The only downside to this is that if you pot it into moist compost then it may start the plant into growth before you really want it to. Zone 10 is too hot for them, and Zone 4 is generally too cold, although some gardeners grow them by covering the beds with a winter mulch such as salt hay or wood chips. See the Plant Hardiness Zone Map . In this country they blossom, according to their species, in spring or fall. Flowers of every species bloom for many weeks.
Most species lose their foliage for a brief period each year, usually in midsummer.
Plant the tubers in midsummer, spacing them 6 to 8 inches apart. Set growing plants 12 to 18 inches apart with the tubers half above the soil level. Discard after flowering. The large-flowered cyclamens, with bright 2 to 4 inch blossoms are well known to most gardeners, but not everyone is as familiar with the charming little wild species of cyclamens that may be grown in gardens throughout most of the country. During this dormant period the plant remains in the form of a subterranean tuber, which is in fact a swollen root.