Geranium Geranium 'Kashmir Pink'

Water

Cranesbill, also known as Geranium 'Kashmir Pink', prefers evenly moist soil, so water it thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually equates to watering once a week, but frequency may increase during hot, dry spells. Provide approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session, making sure to soak the soil and not just the foliage. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. It's important to ensure good drainage as well, as Cranesbill does not like to sit in waterlogged soil.

Light

Cranesbill thrives in conditions where it can receive full sun to part shade. The best spot for this plant is one where it can bask in sunlight for at least four to six hours a day. However, in areas with particularly hot summers, afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat stress.

Temperature

Cranesbill is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best when the temperature is between 55°F and 75°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 20°F and maximum temperatures up to about 85°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme cold or prolonged periods of high heat.

Pruning

Pruning Cranesbill helps to maintain a compact growth habit and encourages repeat flowering. Deadhead spent blooms throughout the growing season to promote further blooming. In early spring or after the first wave of flowering, cut back the plant to encourage fresh foliage and new flowers. Pruning every other year or as needed will generally suffice.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Geranium 'Kashmir Pink', commonly known as cranesbill, thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a soil pH range of 5.8 to 6.3. A good soil mix for this plant consists of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Cranesbills, like the Geranium 'Kashmir Pink', generally need repotting every 1-2 years to provide them with fresh soil and more space to grow. It's best to repot in early spring before active growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Cranesbills, including Geranium 'Kashmir Pink', are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and perform well in average home humidity conditions. They do not require high humidity to thrive.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; enrich soil with compost; water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Geranium 'Kashmir Pink', commonly known as the Kashmir Pink Crane's-bill, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil in spring. As a seedling, the plant develops its first set of true leaves and establishes a root system. The vegetative stage follows, where the plant grows stems, leaves, and forms a bushy habit, typically thriving in full sun to part shade conditions. When mature enough, the Geranium 'Kashmir Pink' enters the flowering stage, producing pink flowers with veined petals that attract pollinators during late spring to summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, commonly called a "crane's bill" due to its shape, containing seeds that are dispersed to begin a new life cycle. In autumn, the plant may die back, especially in cooler climates, but it can endure winter with the appropriate care or go dormant until the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• Geranium 'Kashmir Pink', more commonly known as Kashmir Pink geranium, is most frequently propagated by stem cuttings. The ideal time for this is late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, you select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 4 to 6-inch section just below a node, using a sharp and clean blade. It's best to remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting the cutting in a mix of perlite and peat or a well-draining potting mix. Ensuring the ambient temperature remains around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) and maintaining high humidity with regular misting will encourage rooting. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new geranium plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before planting out.