Geraniums From Cuttings
Geraniums are hardy, easy to grow plants but they grow very slowly from seed. The fastest way to propagate them is from stem cuttings. By doing it now, I will have blooming plants by early summer.
I will be using this plant that I grew last summer in a hanging pot and brought inside in late fall. After a bit of pruning, I hung it in the kitchen window and watered it very sparingly...geraniums don't like wet soil and prefer to dry between waterings.
I prepared 2 pots of damp potting soil and poked 4 holes near the edges with a pencil.
Rooting hormone is not essential, but I had some so I will use it.
From the mother plant, I chose some small branches to cut off. The lower leaves are removed to allow an inch or so of bare stem for rooting.
The cuttings are dipped in water, then rooting hormone, and placed in the pots. After a small drink, they are ready to be placed in a warm place to develop roots.
From one plant purchased last summer, I will have 8 new plants this year if they all take. After the roots develop, I will repot them individually and place them out in the cold frame, until planting in the garden, or into hanging pots in the spring.
The mother plant looks a little sparse after the cuttings were taken, but she will put forth new growth in a few weeks.
I placed the cuttings on my kitchen window sill herb garden where I can keep a close eye on them.
Yes it is winter...and yes that is green grass out there in Nova Scotia 🇨🇦
Gardening in January is so good for a gardener's soul! Thanks for visiting. 🌻
There will certainly be a lot of pretty flowers around your homestead this summer!🌺
Growing plants from cuttings is just awesome! I have some Pelargoniums from last fall that did grow roots and look nice. I keep them outside since we don't have harsh winters and I am just waiting for them to speed up and bloom. I don't even know what colour they are :)
Quick question. There is any reason to plant the cuttings close to the pot edge? It is not the first time I see people mention it...
Yes! I learned this trick when propagating blueberry cuttings which also prefer dryish soil. It helps to keep the cuttings drier by being up against the pot instead of in the middle of the soil.
I just love getting free plants...seeds or cuttings..doesn't matter. Thanks for commenting. 🌻
Ahaaa... I didn't know that :) Thanks!
Free plants are the best! :D
Thanks for the info. I also have a geranium, maybe I'll follow your example and planted it)
Try it...I love getting free plants!
wonderful ideas!! thanks for sharing !
Plants that like to dry out between waterings - sounds ideal for a forgetful plant owner like me :D I think geraniums are very pretty but I have to admit that I'm not very fond of the smell.
True..same with marigolds...not fond of that smell either, but outside doesn't really matter. As long as geraniums have full sun and dryish soil they seem to do well...oh, and they like cool tems too!