Sarah Raven

Propagating geraniums is easy, with guaranteed results.  If you propagate your geraniums rather than growing on last years plants you'll have more floriferous and stronger plants.  Start propogating geraniums in September for the best results.

Propagating Geraniums

• Start propagating geraniums in September, while plants are in a very active stage of growth. They will root very quickly.

• Make a 1½in-3in cutting. You are most likely to succeed if you keep cuttings small.

• Use a very sharp knife - a razor blade rather than a kitchen knife.

•  Use a mix of two-thirds peat to one-third grit.

• Do not cover your geraniums like you would when propagating other tender perennials

• They should root with two to three weeks. You'll know they have done so by new growth at their tips. Turn over the pot and check for new white roots.

• Take them out of the propagator and pot on if before October.

• If it's already October, don't pot on but feed and keep them cold and dry through the winter, to pot on in spring. They'll grow fantastically and you'll have lots of plants to put out in the garden.