Rules, useful tips and secrets of growing geraniums from seeds
Recently, growing geraniums from seeds has become increasingly popular. Compared to conventional cuttings, seed propagation has a high percentage of germination, and the plant itself takes on the appearance of a small compact bush, abundantly dotted with flower caps.
It is these varieties of geranium (F1), grown from seeds, that were obtained by breeders in the early 70s of the last century. Unlike previous species, they have the ability to bloom year-round and have various shades - from white, light lilac to dark red, even acquiring two-tone colors.
Content:
- Growing geraniums with seeds - what to look for
- Sowing time, soil and location when growing geraniums
- Growing geraniums from seeds - diseases of sprouts
- Transplanting a sprout when growing geranium from seeds
Growing geraniums with seeds - what to look for
When purchasing a bag of seeds at the market or in a store, you first need to pay attention to the variety and appearance of the flower. As a rule, sold seeds are already prepared for planting and are ready for sowing without scarification - the hard shell is peeled.
But if seeds from home-grown plants are selected for planting, then their surface must be slightly sanded to remove the hardened leathery layer. This will make it possible to quickly and simultaneously seedling growthV.
The main thing you need to know to grow geranium from seeds is:
- Sowing time.
- Soil for sowing.
- Place for keeping seedlings.
- Care and germination time.
- Picking.
- Replanting a grown plant.
Sowing time, soil and location when growing geraniums
Experienced breeders say that there is no specific time for sowing for geraniums, if sprouts are given in autumn and winter necessary lighting. However, the best time for cultivation is still considered to be the period from mid-November to mid-April, when the length of daylight hours increases along with the growing seedlings.
When starting planting, you need to prepare special containers or boxes filled with a substrate consisting of turf, sand and peat (2:1:1) or peat with perlite (1:1). Sometimes seeds are planted in peat soil with sand (1:1), which also gives good results if the seedlings are properly cared for.
The grains are laid out at a distance of 5 cm from each other, sprinkled with a thin layer of soil and sprayed with settled water at room temperature. The top layer of soil should not exceed 0.5 cm, and during the entire growing process it is necessary to ensure that it is always slightly moist. The container is covered with plastic film or glass.
Optimal living conditions are considered to be a bright place, without direct exposure to open sunlight. This stimulates the growth of a strong root system and strong stem. Sprouts will appear within two weeks if the room temperature is maintained in the range of 18 - 23C.
Growing geraniums from seeds - diseases of sprouts
Growing geranium from seeds, even with 100% emergence of sprouts, can be accompanied by various diseases. The most common and most destructive disease of small seedlings is “black leg”.
Therefore, when purchasing seeds, you need to pay attention to their appearance. Today on the floriculture market you can find three types of seeds for sowing:
- Scarified seeds
- Natural seeds
- Seeds in a shell containing antifungal agents, nourishing and accelerating the growth of seedlings
And, despite the fact that the cost of natural untreated seeds is much cheaper, in this case it will be very difficult for them to emerge from physiological dormancy. The germination process is lengthy and, as a result, seedlings are weak and susceptible to disease.
Seeds with a shell, without pre-treatment or soaking, are immediately planted in prepared soil in containers or pots, not planted or fertilized. To prevent fungal diseases, the soil must be calcined for half an hour in the oven or treated with a manganese solution. After calcination, you can plant the seeds without waiting for the soil to cool.
To prevent root rotting, you need to regularly and very carefully monitor the condition of the soil cover. Geranium, which loves moisture very much, however, should not be in constantly stagnant water, as well as in overdried soil.
Transplanting a sprout when growing geranium from seeds
A month after sowing the seeds, when the second and third leaves begin to appear on the stem, the plant must be pruned and transplant into separate flowerpots. It is very important for the plant not to miss this moment in order to prevent the roots from intertwining with each other, which often leads to its rupture when picking.
The diameter of the pots should not be more than 10 cm. And after replanting the plant, you need to take care of feeding it with mineral microfertilizers. Both are possible 10-15 days after planting young plants in pots, when the root system and stem have completely strengthened in the new place.
Watering after transplantation should be done using a watering can with a narrow spout, and on cloudy days add light using lighting fixtures. If the seedling lacks light, the lower leaves will begin to turn yellow and fall off. Timely removal of a leaf that has begun to turn yellow will prevent mold from appearing in this area of the stem.
When the geranium begins to “gather” a leaf, you need to pinch it already above the 6-7th leaf. This will ensure that side shoots grow and growth stops. But, if there is a need to grow a tall plant with a long and strong stem, the moment of pinching can be postponed.
In the second half of May, when the threat of frost has completely passed, containers with sprouts can be taken outside. The seedlings are installed in a bright place and completely undergo a period of adaptation to outdoor living conditions.
Geranium begins to bloom 3-4 months after sowing, but for this, after an adaptation period, it is advisable to transplant into a flowerbed or special street flower beds with drainage. Until the first frost, this beautiful plant, grown by you from seeds, will delight you with its bright and colorful blooms!
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Comments
For some reason, the flower from the seeds turns out to be very weak. Only in the 2nd year of its growth after transplantation does the geranium begin to grow normally. For those who want to get a stronger plant, it is easier to use the cutting method.
I used to always think that geranium was something ordinary, uninteresting red. Now look at all the different colors of geraniums! eyes wide open! I want everything at once. And the best method for starting geraniums is to plant the petiole, not the seeds.