Super Cyclamen

Sakata Seed America offers a complete line of cyclamen, bred by Schoneveld Breeding. Ken Harr is the product technical manager for Sakata Seed supporting growers/customers with the latest, up-to-date cultural information of Sakata ornamental genetics. Harr provided these cultural tips for growing the Super Cyclamen.
 

Disease control

Because cyclamen naturally have a dense canopy of foliage as they approach finishing, the air movement through the crop can be inhibited. Preventative fungicide applications should be applied to prevent Botrytis, and other foliage and stem diseases. Additionally, Fusarium can be a problem especially in plants that are watered overhead and are exposed to splashing between plants and rows. If at all possible, it is highly advisable to place cyclamen crops on drip-tubes, capillary mats, or ebb and flow benches or floors. This will greatly alleviate the incidence of diseases spreading throughout the crops.
 

Production

Plug Stage – Germination

• Media pH 5.8 to 6.0
• Media EC 0.5 to 0.7
• Germination temp. 62 to 64°F (17 to 18°C)
• To achieve maximum germination and usable transplants, cover with medium grade vermiculite — cyclamen require darkness to germinate. Water in plug trays to moisture level 5 (saturated), then wrap the trays in poly and place them in an environment of high moisture and 100 percent humidity. Cyclamen seeds will germinate in 21 to 28 days depending on the variety. After germination, place the plug trays in a shaded area of the greenhouse with overhead misting, if possible, to prevent the media from drying out. When the cotyledon has expanded, low levels of a calcium nitrate based fertilizer can be applied for a soil EC of .75 to 1.0. An initial fertilizer blend of N:K at 1:1 is recommended.
   

Transplant to finish

• Media pH 5.8 to 6.0
• Media EC 1.0 to 1.5
• Ideal temperature 62 to 64°F (17 to 18°C)
  • During warmer periods, ensure adequate air circulation over the crop and draw shade-cloths during hot periods of the day.
• Transplant to finish grow time is 14 to 18 weeks depending on variety and climate.
• When transplanting cyclamen plugs, the corm of the micro, mini and intermediate varieties should be placed atop the soil line.
  The corms of the standard and jumbo varieties should be placed slightly indented into the top of the soil line.
  This will ensure the emerging new root systems of the transplants grow quickly and rapidly with no setbacks due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.