Geranium Pelargonium 'Flower of Spring' (Z/v)

Water

Geraniums, the common name for Pelargonium 'Flower of Spring', prefer to be watered thoroughly but not too frequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. You may need to water your geraniums once a week, but this can vary depending on the climate and the season. During the hotter summer months or if the plant is in a particularly sunny spot, more frequent watering may be necessary, possibly as often as every 3-4 days. Generally, aim for about one-inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. Always water the plant at the base, avoiding wetting the foliage, to prevent issues such as leaf spot or fungal diseases.

Light

Geraniums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight or in an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for your Geranium 'Flower of Spring' is a sunny windowsill, a sunroom, or any space where it can get ample light without being exposed to the harsh midday sun. If placed outdoors, ensure it's in a location where the early morning or late afternoon sun can reach it, but where it can be shaded during peak sunlight hours to avoid scorching the leaves.

Temperature

Geraniums prefer moderate temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 75°F during the day and not below 50°F at night. They can withstand temperatures up to about 80°F, but hotter conditions can cause them to stop blooming. Geraniums are not frost-hardy and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below 50°F. The ideal temperature range facilitates abundant flowering and healthy growth.

Pruning

Pruning geraniums promotes bushy growth and encourages more blooms. You should prune your Geranium 'Flower of Spring' by removing dead or faded flowers and any leggy or yellowing leaves. A more thorough pruning can be done in early spring or late winter, cutting back the plant by one-third to one-half to stimulate new growth. Pruning every few weeks or as needed helps maintain the plant's shape and health, and the best time to prune is when you notice the plant getting too spindly or overgrown.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Geraniums, such as Pelargonium 'Flower of Spring', thrive best in a well-draining soil mix consisting of equal parts peat, perlite, and potting soil. The ideal soil pH for geraniums should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Geraniums like Pelargonium 'Flower of Spring' should typically be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Flower of Spring', prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate indoor humidity conditions without requiring special care.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, not direct sun, and water when dry.

• Outdoor

  Full to partial sun, shelter from harsh weather.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Geranium 'Flower of Spring', a perennial or occasionally biennial plant, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires light, moisture, and warm temperatures. After germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants, forming a rosette of leaves and establishing a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, characterized by vigorous leaf growth and the development of stems. Once mature, the geranium produces distinctive, colorful flowers that attract pollinators, leading to the reproductive stage where it forms seeds for the next generation. After flowering, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in cooler climates, preserving energy for the subsequent growing season. The plant can be propagated through cuttings, which can skip the seed stage, quickly progressing to vegetative growth and flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• For the Pelargonium 'Flower of Spring', commonly known as a type of Geranium, the most popular method of propagation is through stem cuttings. This is typically done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. To propagate, a healthy stem about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long is cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a pot with well-draining soil, watered lightly, and placed in indirect light. It's important to maintain humidity around the cutting, sometimes by covering the pot with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new geranium plant can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions before being transplanted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.