Guide to growing Geranium - Pelargonium
Gardeners love to grow Pelargonium species as they have long lasting blooms of white, red, orange, pink or varicolored flowers.
They are half hardy perennials that are normally grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
They bloom from the second half of spring through to the first frost of winter and range in height from 15cm to over a metre. The common name used for Pelargonium is Geranium.
How to grow Geranium
It is probably best to start off Geranium from seed indoors unless you live in a warm area. The seeds should be sown about two months before the last frost of spring is expected. The seeds of Geranium should be lightly covered and germinated in the light at 21 to 24 degrees centigrade. Once growing the young plants should be cut back. It should take from less than a week to three weeks for Geranium to germinate. Once ready transplant the young Geraniums outdoors from 30 to 45cm apart in mid spring following the last frost of spring. In general most Geraniums prefer to grow in sunny conditions; the exception being variegated Geranium species; these should be grown in lightly shaded areas. They like to grow in moist soil that has good drainage. Best results are gained from using a rich soil of pH 6 to 7, but this is not essential as Geraniums will grow in an ordinary soil fairly successfully.
Maintaining and propagating Geraniums
Once growing it is important to keep the soil that Geraniums grow in moist by regular watering. They will also require to be fed once a month with a liquid fertiliser. For best results dead head the old flowers to maintain a glorious blooming display. Geraniums do not like the cold so it is best to bring them indoors in the winter. During their period indoors the soil should be kept slightly moist, but do not over water them. To propagate Geraniums take cutting with five leaves; strip the bottom leaves to leave a cutting with two leaves and plant in a pot; next cover the pot with a plastic bag to create humidity. Leave be until roots have formed then remove the plastic bag and grow / transplant into the garden when ready.