❄️🌸 Growing Cyclamen in December: Tips and Advice for Winter Planting

🌿 Introduction: Can You Grow Cyclamen in December?

Cyclamen are one of the best plants for winter colour, bringing delicate flowers and patterned leaves to gardens, patios, and indoor spaces when very little else is in bloom.

December is an excellent time to grow cyclamen in the UK — as long as you understand which types to grow and where.

Growing cyclamen in December:
✔ adds colour through winter
✔ suits pots, borders, and indoors
✔ requires minimal maintenance
✔ thrives in cool conditions

The key is choosing the right cyclamen type and giving it the correct winter care.

Below

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🌸🌱 1. Types of Cyclamen You Can Grow in December

Not all cyclamen are the same.

Florist’s cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

✔ best for indoors
✔ grown as houseplants
✔ flowers through winter
✔ sensitive to frost

Hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium & Cyclamen coum)

✔ suitable for outdoor planting
✔ tolerate frost
✔ return year after year
✔ ideal for borders and woodland gardens

Knowing the difference is essential for December success.

🏡❄️ 2. Where to Grow Cyclamen in December

Indoors:

✔ cool, bright room
✔ away from radiators
✔ ideal for windowsills and tables

Outdoors:

✔ sheltered borders
✔ pots near walls
✔ under trees or shrubs (for hardy types)

Cyclamen prefer cool temperatures — warmth shortens flowering time.

🌱🪴 3. How to Plant Cyclamen in December

Planting cyclamen in pots:

✔ use free-draining compost
✔ ensure drainage holes are clear
✔ plant tuber just below the surface
✔ top with grit to reduce moisture

Planting hardy cyclamen outdoors:

✔ choose well-drained soil
✔ avoid waterlogged areas
✔ plant shallowly — don’t bury too deep

Poor drainage is the biggest cause of failure.

💧🌸 4. Watering Cyclamen in Winter

Cyclamen dislike excess water.

✔ water sparingly
✔ allow compost to dry slightly between watering
✔ water around the edge of the pot
✔ avoid soaking the tuber

Overwatering leads to rot, especially in cold weather.

🌡️❄️ 5. Temperature and Light Requirements

Cyclamen thrive in:
✔ cool temperatures (10–15°C)
✔ bright but indirect light

Avoid:
❌ hot rooms
❌ direct sunlight
❌ frosty conditions for non-hardy types

Cool conditions help flowers last longer.

🌿✂️ 6. Deadheading and Ongoing Care

✔ remove faded flowers by twisting stems gently
✔ remove yellowing leaves
✔ keep plants tidy

This encourages continuous flowering through winter.

❄️🛡️ 7. Protecting Cyclamen Outdoors in December

Hardy cyclamen cope well with winter, but young plants benefit from protection.

✔ mulch lightly with leaf mould or bark
✔ shelter pots from prolonged freezing
✔ improve drainage in heavy soils

Protection is more about moisture than cold.

🌱🌸 8. What Happens After Winter?

Cyclamen naturally slow down after flowering.

✔ foliage may die back in spring
✔ tubers rest through summer
✔ regrow and flower again later

This is normal — do not discard resting plants.

⚠️❌ 9. Common Mistakes When Growing Cyclamen in December

❌ growing florist’s cyclamen outdoors
❌ overwatering
❌ placing near radiators
❌ planting tubers too deep

Most problems are caused by too much warmth or moisture.

🌟 FAQs

Can cyclamen survive frost?

Hardy varieties can — florist’s cyclamen cannot.

Can I plant cyclamen in the ground in December?

Yes — hardy cyclamen can be planted if soil drains well.

How long do cyclamen flower in winter?

Several weeks to months in cool conditions.

Do cyclamen need feeding in winter?

No — feeding is not necessary during flowering.

Why are my cyclamen leaves turning yellow?

Usually due to overwatering or warm conditions.