Tender perennials grown as tender
annuals north of Zone 8, these are the much loved bright geraniums seen on
windowsills, on terraces and in gardens everywhere. Most are varieties of
Pelargonium x hortorum (zonal geranium), which forms a large, shrubby plant in
frost free climates but grows about two feet tall in colder ones. The large
flower clusters can be red, pink, salmon, orange or white. Martha Washington
geraniums (P. domesticum) are shorter, with pink, red or white flowers. The
flowers in each cluster are large, rather like those of azaleas, often with a
blotch of a darker shade. Ivy geranium (P. peltatum) is a trailing plant often
used in window boxes. There are also a number of species grown less for their
flowers than for their leaves; these have various scents such as apple and
lemon and are popular in herb garden.
Well, if you want to grow
Geranium then seeds can be sown indoors in later winter or early spring in soil
kept warm for better germination. Growing from seed can be slow, and therefore
several gardeners prefer to buy a few plants the first year, and then take
cutting each year for next year crop or for a supply of bright houseplants in
winter. On the other hand, growing from seed is apt to produce plants that are
free from the diseases that cause leaves to yellow. These diseases may be
carried over if geraniums are propagated from cuttings. Seeds of a number of
hybrids are now available.
Geraniums are warm weather plants
and relatively drought tolerant, but intense heat can be fatal to them, and
cool nights are best. Martha Washington geraniums need a period of cool weather
to bloom and thus are not satisfactory for hot climates. All like full sun but
can take a bit of shade, especially in hot areas. Plant in not overly fertile
as well drained soil, 12 to 15 inches apart in the garden. Cut them back to
half their height in later winter or early spring in climates where they are
perennial. Give pot grown geraniums plenty of light so they will not be leggy.
Often a large pot with several plants looks best.
Source: Charismatic Planet
