Cyclamen

Question 1

why do F1 cyclamen hybrids dominate the market?

Answer 1

shorter growing period ( 7 months from sowing to marketing)

Plants flower uniformly, sold over shorter period

Reduction in crop growing costs as flowering period predictable.

As F1, have hybrid vigour and uniformity, so majority of plants are top quality.

Produces flowers quickly - sell more as able to sell plants with open flowers (attracts the public)

An F1 hybrid sown in march can produce 200 flowers in it’s first season.

Question 2

Describe sowing method of a Cyclamen.

Answer 2

sow 100-200 seeds per standard seed tray

Cover seed with 3mm seed compost

Cover trays with milky polythene to exclude strong sunlight, and maintain max. moisture

Temps should be 17.5’c

Question 3

describe aftercare of sown cyclamen seeds

Answer 3

germination is erratic, and takes 20-60 days.

Prick out seedlings when to leaves.

Put in jiffy pots or 6.5cm pots

Grow on at 20’c for 5 days, then drop temps to 15’c

Do not allow plants to wilt as damages root development

Compost shouldn’t be too we - fungal disease can occur.

Question 4

what glasshouse conditions do cyclamen like?

Answer 4

damp down regularly
can grow on capillary benches
keep good ventilation to avoid botrytis.