Blooming geranium on the windowsill in Soviet era was considered philistinism. Modern man rejects such ideas, so you can find pelargonium in almost every home. It blooms profusely and beautifully throughout almost the entire year, it is unpretentious, useful - what more could an owner wish for? The rules for caring for geraniums are simple, but they exist and must be followed. Experienced gardeners share their tricks for growing healthy pelargonium. For harmonious development It is important to replant the plant on time and correctly.
Features of growing a flower at home
There is nothing particularly complicated about the rules for caring for geraniums. But it is necessary to highlight the basic requirements for the conditions of growth and flowering of the plant and comply with them. The main thing to remember is that geranium is a drought-loving plant. After all, pelargonium is a guest native to Africa. It copes better with a lack of moisture than with its excess.
Watering
You can water geranium every day, two or three times a week, sometimes one procedure is enough for 7–10 days. It all depends on the air temperature in the room in which pelargonium grows. How to determine what needs to be watered? The answer is simple: dry top layer soil in a pot. Clear signs of waterlogging: withered leaves, lack of flowering, the appearance of mold at the base of the stem and on the ground.
Geranium does not require spraying the leaves. It's bad for her. Protect her from such a test.
Air temperature
The ideal temperature varies from 18 o C to 25 o C. Geranium tolerates extreme heat well. 10 o C or slightly higher - optimal in winter period rest when the plant does not bloom.
Lighting
Pelargonium loves a lot of sun. In the house, the flower should be placed on the south, southwest or southeast window. Geranium will survive in partial shade, but stormy and long flowering there won't be.
Geranium loves loosening the soil. But this must be done carefully, to a depth of no more than five cm.
Top dressing
With the right soil, geranium at home needs feeding once a month. For flowering and a healthy appearance, it needs potassium and phosphate fertilizers. The flower also needs nitrogen. Can be purchased special means for geraniums or use universal preparations for flowering indoor plants.
To prolong flowering, feed the geranium with iodine water once a week (a drop of iodine per liter).
Fertilizer is applied after the main watering, about half an hour later. The soil must be moist so as not to burn the roots. In summer, while feeding, it is recommended to remove the plant from the sun and then keep it in partial shade for another 2–3 hours.
Trimming
In the spring, all shoots are pruned, leaving no more than 5 growth buds. If time is lost, the procedure can be carried out in early autumn.
Pruning a plant allows you to create beautiful shape bush and stimulate education more buds.
How to plant geraniums correctly: choosing a container, requirements for soil composition and other nuances
With proper care, geranium can grow and bloom for 10–12 years, maintaining its decorative appearance. How often does it need to be replanted? This depends on the rate of formation of green mass. Fast growth requires annual plant replanting, slower - once every two years. The usual schedule for updating a pelargonium pot is every 10 to 12 months.
Which pot to choose for geraniums
Geraniums do not tolerate large root spaces. If you plant pelargonium in a pot of significant volume, it may even die. It definitely won’t bloom until the roots “master” the entire soil. Therefore, it is better to plant the flower first in a small container, and after a year change it to a larger one. For one root, a pot with a diameter of 10–14 cm is suitable; its height should not exceed 15 cm (ideally 10–12 cm). When changing a container, its diameter is taken into account, new pot should be 1.5–2 cm larger than the previous one.
The pot should have drainage holes. The appearance of pelargonium roots in them is a signal to transplant into a large container. A container made of unglazed ceramics is best suited. The bush feels good in it, grows and blooms. But there is one drawback: pottery The soil dries out faster than in plastic. Therefore, more frequent watering is required.
Photo gallery: choosing the right pot
A pot for geraniums must have drainage holes for drainage excess water 
For geraniums, it is important that the pot is not “to grow”; in a cramped container the plant blooms more profusely 
Each new pot for geraniums should be 1.5–2 cm larger in diameter than the previous one. 
Geranium grows better in ceramic pots - they allow air to pass through well, promoting soil aeration
Soil for pelargoniums
Geranium is not particularly demanding on soil quality. But for comfortable development of the bush, loose and well-drained soil is needed. The following compositions are optimal:
- substrate for indoor flowers or universal soil mixed with the components necessary for geraniums: perlite, vermiculite, river sand(the first two substances can be replaced with peat and humus, taken in approximately equal proportions);
- top layer of soil from the garden (it is better to take it from under bushes and trees);
- turf soil, humus, coarse river sand (8:2:1).
When can geraniums be replanted?
Indoor flowers are usually picky when it comes to replanting. Plants tolerate such stress better and easier in the spring. Geranium in this sense does not make any special claims. Certainly, spring transplant pelargonium is perceived as natural process after winter holiday and stimulates it to intensively increase green mass and further flowering. This period covers the end of February, all of March and the first ten days of April. After transplanting at this time, pelargonium will delight you with lush flowers until the onset of frost.
If the deadlines are missed, you can replant in the fall, in September-October. But if there are clear signals that the plant needs the appropriate procedure (sticking out from drainage hole roots, mold on the ground, disease), you can replant at any time of the year. Still, it is very undesirable to disturb geraniums in winter and at the time of flowering.
Features of transplanting pelargonium after purchase
Buying geraniums does not mean immediately replanting them from transport store soil. Over the past weeks, the plant has had to quickly adapt to changing temperatures and lighting several times, so we need to take pity on it and let it adapt to new living conditions. As a rule, it takes several weeks (from two to four) to get used to. Then they proceed according to the algorithm:
- We take a pot a little larger than the previous one.
- Prepare fresh earthen mixture.
- We transfer the plant into a new container, after moistening the soil a little.
- Add soil to the edges of the pot (do not compact it).
- Water carefully.
Before transplanting, carefully inspect the root system of the plant. Healthy roots braid earthen lump fully. It is necessary to shake off the substrate and wash them only if rot, diseases or insects are detected. In other cases, the whole earthen lump is moved to new soil. Young roots will get everything they need from it nutrients.
Some amateur flower growers violate generally accepted rules transplanting purchased geraniums. They immediately carry out the above-described procedures with it, believing that there is no need to wait and it is better to subject the plant to all the tests right away, rather than dragging them out for a month.
How to plant geraniums without roots
You can plant a sprig of geranium without roots. The ideal time is spring or early autumn. It's usually done like this:
- A geranium branch 5–7 centimeters long with two to five leaves is cut at a right angle.
- Warm, settled or boiled water is poured into a transparent glass.
- A geranium cutting is placed in water. It needs to be changed every 2-3 days. To speed up the rooting process, dissolve in liquid succinic acid(250 ml tablet) or add a little biostimulant - Epin, Zircon, Kornevin (2-3 ml per liter).
Keeping the future pelargonium bush in water for a long time can cause rotting of the part lowered there. To prevent this, you can put an activated carbon tablet in the container.
Most gardeners do not immerse the cuttings in water, but immediately root them in a prepared pot with an earthen mixture. After pruning, the cuttings are dried at room temperature for about two hours. Then they are planted in transparent plastic cups filled with universal soil for flowering indoor plants or peat chips. The type of geranium affects the method of rooting: zonal geranium produces roots faster in water, fragrant - in the ground, royal also prefers soil, but the process is slow.
The dishes with future bushes are placed in a well-lit place, but not in direct sunlight. Ivy and zonal geraniums are ready to be transplanted into a pot in 10–15 days; royal geraniums will take a month. Transparent cups are good because the appearance of roots can be quickly noticed - they reach the walls of the dish in a few days. Another criterion that the procedure was successful is the appearance of a new leaf.
Is it possible to replant flowering geraniums?
During flowering, any plants spend a lot of energy on forming buds and ripening seeds. During such a period, it is better to take pity on the geranium, increase feeding, and not subject it to additional stress. Otherwise, first the flowers will fall off, then the leaves will turn yellow. The plant may even die. It is recommended to wait for the end of flowering and replant the pelargonium after 5–10 days.
If there is an urgent need to transplant the geranium into a new pot at the time of flowering (the plant was dropped or damaged, the bush became sick), then this can still be done. You need to try to transfer the pelargonium into a new container without damaging the roots or destroying the earthen lump. The flowers will, of course, fall off, but the geranium will survive.
Features of plant care after transplantation
Geranium transplanted into a new pot does not need feeding for the first two to three months. It will take all its nutrients from fresh soil. Therefore, the pelargonium bush requires only timely watering as the soil dries out. It is important to ensure optimal temperatures and correct lighting. After the appearance of new leaves and the growth of the rooted cuttings, pinch the pelargonium so that it does not stretch upward, but bushes.
Step-by-step instructions for planting and transplanting
Before starting work on transplanting or planting geraniums, you need to prepare everything you need: a pot, scissors, soil mixture, a watering can with warm water. If you decide not to use new dishes, and the one in which another flower grew should be soaked for a day in bleach for disinfection or boiled. Then rinse thoroughly in running water and dry. Further actions proceed according to the algorithm:
- Place brick chips, pieces of foam plastic or expanded clay on the bottom of the pot. You can use fragments of broken ceramic dishes, crushed stone and gravel. The thickness of the drainage layer is about 1–2 cm.
- Water the geranium and wait for the water to be absorbed. Then we take out the plant along with a lump of earth. To do this, turn the pot upside down, holding the pelargonium by the trunk at the base. We grab the container with our other hand and pull out the plant. You can gently tap the bottom with your palm.
- We inspect the roots of the extracted plant. We cut off areas affected by rot and other damaged tissues with a sharp, disinfected knife or scissors.
- Carefully place the rhizomes in the prepared pot on the drainage layer. We fill the voids with soil and compact them slightly. You need to leave about two centimeters of empty space to the top of the container so that when watering the water does not overflow over the edge.
- Water the plant and put it in partial shade for about a week. After seven days, place the geranium on permanent place habitat.
Video: how to transplant geraniums into another pot
How to rejuvenate geraniums by transplanting
Geranium feels good in one pot for several years. But a three-year-old plant may already need updating. Rejuvenate the pelargonium bush better in spring, in March-April. To do this, geraniums are pruned, leaving about five growth points on each shoot. This procedure helps to give the bush a beautiful shape and increase the number of buds in the future.
The second way to rejuvenate geranium is to get seeds and grow a new plant from them. It is important to remember that if a pelargonium variety belongs to category F1 (breeding hybrid), then desired result may not be achieved - the varietal characteristics of the mother plant will not be passed on to the descendants.
The third method is dividing the bush. To do this, water the pelargonium abundantly, after a day, take out a lump of earth from the pot and divide the roots into required quantity copies. Then proceed according to the instructions.
Possible problems associated with transplantation and solutions
Transplanted geranium is a big sissy. She is exposed to many dangers. They all come from improper care behind the “newborn” flower. Water the plant along the edge of the pot, and not at the root. The soil must be loosened especially carefully and shallowly. The first week after transplantation, active sun is dangerous for geraniums; they need light partial shade.
Sometimes pelargonium leaves change color and lose tone. Why does geranium turn yellow after transplantation? This is the plant’s reaction to the stress it has experienced. You need to pinch them off and remove the inflorescences. After two to three weeks, pelargonium will return to normal. For prevention, you can pour a solution of Kornevin, Heteroauxin. They stimulate the formation of roots.
Geranium is a favorite of many gardeners. Growing it is not an easy task. At proper care you can plant a whole garden of pelargoniums. They bloom beautifully and profusely, their aroma neutralizes microbes in the room and has a beneficial effect on human vital activity.
Growing pelargonium from seeds at home the matter is not difficult if you follow all the recommendations and step by step instructions presented in this article. Pelargonium, also called geranium, is quite unpretentious. Caring for the plant is simple, but it gives joy to many gardeners. Geranium decorates the windows of the house, balconies and terraces.
The plant belongs to the Geraniaceae family, and its large inflorescences have a whole range of colors. Pelargonium is the most popular flower grown to decorate the home. And all this thanks to such qualities as unpretentiousness, good smell, gentle and beautiful flowers, as well as the ability to maintain a normal microclimate in the room. You can buy a ready-made flower in a vase in a store, but it will be expensive. Therefore, it is better to get pelargonium yourself from seeds. Next we will tell technology growing pelargonium from seeds.
Description
House geranium is a low plant. But there are also subshrubs whose roots are highly branched. But mountain plants have a rod-shaped root.
U different types geranium leaf shape and color vary. They can be not only green, but also blue, grayish, and reddish. The leaves come with solid edges, with small or deep cuts. Some specimens have leaves with hairs.
Pelargonium flowers can be very large, collected in inflorescences that look like brushes. The color range is wide: red, white, purple, blue and many other shades. In August-September, fruits appear in the form of a box, inside which seeds ripen.
Benefits of growing pelargonium from seeds
- A more practical way to grow a flower.
- Using seeds, you can grow many seedlings, from which the best quality ones are selected.
- The plant can bloom for a long time, while it forms more lush flowers.
- Seedlings grown from seeds renew the quality of the varietal crop.
- Thanks to new pollination, they get the best varieties with new beautiful shades and shapes of flowers, graceful lines of leaves, and other properties.
When to plant
At home, geranium can be grown at any time of the year. The main thing is that the plant has enough light throughout the day. The best period The time for sowing pelargonium seeds is the end of February - beginning of March. If the flower is planted later, the shoots will stretch upward, and flowers may appear after 9-10 months.
Watch the video! When and how to sow pelargonium(geranium) seeds
Features of cultivation
Only zonal pelargonium is grown from seeds. Other types of flowers are propagated using cuttings.
To grow healthy and beautiful plant, you need to take the selection seriously planting material.
Seed selection
When purchasing geranium seeds for planting, you should know the following nuances:
- high-quality seeds have a rich brown, a slight tint and slight dullness are possible;
- fully formed seeds are oblong in appearance, and have small depressions on the sides;
- they are quite large;
- have a thick leathery shell.
Selection of containers
Planting material can be planted in small cups or special plastic containers. The dishes must be disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate or another available method. Holes are made in the bottom and drainage is created in order to prevent waterlogging of the soil and rotting of the roots. The container is filled with the prepared substrate, watered with water or aqueous solution Kornevin. Seeds are sown every other day.
Soil selection
Homemade geranium loves light and nutritious soil so that air and water can easily pass to the roots. Suitable for growing pelargonium seeds ready soil from the store. But you can prepare the soil mixture yourself using several recipes:
- Sand, peat, compost and humus are combined in equal quantities.
- Mix garden soil with peat and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1.
- Mix peat with perlite for plants (1:1).
Experienced gardeners recommend, if possible, preparing a mixture for planting geranium seeds yourself. Store soil does not produce such good results: seeds germinate much later, seedlings are not as healthy, thin stems are formed and few flowers.
The prepared mixture for sowing seeds should also be disinfected by calcining it in the oven. Thus, the plant will be protected from infection by various diseases in the future.
Advice! The soil can also be disinfected by treating it with a solution of potassium permanganate or ready-made fungicides, steaming it in a water bath, and calcining it in the oven (150 degrees). After the procedures have been completed, seeds should be planted every other day.
Seed preparation
Due to the fact that pelargonium seeds are endowed with a dense skin, they are difficult to germinate and may not sprout at all. Therefore, before planting seeds in the soil, they must undergo scarification - a special procedure for removing the dense shell.
This processing of planting material can be carried out independently at home. It is not difficult to do, but carefully using fine sandpaper. It is used to clean the upper thick layer of each seed separately.
Landing
To grow quality plant at home, you need to use a mini-greenhouse. Any dish that can be covered can be used for this. plastic film or transparent lid. Crops can also be covered plastic bottle. To allow air to enter, small holes are made in the lid, bottle or film.
- To prevent the plant from becoming infected with diseases, the seeds must be disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate for 20 minutes. Next, treat with a growth stimulator , or Epin. Then the seeds are washed well and soaked for 3 hours in warm water.
- The container for planting the planting material is filled with the prepared mixture.
- The seeds are laid on the soil, and the distance between them should be at least 5 centimeters. Sprinkle the crops with soil and cover with film or glass.
- For irrigation, use settled water at room temperature. The soil must be constantly sprayed with a spray bottle and ensure that it does not dry out.
- If all planting conditions are met, sprouts will appear in 14 days.
Watch the video! Correct sowing geranium seeds
Growing in peat tablets
There is such convenient way growing geraniums from seeds peat tablets. It is better to buy medium-sized tablets. They are placed in a deep container and warm water is poured. When the peat nest increases almost 6 times, a depression is made in it, the seed is lowered into it and sprinkled with peat from the tablet. The dishes are covered with polyethylene and placed in warm place. After 14-17 days, the first shoots will appear.
Picking
After 2-4 leaves appear, the seedlings are planted in separate cups. To plant the plant, you can take the same soil that was used when sowing the seeds. Young shoots are exposed to southern windows on the sunny side.
Seedling care
It is very important to keep track proper watering seedlings after picking. At first, they were watered with very small doses of water; the soil was moderately moist, but not wet. Watering is carried out at the root with settled water at a temperature not lower than +18..+20°C. Do not allow moisture to get on the leaves.
If moisture gets on the leaves, a disease such as blackleg may develop. If signs of fungus appear, a solution of Fitosporin or other biological products is injected into the soil in compliance with the instructions. From the mass germination phase, the air temperature is reduced by 2-3 °C. In the future, it is set at a level of +18..+20°C.
To feed seedlings, you can use a commercial composition with microelements. Fertilizer is introduced into the soil 2 times a month. In order not to damage the young shoots of pelargonium, the dose of the product recommended by the manufacturer for feeding flowers is diluted 2-3 times.
When the plant reaches a height of about 8-10 cm, it can be transplanted to a permanent place in spacious potty. To preserve the integrity of the root system, geraniums are replanted using the transshipment method. The flower is placed on windowsills, where sunlight illuminates the plants from the morning until 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. In this case, straight sun rays will not harm the plant.
Geranium will look beautiful if you care for it properly. Bushes require regular watering, timely fertilization, cutting off dry leaves and inflorescences. It is important to pinch the plant so that it does not grow in height, but has a beautiful crown shape.
Geranium is pinched when it reaches a height of 10 cm. It is recommended to turn the container with the flower with the other side towards sunlight once every 5-6 days. In this case, the main stem will not bend.
Diseases and pests
Thanks to the specific smell of geranium leaves, pests practically do not bother this plant. But spider mite He is not afraid of this smell, so it can cause harm. You can fight it with a solution of simple soap or insecticide. Pelargonium gets sick most often when it is grown in cold and damp rooms.
The most common diseases:
- Powdery mildew. The disease can be identified by the appearance white plaque on the leaves, which begin to dry out, and after a while the flower dies. At the first signs of the disease, all affected parts are removed and the plant is treated.
- Gray rot. Pelargonium leaves are covered brown spots, which become larger over time. As a result, the leaves curl and begin to fall off. In this case, the diseased part is removed to prevent infection of the plant.
- Brown spot. The lower part of the leaves becomes covered with spots light tone. Then they become yellow or brown. To treat the plant, the fungicide Alirin-B is used.
Choosing a variety of garden geranium
Garden geranium is valued for its unpretentiousness. It adapts well and grows in both shade and sun. We offer the most popular varieties garden zonal geraniums, which can be grown from seeds.
Varieties and hybrids of pelargonium for home cultivation
There are many types of geraniums that can be grown at home: White Butterfly, Chandelier Scarlet, Dwarf Nano Violet, Colorama, Pelargonium Paul f1, Pink, Southern Night, Moulin Rouge, Chandelier Bicolor, etc.
The most popular among flower growers are the Royal pelargonium varieties. The plant has large flowers, which are collected in inflorescences. They look very beautiful and create coziness in the house. These are Mandarin, Sally Munro, Mona Lisa, Candy Flowers Bright Red, Black Prince, etc.
At home you can grow absolutely anything, even the most exotic species flowers from seeds that cannot grow on their own in our latitudes. However, this will require a lot of effort, especially in the first stage, which includes getting the first sprouts. But geranium is quite easy to grow from seeds and does not require any special care for the plant in the future.
The flower, firmly established on tables and window sills, belongs to the geranium family and its types vary depending on the zonal affiliation. In addition, there is a special ampelous and ivy-leaved form of pelargonium, but the principles of growing and caring for them are almost the same.
Features of growing pelargonium from seeds
To grow geraniums without problems and quickly, you need to carry out careful selection planting material. Seeds must have brown with a slight matte sheen and moderate tint.
The shape of the seeds should be oblong, with small depressions on the sides, the shell should be leathery and dense, size - quite large.
If you come across flattened, small, deformed ones, as well as ones that differ from the desired tone and are covered with stains different colors seeds - set them aside. Planting such material will not provide the desired result.
The seeds of some types of geranium, especially ivy-leaved ones, do not sprout for 2-3 months, which causes panic and disappointment among novice gardeners. As a result, caring for the plant stops completely.
To minimize germination time, it is necessary carry out the scarification procedure, that is, remove part of the shell in order to ensure unhindered access of nutrients directly into the seed.
You can do this yourself using fine- or medium-grained sandpaper, which will allow you to remove the top layer without forming gaps that are harmful to the plant.
If you need to achieve the fastest germination of pelargonium, rub the seed 2-3 times on sandpaper with slow rotational movements.
Preparing the soil for growing geraniums from seeds
The substrate can be purchased at a special flower shop, but there is a high probability that the soil will be oversaturated with minerals.
Such conditions for pelargonium are not very favorable - seedlings appear several times (2-3) slower, and the bushes have thick stems and short growth, flowering is sparse.
Soil for geraniums better to make it yourself. To do this you will need:
- peat high quality(1 part);
- river sand (1 part);
- turf soil (2 parts).
To avoid infection of the flower with various diseases (which is especially important for hanging varieties), before planting the seeds, the substrate should be bake in the oven 2-3 minutes.
At the same time, there is no need to be afraid that organic compounds and the nutrients in the soil will be destroyed - pelargonium thrives in unenriched soil and does not require the use of fertilizing.
You can also use a high quality fungicide to treat the soil. Only in this case, you should wait 3-6 hours before planting the seeds.
Where can you grow pelargonium from seeds? Ideal for sprouting geraniums small compact pots or trays, 3 cm deep. You can purchase containers in special stores or make them yourself.
How to grow a plant from seeds
After filling the pots with soil, lightly sprinkle the surface of the soil with warm water and leave for one day to warm the soil to the required temperature (21−22 °C).
Then with your finger or a suitable tool make small holes at a distance of two cm from each other. Sprinkle the seeds with a layer of soil one cm thick.
The soil needs to be slightly moistened again and cover containers with film, in which small holes are pre-drilled to provide air access.
At home, geraniums need to be provided with optimal temperature regime and lighting, but under no circumstances place pots with planted seeds on the windowsill.
When the first soft green sprouts appear, remove the cover so as not to create conditions for the plant high humidity. Now it’s time to place pallets with pelargonium on the windowsill to provide the plant with sunlight, otherwise growing a flower will take two to three times longer.
In order to obtain a healthy bush with strong stems, as well as to strengthen the root system, the soil must be loosened periodically. After two true leaves appear, pelargonium should be picked and transplant the bush into a narrow and tall container.
After waiting for the fifth leaf to appear on the pelargonium, the seedlings should be pinched. This will ensure that the bush grows as branched as possible, otherwise you will end up with a plant with a long, thin stem.
Caring for pelargonium from seeds at home
Pelargonium does not need to create any special conditions for further growth and development, but still requires some care.
Compliance with basic plant care rules guarantees its protection from pests and various diseases. If the substrate is excessively moistened, there is a high probability that the geranium will be affected by fungal diseases.
In addition, too hot and dry air can provoke the appearance of whiteflies. In these cases, to resolve the problem special drugs are used.
They are not cheap. In addition, they are grown from cuttings taken from mother plants, sometimes of an advanced age, and can carry a bouquet of diseases. And from the package at proper agricultural technology You can grow several young pelargoniums at once, free from diseases, promising, with extraordinary colors.
Seedlings grown from seeds are able to begin abundant flowering already after 5...6 months from germination. Such seedlings, as a rule, are distinguished by their evenness, energy and endurance. 
When is the best time to start sowing?
Pelargonium seeds can be sown throughout the calendar year. But experienced flower growers to get strong plants by June, seeds are sown in November. Beginners need to consider these important points, such as lighting, maintaining humidity and temperature when sowing in the dark winter months (January and early February).
Sowing pelargonium seeds
Pelargonium seeds have medium size, and sowing them is easy. 
For better germination seeds are immersed in a solution of epin or zircon (2...3 drops per 50 ml warm water) for several hours. It is more convenient to sow in a small food container with a lid. For ventilation, you need to make several holes in the lid measuring 2...3 mm. Loose nutritious soil is poured in a small layer and moistened. It is convenient to sow seeds in peat tablets. 
Another thing is important: the soil should be disinfected in advance from fungal infections, especially from “blackleg”. Potassium permanganate, phytosporin, alirin or gamaira tablets are suitable. You should not use several of these drugs at the same time.
Pelargonium seeds germinate in light at room temperature. They are simply laid out on the surface of the ground and pressed lightly, without sprinkling on top. It is unacceptable to either over-moisten or over-dry the soil. Seeds may die.
The first shoots “pop up” on days 3...7. Now they need good lighting. To avoid steaming the container and ventilation, if necessary, the greenhouse is slightly opened. When pulling out seedlings, add soil under the cotyledon leaves. As the seedlings grow, they become accustomed to room conditions, opening the container more and more.
When the third true leaf appears, the seedlings are planted in separate small pots and begin to be fed liquid fertilizers for seedlings in weak doses. 
For better compactness and bushiness of pelargonium seedlings, remove (pinch) the crown after 5...6 leaves.
Geranium or pelargonium will delight the eye in the cold season on the windowsill, and in the summer - in the flowerbed. This flower is distinguished by bright flower caps that cover almost the entire bush. Therefore, most housewives love geranium very much and are glad to have it in their home. To do this, you need not only to be able to care for it, but also to know the secrets of geranium propagation, so that if the plant dies, the window sills will not be left empty.
You can grow geranium using cuttings and seeds. Lately more and more flower lovers are choosing the second method, since such a plant takes on the appearance of a neat small bush with a large number flowers. Therefore, we will discuss how to grow geranium yourself using seeds.
When purchasing a pack of geranium seeds, it is worth looking at their condition. Most often, they are already prepared for planting and the keratinized hard layer has been removed from them. Thanks to this, all the seeds will sprout at the same time and quickly enough.
If you use geranium seeds collected with your own hands, they must be scraped with sandpaper to remove the hardened leathery layer.
Now you need to know and take into account the following factors:
- sowing time;
- soil selection;
- where the seedlings should be kept;
- germination time and care;
- how and when to dive;
- thorough transplantation of the bush.
When to plant seeds?
If you have the necessary lighting, you can plant seeds at any time of the year. It is still better if the plant has natural light and sunlight. That's why the best option The period is considered to be from November to April.
Essentially, during this time, the length of the day gradually increases, which helps the growing seedlings also get used to the duration of light.
Soil preparation
Three types of prepared soil can be used. For the first option will do following:
- sand - 25%;
- turf - 50%;
- peat - 25%.
Second type of soil:
- peat - 50%;
- perlite - 50%.
And for the third type the following components are needed:
- peat - 50%;
- sand - 50%.
Each type of soil is excellent for planting geranium seeds. And if you properly care for the seedlings, the result will be almost the same.
To avoid further diseases of the sprouts, the prepared soil must be calcined in the oven for 30 minutes. Then you need to dilute a weak solution of potassium permanganate and water the soil with it.
When the prepared mass has cooled, it can be used for planting seeds.
Disembarkation process
Pour soil into the selected container. Place the seeds at a distance of 5 cm from each other and sprinkle them with settled water. Then sprinkle soil on top, without covering the seeds more than 5 mm. It is important that the top layer of soil is always moist. To do this, cover the container with film and, if necessary, spray the top layer of soil with a spray bottle.
The container with the planted seeds must be placed in a bright place, but should not be placed in direct sunlight. Then root system will be strong and healthy. The temperature in the room should not rise above 23 degrees. But you shouldn’t cool the soil too much, lowering the temperature to 17 degrees or lower.
No later than in 2 weeks the seeds will sprout. But often shoots appear earlier. It depends on the geranium variety, seeds, temperature and soil care.
Caring for geranium sprouts
You shouldn’t stop at seed germination and then stop caring for the plants. Now we need to protect the little geranium from various diseases. The most common is the so-called “black leg”.
Therefore, you need to monitor the condition of the soil. It shouldn't be dry, but it shouldn't be filled either. The soil should be moist. Then the sprouts will grow strong and be able to resist various diseases.
Geranium pick
The picking process should be carried out when the second and third leaves appear on the stem. After this, you need to plant each bush in a separate vase. If this is not done, the roots of the plants will simply intertwine and when transplanted, the geranium will hurt for a long time. Moreover, it is not a fact that it will even survive replanting if the roots are severely damaged.
Pots with a diameter of 10 cm are suitable for picking. After two weeks, each bush needs to be fed with mineral microfertilizers.
After transplanting, you need to regularly water the geranium and make sure there is enough light. If there is not enough of it, then the lower leaves will begin to turn yellow. And this can lead to the development of mold at the site of yellowing.
Therefore, you need to quickly remove such leaves.
The last steps of growing geraniums
If you want to see the geranium in the form of a bush, then you will need to pinch the crown. This can be done when 6 - 7 leaves appear. After this, side branches will begin to grow. You should not do pinching if you want to grow tall geraniums with a long stem.
At the end of May, each geranium bush needs to be transplanted into open ground. Thanks to this, the plants fully adapt. After 3 months healthy geranium will definitely bloom. And the flowering process will continue until the cold weather. Before the first frost, the geranium will need to be dug up again and replanted in a pot so that it continues to bloom, only at home.