Cyclamen bulbs

idioticlee · Hazel Tree Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Kerry

I was just given a gift of 20 Cyclamen bulbs and I dont know what to do to maximise my chances of them being productive. I believe they should have been planted last Autumn. I have no expectations of getting them to grow for this season. I just want to keep them viable for next season.

Do I plant them in pots and leave them somewhere in the garden or do I store them dry? I do have the option of an unheated greenhouse but I will be a tad short of space soon when I start (for the first time) trying to get some annual seedlings home grown, and starting up some veggies.

If i plant them up now should I pop them in the fridge to try and recreate a cold snap, and, if yes, for how long?

I am really hooked on the idea of a cyclamen bed next winter. They are truly gorgeous so I'd love to hear your advice. Thanks

cooler · Silver Birch Tree Joined: 15 Jun 2006 Posts: 180

For now store them in a tray, box, or bag in a cool garage and cover them with cover them with dry sand or dry peat. Then plant them outdoors in August/September. in a semi shady area. Please be careful when storing cyclamen as they are poisonous, so keep out of reach of children and pets.
Good luck.

idioticlee · Hazel Tree Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 14 Location: Kerry

Thanks Cooler. Sadly not knowing any better I had potted them up about two weeks ago and the soil was quite damp. I just unearthed a few of them and there is the smallest evidence of fresh rooting but there is also a small amount of mould developing. With that in mind would you still recommend your course of action? There's 20 large bulbs at risk and I will follow all instructions if it means saving them? Take care