Geraniums

Zonal Geranium: The Zonal Geranium is the most common type of geranium. They are most commonly grown in containers and window boxes outdoors. They have branch stems, and their flowers are in small clusters. The leaves are green with a dark green hue stripethat resembles a horse shoe.

Martha Washington: Martha Washington Geraniums area also mainly used as container plants. The petals either have a colored stripe or are bicolored. The flower head is a larger size than that of a zonal geranium. They need a cooler temperature in order to bud so they are best if kept at an evening temperature of 60 degrees.

Ivy-Leaved Geraniums: The Ivy-Leaved Geranium is a vinelike plant. The flowers have narrower petals with less dense flower heads. It can grow to 3 feet or more in length.

Scented Geraniums: Scented Geraniums are not used for the flowers, but for the scent given off by the leaves. There are many types of fragrances including nutmeg, apple, and peppermint. They are used to make potpourri and flavorings. They are also used as houseplants.

Mosquito Geraniums: Mosquito geraniums were developed to give off the scent of citronella. It was developed by implanting genes. It is used a as natural mosquito repellant.

Growing Geraniums from seed: When growing geraniums from seed you should use a commercially prepared medium. Containers need to have adequate drainage and be clean. Also, if they were previously used they need to be disinfected. Fill the container within one inch of the top with soil. Water the soil and let sit for about seven hours. Lay the seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and cover with 1/8 inch of soil. Then partly submerge the container in water. Allow the container to drain and cover with a clear plastic top. When the first set of true leaves appear, transplant the seedlings to individual containers.

Propagating Geraniums: When propagating geraniums use a razor blade and cut 3 to 5 inch piece of geranium that includes 3 to 5 nodes. Remove all the leaves except the top two. Dip the bottom of the stem into a root hormone and space them 3 inches apart at a depth of ½ inch. Plant the geraniums in a container that is made up of 2 parts coarse sand to 1 part perlite. Once the new growth appears, signing that the plant has rooted, transfer them to individual pots that have a good drainage system.

References:

Geranium Culture for Home Gardeners

Geraniums

Growing Geraniums From Seed

Contact Information:

Shanna Hauck