Expand your collection for free with this easy way to propagate geraniums for containers and garden beds.
Geraniums are a favorite for filling a planter,hanging basket, or garden bed with brightly-colored flowers.
Although typically grown as annuals, geraniums (Pelargonium) are perennials in their native range in southern Africa.
Credit:BHG / Sydney Saporito
But these plants won’t survive winter if you live somewhere colder thanUSDA hardiness zones 10 or 11.
BHG / Sydney Saporito
When Should I Take a Cutting of My Geranium?
Early spring and late summer are the best times to take a cutting of your geraniums.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
This is when the plant tends not to be in full bloom.
Even though this is the ideal time, a cutting can be taken whenever you want.
It can take cuttings a few months to begin producing blooms.
The ideal cutting will come from a branch that’s healthy and strong.
Skip stems with discolored or wilted leaves.
Don’t go for spindly, weak stems, and avoid the oldest branches, too.
Aim to get a cutting that’s 4 to 6 inches in length.
Any longer and the cutting won’t root well.
If the cutting does survive, it willbecome a leggy plant with less foliage.
You don’t want to submerge any leaves in water, which could cause them to rot.
Add Stem to Water
Place your cutting in asmall jar or vasewith the cut side down.
Change the water in the container every 3-5 days.
Stagnant or murky water can lead to rot.
Test Garden Tip:Give your cutting an extra boost by dipping the end into rooting hormone.
This encourages new root growth while increasing your propagation’s success rate.
confirm the container has drainage holes to help prevent root rot from too much moisture.
