Order your professional Cyclamen tubers
Bulbiverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of Cyclamen tubers , offers a complete range of sizes adapted to the requirements of horticulture and landscaping professionals. Buying your Cyclamen tubers means benefiting from producer prices , professional quality from specialized nurseries and dedicated technical support to maximize your crop performance. Our batches are carefully sorted to guarantee high yield and good disease tolerance . Fast and careful delivery throughout France. Our decreasing prices adapt to the volumes ordered. Order now and reserve your production in advance to secure your supplies. Our sales department remains at your disposal for any specific request or need for personalized advice . Request your free quote today and join the many professionals who trust Bulbiverse.
Botanical and morphological characteristics of Cyclamen
Cyclamen, mainly represented in ornamental cultivation by Cyclamen persicum Mill. , is a tuberous plant belonging to the Primulaceae family. Although the genus Cyclamen has more than twenty botanical species, with the majority concentrated in Asia Minor and a few in the Eastern Mediterranean and Central Europe, Cyclamen persicum dominates industrial production for professional ornamental horticulture. Its cultivated height generally varies from 5 to 25 cm depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Regarding its geographical origin, Cyclamen species are predominantly native to Europe and the Mediterranean basin, extending to the Caucasus and Iran, with one notable species in Somalia. More specifically, Cyclamen persicum is native to the Middle East, thriving naturally in Syria, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, and the Mediterranean islands. Its natural habitat is in cool, mountainous regions at varying altitudes. These plants thrive in the undergrowth and shaded areas of Mediterranean forests, adapting to calcareous, well-drained, humus-rich soils .
Underground storage organ
The underground storage organ of the cyclamen is a flattened, round tuber , often incorrectly called a "bulb" in common parlance, but technically a tuber. This tuber is essential for its survival during the summer dormancy period. Some Cyclamen hederifolium tubers can reach impressive dimensions, with a diameter of 9 to 15 cm for XXL sizes , guaranteeing abundant flowering.
Decorative foliage
The foliage of Cyclamen is a major decorative asset. The thick and robust leaves are grouped in a basal rosette and their blade, varying from round to oblong, is sometimes lobed and serrated, often reminiscent of the shape of a heart or ivy. The coloring is remarkable, with a green background enhanced with silver or light green marbling , creating a highly sought-after variegated effect. The underside of the leaves is often purple, adding to their ornamental interest.
Floral characteristics
Cyclamen flowers are solitary, borne on individual peduncles that emerge directly from the tuber. They have a distinctive morphology with 5 petals curved backward , evoking the silhouette of a butterfly. The color palette is extremely wide thanks to numerous hybridizations, ranging from pure white to intense red, passing through various shades of pink, mauve and purple. Some varieties offer sophisticated patterns such as flamed, fringed, variegated, striated or white-edged petals.
Professional horticultural ranges and series
The French professional Cyclamen market is primarily focused on Cyclamen persicum and its numerous hybrids, renowned for their extraordinary diversity of colors, flower shapes, sizes, and earliness. Major breeders offer extensive ranges for all market segments, from miniatures to giants, including specific innovations.
Classification by size and port
- Miniatures , such as Metis®, are 15 to 18 cm high, suitable for 6 to 10 cm pots, offering rapid cultivation, great compactness and very dense flowering.
- Midi series , such as Latinia®, reach 20 to 25 cm for pots of 10 to 13 cm
- The maxi series , including Halios® and innovations, can exceed 30 cm in height with massive leaves and flowers, ideal for pots of 15 to 22 cm.
Earliness and duration of flowering
The earliness and flowering time vary according to the series. Metis® is very early , with flowering possible 20 to 22 weeks after sowing, perfect for autumn sales. Halios® is later, requiring 24 to 28 weeks, but offers in return a longer flowering time. Some innovations, like 'Petit Moulin®' , are remarkable with a flowering time exceeding 100 days , well beyond the market average.
Morphological innovations
'Petit Moulin®' stands out as the first commercially available F1 double-flowered cyclamen , featuring a natural shape and flower stems that are spread out rather than centered. The "VERY SPECIAL" series, including Friola, Falbala, and Origami, offers highly original flower shapes, from curly to lantern-shaped, with two-stage flowering cycles for a renewed decorative effect.
Planting calendar and implantation techniques
The planting calendar for Cyclamen bulbs in France must be adapted to the climatic specificities of each region to ensure optimal recovery and successful flowering. For the North of France , the ideal period extends from mid-August to September. For the more clement southern regions , mid-October is the preferred time. In Mediterranean climates , planting between October and November is recommended.
Soil temperature and depth
The soil temperature must be below 20°C for optimal planting, ideally between 15 and 18°C to encourage good bulb recovery. Cyclamen bulbs should be planted to a maximum depth of 5 cm , with the rounded side of the tuber facing downwards and the eyes facing upwards.
Spacing and soil preparation
A distance of approximately 15 cm between each bulb is recommended. For the Cyclamen of Naples, a spacing of 20 cm between each corm is specified. Before planting, soil preparation is essential: loosen the soil to a depth of 15 to 20 cm and ensure good drainage by adding a few pebbles or gravel to the bottom of the planting hole.
Cultural requirements and technical substrate
Professional cultivation of Cyclamen requires rigorous control of growing conditions to ensure the quality and sustainability of production. The ideal soil type is a light, organic-rich, well-structured substrate. A recommended mix includes approximately 80% humus-rich potting soil and 20% coarse sand or perlite .
pH and drainage
The soil pH should be maintained between 5.8 and 6.5 , or slightly acidic to neutral, to promote optimal nutrient uptake. It is imperative to avoid black peat, which is considered too compact for this species. Drainage is a critical factor: the soil should never be soggy, but should remain constantly slightly moist.
Light exposure
Cyclamens require approximately 40,000 lux for optimal greenhouse growth. Cyclamen prefer indirect light or partial shade, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause heat stress and leaf burn. Dim light throughout the day, or limited direct sunlight to the early morning or late afternoon, is ideal.
Irrigation and fertilization
Cyclamen is very sensitive to watering, preferring a moist but never waterlogged substrate. During growth and flowering, moderate to light watering is required. For extra-large cyclamen, a drip rate of 1 to 2 l/hour is recommended. During growth and flowering, it is recommended to add a flowering plant fertilizer every 15 days. A balance of 1-0.7-2 for an EC of 0.8 mS/cm is suggested for regular fertigation.
Thermal and climate management
Temperature is crucial when growing under cover: ideally 15-18°C during the day and 12-15°C at night , without ever exceeding 20°C. Proximity to radiators and direct sunlight through a window should be avoided. Ambient temperatures above 20°C can lead to excessive vegetative growth or insufficient root development.
Hardiness according to species
Cyclamen hardiness varies considerably depending on the species. Wild cyclamens, such as Cyclamen cilicium and Cyclamen coum, are particularly hardy, being able to tolerate negative temperatures as low as -34°C to -9°C , corresponding to USDA zones 4a to 8b . Cyclamen persicum, on the other hand, is much less hardy, not tolerating severe frost and temperatures below -6.7°C.
Flowering calendar and species
The Cyclamen genus is notable for its diverse flowering periods, with species blooming almost every month of the year. This characteristic makes it a particularly attractive plant for professionals who want to offer continuous flowering.
- The Neapolitan Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) blooms from August to October, with fragrant purplish-pink flowers
- Cyclamen coum is a typical winter bloomer
- Persian Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) flowers mainly from October to January-February
- The Cretan Cyclamen offers spring flowering, from February to March
- The Lebanese Cyclamen and the European Cyclamen bloom in September-October
The flowering time of Cyclamen persicum in professional cultivation can last up to 4-5 months . To optimize this duration, it is recommended to regularly remove faded flowers by removing the entire stem by rotating followed by dry pulling.
Landscape applications and plant associations
Cyclamen is a versatile plant that blends harmoniously into various landscape designs, offering aesthetic and sustainable solutions for professionals. For flowerbeds, cyclamen brings color and elegance, particularly in temperate climates. In borders and rock gardens, it adapts perfectly thanks to its preference for well-drained soils and partial shade.
Naturalization and communities
Cyclamen has a good ability to naturalize under specific conditions. Planting in early fall allows for a good establishment before winter. Under optimal conditions, cyclamen can form colonies that gradually expand, offering a long-term landscape investment. This plant is very suitable for communities thanks to its relatively simple maintenance and moderate water requirements.
Complementary associations
Cyclamen pairs well with plants that share similar requirements:
- Wintergreen , whose colorful berries and compact foliage blend well together
- Fittonia , whose mosaic foliage adds a playful and graphic effect
- La Misère (Tradescantia), whose purple leaves contrast beautifully with the flowers
- Small bulbs such as Snowdrops and Eranthis , which form carpets of flowers
Multiplication and production cycle
The preferred method of propagating Cyclamen for professionals is by sowing , particularly for Cyclamen persicum. This method allows for the production of a large number of plants, which is essential for mass production. The cycle is relatively slow: it takes approximately 15 months after sowing to obtain adult, flowering plants.
Multiplication techniques
Germination generally takes 4 to 8 weeks at 15-20°C , but full bulb development and first flowering take a season or more. Propagation by tuber division is possible for some hardy species but remains marginal for mass production. Somatic embryogenesis (in vitro) represents a state-of-the-art technical alternative, requiring 9 to 12 months from ovule collection to acclimatized plant.
Life cycle and longevity
Cyclamen is a perennial plant capable of reblooming every year under good growing conditions. Thanks to its underground tuber, a well-maintained cyclamen can live and rebloom for more than 10 years , sometimes up to 15 years or more, if the tuber is protected from excess moisture.
Pests and diseases in professional cultivation
Although generally robust, Cyclamen can be affected by certain pests and diseases. Thrips are polyphagous insects that are very common, especially in greenhouses, causing deformations and silvery spots. Monitoring with blue glue traps and targeted phytosanitary treatments are necessary.
Main pests
- Otiorrhynques , especially their larvae, attack roots and tubers
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Tarsonemes thrive in humid, confined conditions, causing leaf deformations
Fungal diseases
Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) is favored by excessive moisture and poor aeration. Various bulb rots (Fusarium, Pythium) result from excess water or poor soil aeration. A well-drained substrate, respecting the planting depth and avoiding excess moisture are essential.
Production optimization and yield
Specialized companies grow their cyclamens on large areas. Early spacing and final spacing about 4 weeks after repotting are recommended for optimal cultivation. Watering should be moderate, light intensity 35,000 to 40,000 Lux , and fertigation should be regular with a balance of 1-0.7-2 and an EC of 0.8 mS/cm.
Forcing and off-season production
Cyclamen lends itself remarkably well to forcing, a widely used technique for achieving off-season flowering. Forcing artificially simulates seasonal conditions, involving a period of cold and darkness, followed by a gradual increase in temperature and exposure to light to induce flowering.
Influence of bulb size
Bulb size has a significant impact on production and quality. Extra-large cyclamens require a longer production time, approximately 5 to 10 weeks longer than standard sizes. Larger bulbs produce larger clumps and generally produce more flowers.
To summarize: Our Cyclamen tubers
The Cyclamen tubers offered by Bulbiverse meet the high expectations of plant professionals. As a specialist wholesale supplier of Cyclamen tubers , we select tubers of superior horticultural quality, from controlled crops to guarantee efficient production cycles. Their generous size allows for abundant flowering, with miniature or maxi varieties adapted to the needs of ornamental markets. Buying Cyclamen tubers from Bulbiverse means benefiting from a controlled origin, excellent hardiness for species such as Cyclamen hederifolium , and exceptional botanical characteristics such as marbled foliage and flowers with varied shapes. We provide a responsive technical and commercial service to support your projects: whether you are looking to buy Cyclamen tubers to naturalize green spaces or to grow in a greenhouse, our expertise guides you. As a specialist wholesale supplier of Cyclamen tubers , we deliver throughout France with regularity and reliability. Thanks to our wide range, you can buy Cyclamen tubers adapted to each production cycle. Finally, as a specialist wholesale supplier of Cyclamen tubers , we guarantee you long-term support to optimize your yields.
