A Detailed Guide to the Latest Propagation Methods for Pelargonium domesticum
Pelargonium domesticum, also known as large-flowered pelargonium, foreign butterfly, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Pelargonium in the family Geraniaceae. It is distributed in Africa and in Hubei and other places in mainland China, and has now been introduced and cultivated artificially. Its flowering period is usually July to August. Below, let us take a look at the propagation methods of Pelargonium domesticum!
Seed Propagation of Pelargonium domesticum
Seed propagation of Pelargonium domesticum can be carried out in both spring and autumn, with indoor pot sowing in spring being preferable. The suitable germination temperature is 20-25°C. Pelargonium seeds are not large, so after sowing the covering soil should not be deep, and they germinate in about 2-5 days. If sown in autumn, they can bloom in the summer of the following year. From seedlings grown by seed propagation, excellent intermediate-type varieties can be selected.
Cuttage Propagation of Pelargonium domesticum
Cuttage propagation of Pelargonium domesticum can be done at any time except when the plants are in a semi-dormant state from June to July, with spring and autumn being preferable. In summer, when temperatures are high, cuttings are prone to turning black and rotting. Choose cuttings 10 cm long, with those from the top being best, as they have vigorous growth and root quickly. After cutting the cuttings, let the cut ends dry for several days until a thin film forms, then insert them into a sand bed or a mixed substrate of expanded perlite and peat. Be careful not to damage the stem bark of the cuttings, otherwise the wounds are prone to rotting. After insertion, place them in a semi-shaded spot and maintain a room temperature of 13-18°C. After insertion, they root in 14-21 days, and when the roots are 3-4 cm long they can be potted. During the cuttage process, soaking the base of the cuttings in 0.01% indoleacetic acid solution for 2 seconds can increase the survival rate and rooting rate of cuttage. Generally, cuttage seedlings bloom after 6 months of cultivation, that is, cuttings taken in January bloom in June. Cuttings taken in October bloom in February to March of the following year.
Tissue Culture of Pelargonium domesticum
Pelargonium domesticum can also be propagated by tissue culture, using MS medium as the basic medium, adding 0.001% indoleacetic acid and kinetin to induce explants to produce callus and adventitious buds, and using 0.01% indoleacetic acid to promote rooting. The tissue culture method provides a new pathway for the breeding of superior varieties and the selection of new varieties of Pelargonium domesticum.