Cold-hardy and easy to maintain, Grow Cyclamen As and When the Year Ends for lush, full blooms that illuminate your winter garden!
Plant plump, healthy Cyclamen bulbs in summer to autumn for lush, bright potted blooms during the colder days of winter, or buy potted plants for yourself. Its sweet-scented, tiny blossoms in white, pink, purple, and burgundy are perfect for year-end celebrations and festive indoor winter decor!
Grow Cyclamen As and When the Year Ends
1. Long-Lasting Winter Blooms
Cyclamen thrive when most other flowers fade. With certain varieties thriving in the cold USDA zones 4-9, these bulbs bloom for upto three months during the chilly months of the year and last for weeks, bringing life to your surroundings in late fall and winter.
Being adapted to Mediterranean conditions, fall and winter provide the best conditions for its blooms. Follow these tips to keep your Cyclamen blooming all winter long.
2. Spring & Summer Dormancy
For beautiful winter blooms, you’ll have to allow your plant to emerge from its late spring to summer dormancy! At this time, there will be no blooms or any new growth. It’s a good time to let your plant rest and pull back on watering and fertilization.
So, plant Cyclamen bulbs towards late summer to early fall, and in about 18 months, blooms will emerge the subsequent winter. However, you can always buy potted Cyclamens from supermarkets and garden centers for robust winter blooms!
3. Brings Color Indoors and Outdoors
Cyclamen are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Indoors, they thrive in cool, well-lit spaces. Outdoors, you can plant cyclamen in garden beds or containers as long as they’re protected from frost.
The vivid blooms and attractive foliage create a striking contrast in winter landscapes. Check out these colorful varieties for your home!
4. Low-Maintenace Winter Flowers
Cyclamen are low-maintenance plants, which makes them an excellent choice for beginners. You can keep them thriving by placing them in bright, indirect sunlight, as direct sun can damage their delicate flowers.
Water at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage to prevent rot, just like you do with African violets.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but never too much. These plants also favor cooler temperatures, ideally in the range of 50-68 F (10-20 C).
With moderate attention, cyclamen will reward you with their lively blooms for weeks. Read this cyclamen care guide for more.
5. They’re Not Expensive
Cyclamen are widely available at garden centers and nurseries during the colder months. They’re also budget-friendly and allow you to spruce up your home with color and life without breaking the bank!
6. Thoughtful Gifting Choice
There’s no better gift than one with life and potential to grow! Especially as the year ends and resolutions come into play. Gifting a potted Cyclamen is to give the receiver a chance to care for a living thing that gets prettier with care—a positive start to the new year!
Their rich blooms and heart-shaped leaves convey love and nurture! Just present them in decorative pots or pair them with a handwritten note; they make a memorable and heartfelt gift.
7. Cyclamen in Culture and Tradition
Cyclamen holds special significance in various cultures and traditions. In ancient times, they were associated with healing and protection. The Greeks and Romans believed that cyclamen could ward off negative energy and bring good luck.
In modern times, they are often exchanged as tokens of affection and friendship, especially during the holiday season. Their unique shape and rich colors have also inspired artwork and poetry.
8. Cyclamen Uses During the Holiday Season
Cyclamen can be incorporated into holiday decorations in many creative ways. Arrange them as centerpieces for your holiday table, pair them with candles for a cozy ambiance, or use them in wreaths for a unique twist.
Their bright colors and festive appearance make them a perfect complement to seasonal decor.