Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Geraniums, also known as "pelargoniums", can be easily propagated from cuttings in the spring and fall. The great thing about growing from cuttings is that you can keep the species of the mother plant and that you are assured of an abundance of fresh flowers.

To step

1. Choose the best time. Early spring and late summer are best, but any time in the spring, summer and early fall will provide healthy cuttings. Early cuttings will bloom in the summer, while later cuttings will produce larger plants that will be ready to bloom the following summer.
2. Choose a healthy plant. Choose shoots that look healthy and that do not bloom. (It is possible to use flowering shoots if you have no other choice, but it is better to avoid these.)
3. Take cuttings. Use a clean scalpel or a sharp knife (secateurs can damage the shoots) and cut the shoot to a length of about 7.5-10 cm. If the plant is very small, you can halve that length. Cut just above a leaf axil (node).
4. Prune the cutting to just below the node. Remove the lower leaves and scales at the base of the petioles. Leave at least two leaves at the top.
5. Decide whether or not you will help the cutting. Rooting powder is not necessary for geraniums and can even hinder their growth. Some recommend dipping the cutting in honey - the choice is yours.
6. Prepare the growing pots. Fill each pot with peat-based cutting or seed compost. If you can't find it, make a mixture with equal parts peat and sharp sand.
   • Size of the pots: It is recommended that you use a pot of about 3 inches for individual cuttings, or 5 inches two to five cuttings.
7. Make holes in the soil mixture with your finger or with a pencil. Near the edges is best for drainage.
8. Insert the cuttings carefully.
9. Water the cutting to make sure the compost is moist. You need to water very little to avoid flooding the cuttings and prevent botrytis from growing.
10. Put in a warm place. The cuttings need heat to take root. Preferably use a heat mat or grow box, but a sunny windowsill will also do the job as long as the cuttings are kept out of direct sunlight (choose the location of the house without direct sunlight), or a shady window. If the cuttings get bottom heating then cold air won't make much of a difference.
11. Water sparingly as the roots develop, especially when the cuttings show signs of wilting. Keep the compost as dry as possible. Do your best to avoid getting water on the cuttings themselves. With some varieties you can see roots appearing within three days, others take longer. It will also take longer if the air is cool. New growth at the top will appear once the roots form. If you gently push the cutting aside, it will stay in place (thanks to the new roots).
    • If you have planted multiple cuttings in a pot, move them to individual pots once they develop their roots.
    • Rooting should begin approximately one to four weeks after taking the cuttings.

Tips

• Use heat from below to encourage rooting.

Warnings

• Never keep the compost wet, as this increases the risk of rotting.

Necessities

• Scalpel or sharp knife
• Geranium plants
• Compost
• Warm place
• Water
• Honey (optional)
• Pots