The cyclamen is primarily known as a flowering houseplant. This lovely flower has also been available as a cut variant for a number of years. We visited the Van der Does nursery. Wendy gave us a nice tour and told us everything about this trendy cut flower and its special characteristics.

 

Cutting cyclamen

Nursery Van der Does is a family business, which started in 1968 with the cultivation of cucumbers. Over the years, this crop has been replaced by cyclamen and other pot plants that combine well with the different seasons.

Since 2009, the company has also been growing cyclamen as cut flowers. The cut cyclamen is a crop that the company is particularly proud of. They are the only grower in the Netherlands who market this product in this way.

The cut cyclamen is a product that has actually been around for a long time, but has not been put on the market. In the past, the first flowers were taken from the plant to induce a better growth pattern in the plant. The second phase yields far more flowers. In 2007/2008, breeder Morel once pointed out the possibility of supplying these cyclamen as a cut product and this worked out very well.

 

In the spotlights

Wendy tells us that the flower is not yet well known by florists and consumers. And that is unfortunate according to her, because it is actually a very gratifying flower. Though unexpected, with the right care this cheerful appearance will last for at least two weeks.

Van der Does grows no less than 9 varieties of cut cyclamen, each equally beautiful. Because the product as a cut variant is already very exclusive, we have opted not to highlight a specific variety, but to put the cut cyclamen in the spotlight. Van der Does supplies the cyclamen per variety, but also mixed and we think that is really fantastic to work with as a florist.

Because the flower is very strong, it can be processed incredibly well in small vases for various catering establishments. But because of its lovely and delicate appearance, it is also very suitable for bridal work. In a beautiful hand-tied bouquet, she really steals the show (preferably not wired, that will affect the vase life). In addition, she also smells very nice and provides a wonderful added value to this special day. At home, for instance in a collection of different vases on the table, she radiates warmth! Opportunities abound, with which this flower can show its charms.

 

Care

There are a few special care tips to keep a cut cyclamen as long as possible. Wendy explains that it is important that the cyclamen (just like all other flowers) gets a clean vase with clean water. Unlike most flowers however, the cut cyclamen does not like cut flower food. And she does not like sharing a vase with flowers that release many bacteria in the water. Don’t use bleach in the water, but rather change the water every few days. This will considerably prolong the vase life.

It is important that the stem is cut a little vertically. That way the stem absorbs the water optimally, this also improves the vase life.

Cyclamen lose a lot of their vase life if they are processed on oasis, or wired (for example in bridal work).

Read here the instruction with pictures.

 

Not every cyclamen can be used for producing the cut variety. The plants are selected for high quality and they have to bloom abundantly, give large flowers with the right length.  Daily care is in the hands of "our Henk" as Wendy calls him laughingly. Henk is a real "plant man" who walks through the crops every day and keeps a close eye on everything.

 

Medicinal effect

The cyclamen grows in different places in the world, but the largest numbers can be found in the Mediterranean. She likes dry, wooded land in a mountainous area. In ancient times, the cyclamen was known primarily for its medicinal properties and was used in various medicines. In Europe the cyclamen became known in the 16th century, where it was grown in the botanical gardens of the English Queen Elisabeth.

 

Headstrong plant

The cyclamen is a root vegetable, and a little stubborn, a true diva among the plants. She wants to have space, not too close to another plant. She wants slightly moist soil and prefers to drink water from the dish. If the soil gets too wet at, there is a good chance that the tuber will rot. It takes about half a year for the cyclamen to give its first flowers. If the flower is well developed and the stem is thick and long enough (+/- 25 cm), it will be twisted out of the tuber. This twisting  prevents the tuber from being damaged. After that it takes about a week before a new flower appears. This can be harvested again after ten days.

 

Different packaging

Lisamarie, Lucie, Nicolette, Catherine, Babette, Leonie, Pauline, Cecile en Renee are the nine different varieties that Van der Does supplies as a cut flower. Each species is unique and they are all equally charming.

It is possible to buy the cyclamen in a water cup; the cyclamen will already be incised and can be delivered on water. The cyclamen can also be supplied in a small box. The flowers are then packed with care, so that the chance of damage is minimal. Because this packaging is without water, a description is provided with how the cyclamen can best be cared for.

 

FloraPodium, 7 November 2019