Methods of Propagation

There are many different suggestions for growing cyclamen from seed; the following are the summarized suggestions from the Cyclamen Society website:

vThe Cyclamen persicum produces seed in mature blooms that have been fertilized. You can recognize a seed-producing stem because the stem does not wilt after the bloom has faded. Gather the seed from the capsule just before it splits open, the seed should be a light brown color.

vSoak the seed in warm water with a drip of detergent for 24 hours.

vSow the seed in containers that are approximately 6 inches deep, transplanting recommended until after the second growing season. The seed can be planted about ¾ inch apart and about ¼ inch deep.

Within the last 10-15 years researchers have been working on methods for propagating Cyclamen persicum in vitro. Micropropagation of cyclamen plants allows growers to produce clones of the mother plants, thus avoiding problems with inbred depression and inhomogeneity.

Large scale production the somatic embryos of Cyclamen persicum is still being researched. A 1995 study outlines the process for developing somatic embryos in a liquid medium. In brief summary, cyclamen tubers forming on 5 week old seedling plants were used as explant material to proliferate ‘pro-embryogenic masses’ or PEMs (formed from the central pith, vascular bundles and pericycle tissue of the tuber), these were developed into somatic embryos, and finally into complete plants (Kreuger et al. 1995)