Growing Cyclamen
As with just about any plant, tips on growing cyclamen can be gleaned by studying their native habitat. Cyclamen have evolved as Mediterranean plants. They go dormant during the summer months, when it is extremely hot and dry. They sprout leaves and flowers as cool, humid weather starts. Most flower in autumn, winter or spring, and go dormant as the summer becomes hotter and hotter. In mild summer areas, they don't go dormant. Sometimes this means they don't flower well.
Of course, each cyclamen species is unique, and there are exceptions to these rules. Cyclamen purpurascens is a forest plant which will flower through July, August, September and often into October when planted in the shade. In sunny areas, it will only bloom in July and then give up.
Hardiness of Cyclamen
Quite a few are very hardy, but none are at their best during cold snaps. The hardiest ones, like C. hederifolium and C. coum will look as if they've given up and turned to black mush during the coldest periods in Zone 6 and below, but will recover, their tubers being unscathed by frost or snow. Other species may have their leaves 'cut back' by minimal frost in regions as warm as zone 8, but the tuber will live on happily provided they are not planted at the surface, or if mulched with leaves or evergreen boughs. With regards to hardiness and climate, don't worry. I have provided a list of hardy cyclamen, indicated how hardy they are, and hyperlinked to an excellent page on cultivating them below.
Baking Cyclamen
Some cyclamen need a really hot, dry period in order to come out of dormancy well. This treatment is normally referred to as "baking" by serious cyclamen enthusiasts. For this reason, some cyclamen are only good in full sun in mild-summer regions, such as the Pacific Northwest of America and most regions of Great Britain.
Cyclamen Soil Likes and Dislikes
Growing avidly in the Dolomite Mountains, cyclamen like a slightly alkaline soil. Other soil requirements include excellent drainage to avoid rotting tubers. Standing puddles are definitely not tolerated. They like competing with other roots, and grow well under trees and shrubs, where they have to compete for moisture. The cover provided by trees and shrubs will also help them to withstand cold winters, regardless of whether those neighbours lose their leaves or not. All appreciate sand, grit or pumice. The woodland types enjoy leaf litter and composted bark.
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