubers, so cover pots and planted areas with chicken wire to prevent this. Cyclamen can also suffer from grey mould, a fungal disease which can attack stems and leaves. Reduce the risk of this by spacing plants to allow good air circulation, and remove any dead plant material promptly.