If you want to learn how to start geranium cuttings, then you’re in luck. geraniums, aka pelargoniums, are among the most popular types of house and garden plants out there. They’re practically easy to grow and care for because aside from the fact that they’re tough, these plants are also prolific.
Geraniums are usually cultivated during spring and autumn – primarily if they’re grown from cuttings. When you start your geraniums from cuttings, you can be sure that the plant you’re growing will be exactly the same as its parent plant. So, if you’re looking to replicate one of the best geranium plants in your garden or hobby greenhouse, the best thing for you to do is to start them from cuttings.
Contrary to what others may think, growing geraniums doesn’t necessarily require a green thumb. No matter what color your thumb is, you’ll soon discover that the process of cultivating these plants is relatively easy. However, you’ll need to do a little bit of research so that you’ll know how to give them the care that they need in order to thrive well. Check out the details below on how you can grow and start your geraniums from cuttings.
Starting Geraniums from Cuttings
What makes geraniums great is that they do not have a dormant period. This means that they can grow their flowers all year long, no matter the season. This also means that you can propagate them anytime. However, for best results, it’s better to start growing them during spring and autumn.
Here are a few of the steps you can follow when growing your geraniums from cuttings:
Step #1. Take geranium cuttings from the parent plant
To ensure that you take the best cutting, you need to take it when the plant is in its full bloom. While you’re at it, use sharp garden shears when you’re cutting above the node.
In case you’re wondering, the node refers to that swelling or bulge on the stem. Taking your cuttings from here would also encourage the mother plant to grow new branches.
Step #2. Pot the cutting
Once you have the cutting, the next step is to pot it in a warm, damp, sterile soil and place the pot in an area where the plant can get direct sunlight. In most cases, herbicide and fungicide are not needed.
Step #3. Water your cuttings thoroughly
Water your germanium cuttings thoroughly, especially when the soil looks and feels dry. One important thing to remember is to avoid getting water on the actual cutting. Water the soil only until it’s moist.
You should see your cuttings develop roots within three days after transplanting, but it may take longer if the weather is cold. Once the roots have been established, you will soon see the top forming. The best way to test if the roots have established successfully is to tug the plant lightly, and if it stays in place, you’re good to go.
Geranium Growing Tips
To ensure success in growing geranium cuttings, follow these three care tips:
Care Tip #1. Fertilize
Geraniums only require light feeding or fertilization. Too much feeding of your plant will result in foliage blooming and fewer blooms appearing. The best fertilizer for your geranium is a mixture of 2 tablespoons of 20-20-20 fertilizer and 1 gallon of water applied on the plants every three weeks throughout the plant’s growing season.
Care Tip #2. Deadhead your geraniums
Geraniums don’t necessarily need pruning, but they do need periodic deadheading or removing spent flowers and leaves on your plant. This is important to avoid pests and encourage more production in your plant.
Care Tip #3. Use fungicides to get rid of pests
The majority of horticultural tests avoid geraniums, but they are still susceptible to pests like botrytis and other fungal infestations, especially if the weather is cold. If your geraniums are infested with pests, treat it immediately with commercial fungicides.
Growing Geraniums on Greenhouses
One of the best avenues to grow your geraniums is inside the greenhouse. If you want to enjoy the best quality geraniums, store them inside the greenhouse to ensure that they will grow in an optimal environment. Here are three benefits of growing your geraniums inside the greenhouse:
Benefit #1. Protection from frost
Although geraniums grow all season, they won’t be able to tolerate frost. If you live in an area where the winter temperature can go down to freezing, having a greenhouse will ensure that your geraniums avoid the frost. You can also alter the temperature inside the greenhouse so that your geraniums will be growing at a temperature that’s optimal for their growth.
Benefit #2. Protection from strong winds
Hurricanes and typhoons can bring about strong winds, and when your geranium is not protected, it can easily be uprooted and destroyed. With a sturdy and enclosed greenhouse, plants inside the greenhouse will have full protection. This will also ensure that your geraniums will grow sturdy and strong.
Benefit #3. Protection from pest
Among the best benefits of growing geranium in greenhouses is the avoidance of pest infestations. If the plans outside have been infested, you can store your geraniums inside your greenhouse to keep them from getting the same disease.
How to Start Geranium Cuttings Successfully: Conclusion
With its beautiful and colorful blooms, geraniums can be a lovely addition to your collection of plants. Now that you know how to start geranium cuttings, you can begin propagating the parent plants and get the exact clone of it. For best results, grow your geraniums inside a greenhouse to enjoy healthy flowers in full bloom.