Plant, maintain, multiply and more

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Plant geranium properly

The time window for planting in the bed opens at the beginning of May. Before starting, put the potted geranium with the root ball in water until no more air bubbles rise. In the sunny place, create small planting pits at a distance of 30-40 cm, which you excavate with compost and Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) enrich. In it you put the potted geranium While maintaining the previous planting depth, press the soil with your hands and water.

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Care tips

With the following care program you spur your Geraniums to a tireless flower festival until the first frost:

  • If the substrate is dry, water it moderately without causing waterlogging
  • Every 14 days in the bed fertilize with compost
  • Liquid fertilize balcony geraniums weekly from May to September
  • Clean up wilted flowers continuously

Do not throw away your most beautiful pelargonium at the end of the season, because it contains the floral power for multi-year growth. So that the wintering succeeds, cut your gem back by two thirds before the first frost. Then repot the plant in a potting soil-sand mix. In the dark location at 5-10 degrees Celsius, water from time to time.

Which location is suitable?

The pelargonium is considered a prime example of a floral sunbather. So treat your favorite summer flower to a sunny to partially shaded location, without accumulating heat of more than 30 degrees Celsius. The geranium is happy to let a mild breeze blow around the flowers and leaves. The pattering rain of course has a significant impact on the lavish floral dress.

What soil does the plant need?

In the bed, the pelargonium feels at home in well-drained, humus-rich and nutrient-rich soil that is often clayey. For cultivation in the tub and balcony box, we recommend a high quality one Potting soil with little peat. If you like to mix yourself, add 1 part each of compost and sand or to 2 parts of clayey soil Lava granules.(€ 14.00 at Amazon *)

When is the flowering time?

From May to October / November the pelargonium presents us with its abundant abundance of flowers. So that you don't run out of breath on this long way through the season, a weekly nutrient supply comes into focus. Since withered inflorescences hinder the buds below, clean them up as soon as possible. In this way, the well-groomed appearance is retained and the blossoms increase even further.

Cut the geranium correctly

Regularly cut off withered inflorescences during the summer. In this way you create space for new buds and save your pelargonium from the exhausting growth of seeds. If individual shoots get too long, they can easily be shortened. The geranium does not, of course, tolerate extensive pruning in the middle of the growth phase. If wintering is planned, cut the plant by two thirds just before the first frost. At least 2 eyes should linger on the individual shoot, from which the ornamental plant will sprout again in the next season.

Pour geranium

Geraniums require a constant supply of fresh irrigation water, but don't like wet feet at all. Only water your pelargonium when you have determined that the surface of the earth has dried on by means of a finger test. Avoid overhead irrigation, instead pour the water directly onto the root ball in the early morning or in the evening.

Fertilize geranium properly

The pelargonium is grateful for a continuous supply of nutrients during the growth and flowering period. Bedding plants receive a portion of compost with horn shavings every 14 days from May to August. In the tub and balcony box you pamper your geraniums weekly with a commercially available liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.

Overwinter

The majority of the non-hardy pelargonium in German hobby gardens is disposed of after a single summer season. In fact, the magnificent flower has the potential to be cultivated for several years. Proceed as follows to ensure that wintering is successful:

  • Before the first frost, cut off all shoots by two thirds and remove all leaves
  • Remove the plants from the earth, shake them off well and place them in clay pots with a mixture of potting soil and sand
  • In a dark location at 5-10 degrees Celsius, keep it slightly moist and do not fertilize

In February / March, cut the geraniums back to 10 cm again, with each cut starting just above a bud. Now plant your winter guests in fresh substrate and care for them on the bright, warm windowsill until mid-May.

Propagate geranium

Pelargonium is best propagated with cuttings. In July and August or March, cut off strong, non-flowering shoots with a sharp knife. The cut starts just below a leaf knot. Remove any buds and leaves in the lower half. The cuttings are placed 2-3 cm deep in small pots filled with special pots Potting soil. In the partially shaded, warm place, keep the substrate constantly slightly moist while your pupils are busily rooting.

Geranium in the pot

In the pot, it is primarily the upright zonal geraniums that stand out in an impressive manner. Use a nutrient-rich, well-drained potting soil, optimized with sand or Lava granules. Place a few potsherds over the water drain as drainage. Since the water requirement increases proportionally to the growth, it is best to check daily whether the substrate is dry. Pour only until the first drops run out of the bottom opening and empty the coaster after a few minutes. From May to September, give a standard liquid fertilizer for flowering plants every week. So that withered, fallen petals don't spoil the lush appearance, brush out the faded every few days.

Is geranium poisonous?

The geranium is not poisonous for children or adults; at least in relation to intentional or unintentional consumption. Skin contact with the plant sap can lead to a rash and inflammation. We therefore recommend wearing gloves for all planting and maintenance work. Pelargonium poses a deadly danger to small rodents such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. Keep your furry roommates away from the summer flowers and never give the leaves as green fodder.

Nice varieties

  • Lemon Fancy: Pelargonium with an intense fragrance, pink flowers and a tightly upright, broad, bushy habit; 45-50 cm
  • Romania: Abundant flowering variety with unfilled white, pink-striped flowers; with a height of 20 cm ideal for flower boxes
  • Ville de Paris: Lush hanging geranium whose red cascades of flowers attract everyone's attention; up to 100 cm in length
  • Marena: Evergreen zonal pelargonium with salmon pink flowers and a majestic silhouette; 30-50 cm high, 40-60 cm wide
  • Witchwood: Premium variety with two-tone flowers in light pink and purple, suitable for overwintering; 40 cm