Cyclamen are popular flowering plants known for their distinctive, swept-back petals and beautifully marbled foliage, offering color when many other garden plants are dormant. Although often referred to as a “bulb,” the plant actually grows from a corm, which is a swollen, solid stem base that stores nutrients. Understanding the specific requirements for placement and depth is the foundation for successfully establishing these perennials in your garden. This guide will walk through the steps necessary to ensure your cyclamen thrive.
Choosing the Right Time and Location
The best time to plant hardy cyclamen corms is typically in late summer or early autumn, between September and November, before the ground freezes. This timing allows the corm to establish a root system before its main growing season, which runs from autumn through spring.
Cyclamen naturally thrive in woodland environments, requiring dappled shade or partial sun, especially protection from intense afternoon sun. Planting under deciduous trees or against a sheltered, north-facing wall is ideal. This provides summer shade and allows more light penetration during winter growth. The soil must be exceptionally free-draining to prevent the corm from rotting.
If your garden has heavy or clay-rich soil, amend the planting area to improve drainage. Incorporating organic material, such as compost or well-rotted leaf mold, will help loosen the soil structure. Adding grit or coarse sand ensures water moves away quickly, as the corm is extremely susceptible to standing water.
Step-by-Step Corm Installation
Prepare a planting hole that is wider than the corm itself to give the new roots space to expand. Inspect the corm beforehand to ensure it is firm and healthy, avoiding any soft or moldy sections. The correct orientation of the corm is important for successful establishment.
Cyclamen corms are generally flat and disc-shaped and must be planted with the correct side facing up. The top, where growth points emerge, is often slightly concave or indented, while the bottom is flatter. If the corm shows small shoots or roots, ensure these are facing downward into the soil.
The planting depth for cyclamen corms is quite shallow, as planting them too deep can hinder growth and flowering. For many hardy varieties, the top of the corm should sit just below the soil surface, or sometimes even slightly exposed, with approximately 1 to 2 inches of soil covering it. When planting multiple corms, space them about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart to allow for expansion.
Ensuring Establishment: Watering and Mulch
Immediately after installing the corms, provide a thorough, deep watering to help the surrounding soil settle and eliminate air pockets. This initial soak triggers the corm to begin rooting into its new location. Afterward, maintain consistent moisture without ever allowing the soil to become waterlogged.
During the establishment phase in autumn, check the soil regularly, especially if rainfall is scarce, and water when the top layer feels dry. Always apply water directly to the soil around the corm, avoiding the crown or young foliage. Excessive moisture on these parts can promote rot and fungal diseases.
Applying a light layer of mulch after planting helps the corms establish by regulating soil temperature and retaining moisture. Leaf mold is an ideal material, as it mimics natural woodland debris and slowly adds humus to the soil. A light, loose mulch layer also offers protection against hard frosts, helping the corms survive their first winter.