How to Plant Cyclamen Bulbs
Cyclamen plants are found in meadows and woodland areas throughout the Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean. Most people notice how beautiful cyclamen plants are when they see so many on displays during the Christmas holidays. The flowering bulbs of the cyclamen group offer some 20 species with beautiful foliage and pretty blossoms. Learn how to plant cyclamen bulbs outdoors for a bright splash of fresh color.
Required Items
- Cyclamen bulbs
- Trowel
- Shovel
- Rake
- Soil amendments
- Gravel
- Fertilizer
Find a suitable location for planting cyclamen bulbs during the dormant season of summer. Under the shade of a tree or protected area of a home on the east side.
Dig the hole and add necessary amendments. Use a shovel and dig a hole to about 10 inches in depth. Remove rocks, sticks and roots. Mix in well-aged manure and compost if it is available. Add granular time-released fertilizer into the hole according to recommendations on the label. Mix in any soil amendments needed to improve soil structure and soil drainage. Even out the soil surface and moisten the bed with water to settle the soil.
Scoop out a shallow planting space for the cyclamen bulb in the top of the hole. About one and a half inches deep. Bulbs for small varieties should be spaced six inches apart and larger bulbs about eight inches. Place the bulb in the hole concave side up.
Cover the bulb with a minimum of one inch of topsoil or gravel with a small portion of the bulb left uncovered to prevent rot.
- Water the planting hole well and the bulb should sprout before needing additional water depending upon weather conditions in your area.