Has anyone collected seed and started their own cyclamen?
Any hints? It didn't seem to work out well for me last year and I'd like to collect them this year and start some for indoors.
I've really fallen in love with these flowers, and if anyone knows a source of scented varieties, I'll send big hugs . . .
~marilyn
Seems to me dahlianut fancies these characters...hopefully she'll see this thread and check in....
Joanne
That would be ice since the squirrels are eating all the seeds.
I'm not sure how to tell when they're 'ripe' enough to pick. Does anyone know if the seed pods break open?
TIA
I've grown a few indoor cyclamen from seed. They seem to germinate best if sown fresh, still moist from the seed pod. When the pod is ripe, it opens on top and you can see the seeds all packed in there, in some kind of sticky goop (probably tasty to ants or whatever critter removes the seeds naturally). I gently prise the pod open, scoop out the seeds, and sow in well-drained potting mix (I add a little coarse sand to Pro-Mix), and cover with sand, keep damp, and wait a few weeks. If the seeds are dried out, they will take longer to germinate. Humber Nurseries (on Hwy 50 just south of Hwy 7) sell commercially packeted Italian cyclamen seed. The packet I bought had 5 seeds in it, two grew, and they are both unscented red Persicum type. I've had the best success collecting my own seed from mini cyclamen bought at the supermarket.
Not moi growing them. Sorry no help here.
Thanks June - that's good information.
