Hi TIA,

Cyrts can bloom any time of year. Often times they bloom in late fall/early winter. Others bloom early summer. Some bloom 4 times a year. My interspecifics are more sensitive to cold than the miniatas. They won't take more than 1-2C below freezing before the leaves show damage. The plant will probably survive mild short term temps below freezing, but the leaves might be ugly. As for chill requirements for bud formation, we really don't have good numbers on that. Most will bloom with mild temps well above freezing for 1-2 months. Others bloom while kept indoors year round. As far as I know, there isn't a problem with a 1-2 month dry period. Many believe that combined with the chill, it helps the plant bud the following season. Hopefully this helps.

Craig
Sacramento, CA