Monthly Management Methods and Care Tips for Geraniums

Family and genus: Geraniaceae, Pelargonium.

Scientific name: Pelargonium hortorum.

Common names: hydrangea geranium, butterfly pelargonium, paraffin red.

Habits: Geraniums originate from southern Africa and are perennial herbaceous plants that prefer warm, humid environments. They are not cold-tolerant, nor heat-tolerant; the optimal growing temperature from March to September is 13-19°C, and the winter temperature is 10-12°C. They like ample sunlight, fear exposure to blazing sun in summer, and prefer a semi-shaded environment. They fear waterlogging but are somewhat tolerant of drought. They require fertile, loose, well-drained soil.

January: Place in a sunny spot to prevent damage. Water on clear days, preferably at noon; avoid using snow water or cold water.

February: Apply a thin liquid fertilizer once every 2 weeks, appropriately increase watering, and pay attention to ventilation on fine days.

March: Cutting propagation can be done in conjunction with pruning. For cuttings, select vigorous one-year-old branches from mother plants that bloom frequently, are of pure variety, and grow well. Each cutting should be 4-6 cm long with 2-3 nodes; remove the lowest leaf, place in a cool place for one day, and insert after the cut surface has dried. Choose sandy soil on high, dry terrain with good drainage, deep-plow and rake it level to make a seedbed, then mix 60% yellow mud with 40% rice husk ash and spread it on the seedbed for cuttings.

April: Continue cutting propagation. For seed propagation, since the seeds are not large, do not cover with soil too deeply; after sowing, keep warm at 20-25°C, and germination can occur about 2 weeks after sowing. After cuttings have rooted, they should be potted up promptly. Use a potting mix of 1 part humus soil, 1 part rice husk ash, and 1 part garden soil, plus some bone meal and phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer. April to June is the full bloom period; apply a thin liquid fertilizer once a week. In late April, they can be moved outdoors for growing. When seedlings are 12-15 cm tall, pinch the tips to encourage side branches.

May: After flowers fade, promptly cut off spent flowers. When cutting, it is best to cut 3-4 cm from the first leaf below the flower stalk, to help reduce nutrient consumption and promote new flower growth. Do well in fertilizing, watering, and pest and disease control. Seeds mature 40-50 days after flowering and should be harvested promptly, dried, and stored.

June: As the flowering period ends, short pruning should be carried out to make the plant short, sturdy, rounded, and attractive. Do not water or fertilize for one week after pruning, so the cut surfaces shrink and dry, avoiding rot from moisture. By late June, the plant enters a semi-dormant state; it should be placed in a cool, shaded area, watering should be controlled, and fertilizing stopped.

July: Water mainly in the early morning each day, supplemented in the evening; water when dry. After rain, drain promptly, and never allow water to accumulate in the pot.

August: Autumn cutting propagation can be carried out. Geraniums grow rapidly and need repotting every year, replacing the soil and heavy pruning, leaving about 10 cm at the base. Also appropriately trim some longer fibrous roots, and properly remove excess shoots from the upper part.

September: Continue cuttings. They grow rapidly; apply a thin liquid fertilizer about once every 10 days, and do not splash it onto the leaves when fertilizing.

October: Flowering begins and lasts until June of the following year. Be careful to place them in a wind-sheltered, sunny spot to prevent cold air invasion. In late October, move into the greenhouse and pay attention to ventilation.

November: Ensure ample sunlight, control watering, fertilize promptly, strengthen ventilation, and prevent pest and disease problems.

December: Room temperature must not be lower than 5°C; do not water unless dry, and promptly remove spent flowers and dead leaves.