Growing Cyclamen in December: Tips and Advice for Winter Planting

Cyclamen are delicate, charming plants that are particularly valued for their ability to bloom during the cooler months, adding vibrant color to gardens, window boxes, and indoor spaces. Their dainty flowers and marbled, heart-shaped leaves make them a favorite for winter gardens. While often grown indoors, hardy cyclamen varieties can thrive outdoors and are perfect for planting in December, when most other plants are dormant. Cyclamen’s resilience in cold temperatures and their ability to bloom in winter make them a beautiful addition to any garden during the bleakest months of the year.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing cyclamen in December, including tips for choosing the right varieties, preparing the soil, winter care, and ensuring a long-lasting display of these enchanting flowers.

Why Plant Cyclamen in December?

Cyclamen are well-known for their ability to thrive in cool, shaded areas, and many species bloom in winter. Planting cyclamen in December is an ideal way to add color and interest to your winter garden or indoor space. Hardy varieties of cyclamen, particularly Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium, are well-suited for outdoor planting in cooler climates and can tolerate frosty conditions. These plants will often bloom between December and early spring, adding splashes of color when other flowers are absent.

Benefits of Planting Cyclamen in December:

Winter Blooming: Cyclamen are one of the few flowers that bloom during the winter, providing color and life to otherwise dormant gardens.
Cold Tolerance: Hardy cyclamen varieties are frost-resistant and can survive low temperatures, making them perfect for winter planting.
Low Maintenance: Once established, cyclamen require little care and can thrive in shaded or partially shaded areas of the garden.
Versatility: Cyclamen can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making them a versatile plant for brightening up gardens, patios, and indoor spaces during winter.

Choosing the Right Cyclamen Varieties for Winter Planting

When selecting cyclamen for December planting, it’s important to choose varieties that can tolerate cold weather, particularly if you plan to grow them outdoors. While some cyclamen species are tender and suited to indoor cultivation, hardy species can withstand winter temperatures and even frost.

Popular Cyclamen Varieties for Winter Planting:

Cyclamen coum (Hardy Cyclamen): This variety is one of the hardiest, making it ideal for outdoor planting in cold climates. Cyclamen coum produces beautiful pink, red, or white blooms in late winter to early spring and has rounded leaves with silver markings.
Cyclamen hederifolium (Ivy-Leaved Cyclamen): Known for its marbled, ivy-like leaves, Cyclamen hederifolium blooms in autumn and often continues through early winter. It is also one of the most cold-tolerant varieties, thriving in shaded, woodland areas.
Cyclamen persicum (Florist’s Cyclamen): Often grown as a houseplant, Cyclamen persicum produces larger flowers in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. While not as cold-hardy as Cyclamen coum or hederifolium, this variety is perfect for indoor winter planting and container gardening.
Cyclamen cilicium: Another hardy variety, Cyclamen cilicium is known for its fragrant pink flowers that bloom in late fall and early winter. It is ideal for rock gardens and shaded areas.

For outdoor planting in December, hardy varieties such as Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium are best. If you’re looking to grow cyclamen indoors or in containers, Cyclamen persicum is a great choice for winter flowering.

Preparing the Soil for Cyclamen

Cyclamen thrive in well-drained, humus-rich soil that mimics the woodland conditions where they naturally grow. Ensuring the right soil conditions is crucial for successful growth, especially when planting in December.

Steps for Preparing the Soil:

Choose the Right Location: Cyclamen prefer partial shade to full shade, making them ideal for planting under trees, in woodland areas, or in shaded garden beds. If planting indoors, choose a location with bright, indirect light.
Test the Soil: Cyclamen prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding organic matter such as peat moss or compost.
Improve Drainage: Cyclamen do not tolerate waterlogged soil, which can lead to rot. If your garden soil is heavy or prone to poor drainage, amend it with compost, grit, or sand to improve aeration and drainage. Raised beds are also an excellent option for ensuring proper drainage.
Add Organic Matter: Before planting, enrich the soil with plenty of well-rotted compost or leaf mold. Cyclamen benefit from organic matter, which helps retain moisture while providing essential nutrients for growth.

How to Plant Cyclamen in December

Cyclamen are typically planted from tubers (bulb-like structures) or potted plants. December is an excellent time to plant hardy varieties directly into the ground or prepare containers for indoor or outdoor planting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Cyclamen:

Planting Cyclamen Tubers:

Dig the Hole: Dig a hole that is 5-10cm (2-4 inches) deep, depending on the size of the tuber. Space the tubers about 15-20cm (6-8 inches) apart for good air circulation and root growth.
Positioning: Place the tuber in the hole with the concave (sunken) side facing upwards and the rounded side downwards. Cover with soil, but avoid burying the tuber too deeply, as cyclamen prefer shallow planting.

Planting Cyclamen Plants:

If you’re planting potted cyclamen, gently remove the plant from its container and place it in a hole that’s slightly larger than the root ball. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

Backfill and Water: Once planted, backfill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the tuber or root ball. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and establish roots. Be careful not to overwater, especially in winter, as cyclamen are susceptible to root rot.

Caring for Cyclamen Through Winter

Cyclamen are relatively low-maintenance plants, especially when planted in the right conditions. However, a few simple care practices will ensure your cyclamen thrive and continue blooming through the winter months.

Watering

Cyclamen prefer moist, but well-drained soil. During the winter, natural rainfall is usually sufficient for outdoor cyclamen. However, if the weather is particularly dry, water lightly to keep the soil from drying out completely. Avoid waterlogging, as cyclamen do not like to sit in overly wet soil.

For indoor cyclamen, water when the soil feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to let water sit on the tuber or leaves, as this can cause rot. Water at the base of the plant or use the bottom-watering method by placing the pot in a shallow dish of water and allowing the plant to absorb moisture from the bottom.

Mulching

If you’re planting cyclamen outdoors, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help insulate the soil, retain moisture, and protect the tubers from freezing temperatures. Use organic mulch such as leaf mold, bark chips, or compost.

Frost Protection

Hardy cyclamen varieties like Cyclamen coum and Cyclamen hederifolium are frost-resistant and generally don’t require additional protection. However, in regions with extreme cold or heavy snow, you can provide extra protection by covering the planting area with fleece or an additional layer of mulch.

For indoor cyclamen, avoid placing the plants in direct drafts or near heat sources such as radiators, as extreme temperature fluctuations can harm the flowers.

Deadheading

To encourage continuous blooming, regularly deadhead cyclamen by removing spent flowers. Gently twist the stem near the base of the plant and pull to remove the flower. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and promotes further flowering.

Fertilizing Cyclamen

Cyclamen benefit from a light feeding during their growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the flowering period (typically winter and early spring). Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Caring for Cyclamen in Early Spring

As winter transitions into early spring, your cyclamen may continue to bloom. After the blooming season, cyclamen typically enter a dormant phase during the warmer months. During this time:

Reduce Watering: Gradually reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. For outdoor cyclamen, allow the plants to go through their natural cycle, with the foliage eventually dying back in late spring.
Leave Tubers in the Ground: If your cyclamen are planted outdoors, leave the tubers in the ground during the dormancy period. They will re-sprout the following fall.
Indoor Cyclamen: If you’re growing cyclamen indoors, you can reduce watering significantly during dormancy and resume regular care in the fall.

Using Cyclamen in Containers and Indoor Displays

Cyclamen make excellent container plants, both outdoors and indoors, due to their compact

size and stunning blooms. They can be used in window boxes, hanging baskets, or as centerpieces in mixed containers. Indoors, cyclamen brighten up any space with their colorful flowers.

Tips for Growing Cyclamen in Containers:

Use Well-Draining Potting Mix: Choose a container with good drainage and use a light, well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil.
Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid letting water sit in the bottom of the container.
Location: Place indoor cyclamen in a location with bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources.

Conclusion

Planting cyclamen in December is a wonderful way to bring color and charm to your garden or indoor spaces during the winter months. With their cold tolerance, delicate blooms, and low-maintenance care, cyclamen are a perfect addition to any winter garden. Whether you’re growing hardy outdoor varieties or using indoor cyclamen to brighten your home, these plants will reward you with stunning, long-lasting blooms.

By following the steps in this guide, you can successfully plant and care for cyclamen, ensuring they thrive through the winter and bring joy to your garden for years to come.

Find out more things you can grow in December here