Taking pelargonium cuttings

Taking Pelargonium Cuttings

Scented pelargoniums are incredibly versatile plants perfect for smaller containers. They can be popped on a windowsill or in a window box or placed on a summer garden table. As they are tender perennials, they need to be protected in winter, either indoors or in a greenhouse. You can move your existing plants or take cuttings so you have even more young plants ready to grow the following spring.

Pelargoniums are wonderful scented plants ideal for smaller containers. They are easy to propagate from cuttings, refreshing the existing plants in pots while expanding your collection.

Taking Cuttings

• Before you take cuttings, look for the nodes along the stems. These are the points where leaves emerge.
• Cut just below one of these junctions, as that's where new roots will grow from. Taking cuttings also benefits the main plant, as it encourages it to branch out rather than grow upwards.
• Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting so the plant has less growth to support. Remove all but two leaves at the top.
• Remove the growing tip at the top of the cutting. This will direct the cutting to produce roots rather than growing upwards.
• As some cuttings may fail, take several at a time. The more cuttings you take, the more individual plants you'll end up with.
• After cutting, trim the main plant to balance its shape and bring it indoors for protection. Don't worry if it struggles for a few weeks after moving, as it takes them a while to adjust to new environments.
• Sprinkle some cinnamon over the top of the soil to avoid bringing any gnats or other insects indoors. They hate the smell, and this will organically kill anything already living in the soil.

Compost for Cuttings

• When you're ready to plant your cuttings, grab some recycled plastic pots and fill them with any compost with good drainage. If you have grit or vermiculite around, mix that in to improve drainage.
• Use a pencil to make holes in the compost, or wiggle the cuttings in with your hands. Plant several in a single pot, as not all cuttings will survive.
• In a couple of months, you should spot new green growth and roots near the drainage holes. Remove any cuttings that are yellow or brown.
• Place the container in front of a south-facing window or in any frost-free sunny area. Water around once a month, or when the pot feels light when you pick it up. Don't cover them with plastic, as these plants are used to dry climates.

Place the Cutting Around the Edge of the Pot

When you're planting, it's better to place cuttings around the edge rather than in the centre. The edges get warmer and help the cuttings form a tighter root ball. As long as each cutting has formed roots by spring, it can be moved to a new pot on its own. Once you find a pelargonium that you love, use this method to grow more of your favourites, like the following:

• 'Attar of Roses'
• 'Royal Oak'
• 'Orange Fizz'
• 'Lady Plymouth'
• Peppermint geranium