How to grow geraniums? Garden enthusiasts share their growing experience

Geranium, also called pelargonium, is a succulent herb. In the West, it is usually used to decorate windowsills. Its petals are arranged in an umbel shape, the flowers are fairly densely clustered, and the flower colors come in many varieties: red, white, and pink. Geraniums can be grown outdoors or indoors. Today let us take a look at how to grow geraniums.

Garden enthusiasts share their experience of growing geraniums:

1. The garden enthusiast's home is in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area, on a 3rd-floor balcony. In summer, the highest temperature is often between 35-40°C, lasting for as long as 1.5 months, and in winter the lowest is between minus 3-7°C.

2. Medium: Dahan or Pindstrup peat with perlite in any ratio; base fertilizer: fermented pig manure fertilizer; liquid fertilizer: Biwang and Bikaihua, mixed in a little when watering; sometimes some slow-release granular fertilizer such as Osmocote is applied.

3. For getting through summer, follow the principle of watering thoroughly once the soil has dried out. Of course, this does not mean waiting until it is completely bone-dry before watering, but rather watering thoroughly once the pot feels very light when lifted, usually watering 2-3 times. This is because the first watering mostly just runs straight through; watering several times ensures the soil fully absorbs the water. During the high summer temperatures, place it on a north balcony. Because it is the 3rd floor, ventilation is quite good, and with an awning above, it generally will not get rained on except during thunderstorms. (Getting through summer is basically about ventilation, shelter from rain, less watering, and airy soil.) Also, before summer arrives, the pot must not be too large; this year, because of greed, several plants in large pots died. Also, my north balcony gets basically direct sunlight after 2 p.m., so the temperature is not low at all; it is basically above 37°C, even 38°C-40°C, and that is still with a shade net.

4. Backing up small seedlings before summer is essential, and the seedlings must be backed up early; it is best to have them ready before May, otherwise the seedlings from June will probably not survive the hot summer. Stop fertilizing in summer. Apply a handful of slow-release fertilizer before summer arrives.

5. During the peak growing season, pinching geraniums is very necessary; complete the pinching before flower buds form. Generally, by around March there is no need to pinch anymore. May is the peak flowering period.

6. After flowering, prune lightly; do not prune too severely, since summer is coming soon, and cutting too much easily causes withering. Wait until autumn for heavier pruning; this is safer.

Expanded knowledge - the value of geraniums:

I. Medicinal value

The scent is sweet and slightly heavy, a bit like rose, and also slightly like mint.

Historical clinical records: it was once used to treat cholera and bone injuries, and also had an exorcism effect.

Effects: stops bleeding, constricts blood vessels, asthma, liver detoxification, gallstones, kidney detoxification, kidney stones, diuresis, muscle soreness, oily skin, revitalizing aging skin, herpes, pale skin, weight loss, promoting scarring, eczema, burns and sunburn, ringworm, irregular menstruation, breast congestion and inflammation, relieving depression and restlessness, driving away evil spirits, tonifying the body, deodorizing, antibacterial, sterilizing, quitting smoking [and] alcohol.

Precautions: may irritate certain sensitive skin. It can regulate hormones, so it is best not to use it during pregnancy.

1. Psychological effects

Geranium is a tonic for the nervous system; it can soothe anxiety and depression and also lift the mood. It helps the mind regain balance, and because it can also affect the adrenal cortex, it can relieve stress.

2. Physiological effects

1) Geranium essential oil has the function of stimulating the lymphatic system and promoting diuresis. These two functions can reinforce each other and help the body quickly and effectively eliminate excess body fluids. It can be used to treat cellulite, fluid retention, and ankle swelling; it can help the liver and kidneys detoxify; it can treat jaundice, kidney stones, and various urinary tract infections; it can also help many women reduce the symptoms of premenstrual fluid retention.

2) Geranium essential oil has the function of cleansing mucosal tissues and can relieve the discomfort of gastroenteritis.

3) Geranium essential oil can effectively kill bacteria in the mouth and throat, so when there is a sore throat, throat inflammation, or gum infection, it can be added to throat gargles and mouthwash.

4) Improves premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems.

5) Geranium is an aromatic insect repellent.

II. Beauty value

Geranium is suitable for all kinds of skin conditions because it can balance sebum secretion and make the skin plump. It may be beneficial for eczema, burns, shingles, herpes, ringworm, and chilblains. It is also very good for sagging skin, clogged pores, and oily skin, and can be called an all-around cleansing oil. Because geranium can promote blood circulation, after use it makes pale skin more rosy and energetic. Used in an aroma lamp or as a towel compress, it can stimulate the lymphatic system and strengthen the circulatory system.

1. Use of pure essential oil

Added to facial care products, it can effectively treat acne. Used in an aroma lamp or as a towel compress, it can stimulate the lymphatic system, strengthen the circulatory system, and also help with gastritis and colitis.

Compatibility: Essential oils suitable for blending with it include: basil, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, neroli, sweet orange, petitgrain, rose, rosemary, and sandalwood. Chamomile enhances its therapeutic effect. Juniper can strengthen its sweet scent.

2. Hypnosis formula

After mixing geranium, grapefruit, and lavender in a specific ratio and dripping it by the pillow, it will be the most magical sleep-aiding and soothing magic essential oil blend. It not only has a calming and soothing effect, but can also drive away any mosquitoes that would disturb your sleep, and its fragrance can bring you a good dream! The microparticles released by geranium can cause skin allergies and itching.

Precautions: may irritate the skin; avoid using the pure essential oil on the skin. It can regulate hormones; do not use during pregnancy.

III. Ornamental value

Geraniums have strong adaptability, bright flower colors, and a long flowering period, and are suitable for indoor placement, flowerbed arrangements, and so on.

The above is the relevant introduction in this article. I believe that after reading it you also have a simple understanding of this. If needed, you can continue to follow No.1 Home Network to learn more information.