Geraniums are a popular bedding plant that can be grown from seed, making them an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. They are easy to grow but take 12 to 16 weeks to reach flowering plants. Seed-grown hybrid geraniums possess excellent vigor, heat tolerance, disease resistance, and are free-blooming. To ensure successful germination, start seeds indoors in early to mid-February.
Geraniums are relatively easy to grow from seeds and should be sown in early to mid-February to produce flowering plants for spring. Most experts recommend planting seeds indoors in most regions, unless you live in warm and sunny winters. Geraniums grow best in a seed starting mix and germinate most successfully between 70°F and 75°F. A plant lamp can help maintain the germination process.
To avoid erratic germination, try rolling the seeds in damp paper towels and letting them “pre-soak” for two days. Geraniums need only to be kept frost-free, so most will survive if overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. Geraniums can make excellent houseplants in containers or companion plants in your outdoor garden.
In summary, growing geraniums from seed is a simple yet effective method for creating beautiful and vibrant gardens. Start early, as geraniums require patience and can be erratic in germination.
📹 Starting Zonal Geraniums From Seed ( a GREAT Flower for Beginners!) 🌸🥰💚 // Garden Answer
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Is 4 degrees too cold for geraniums?
Geraniums are a popular summer plant, but they may not be suitable for planting in colder temperatures as they may develop late or even die. Cold temperatures below 5°C can pause growth and cause frost, which can be frosty in the UK until after mid-May. To protect geraniums from cold, follow these 7 ways:
- Bring plants home early to allow them to adapt to the weather and reduce the risk of cold damage.
- Keep them in a nursery for optimal care, as they will receive the best care while they are still in the nursery.
- Monitor the weather closely and avoid buying geraniums too early, as they may suffer from cold damage.
How long does it take to grow geraniums from seed?
Geraniums are easy to grow from seeds, but they are slow to grow. To produce flowering plants for spring, geranium seeds should be sown in early to mid-February. For Iowa, recommended seed-grown geraniums include Elite, Orbit, Maverick, and Multibloom Series, which are closely related and have uniform characteristics. Soilless mixes like Jiffy Mix and Redi-earth are excellent germination media. Damping-off, caused by fungi, can be a serious problem during germination.
To prevent this, containers should be clean and have adequate drainage. Clean containers should be washed in soapy water and disinfected with a solution containing chlorine bleach and nine parts water. Fill the container with the germination medium, firm it lightly, water thoroughly, and allow it to drain. Sow the seeds in rows 2 to 3 inches apart and cover with about 1/8 inch of medium. After sowing, thoroughly water the medium by partially submerging it in water, and remove it from the water when the surface becomes wet.
What month do you plant geranium seeds?
Geranium seeds should be sown in early to mid-February to produce flowering plants for spring, with flowering occurring 13 to 15 weeks after sowing. Geraniums are a popular choice of bedding plant, and can be cultivated from cuttings or seeds. Seed-grown hybrid geraniums exhibit robust vigor, elevated heat tolerance, and enhanced disease resistance, along with the capacity for free blooming.
What temperature hurts geraniums?
Geraniums are most effectively utilized as a spring color in containers from late February or early March through May. This is due to their preference for cooler temperatures, with an optimal range of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do geranium seeds need heat to germinate?
Geranium seeds require a warm, steady soil temperature between 70-75F (21-24C) for successful germination. An electric propagator can be used to ensure the correct environment. Geranium seeds take 3-21 days to germinate, but persevere. Constant moisture during the early stages is crucial for successful germination. If the seed germinates and the young root contacts dry compost, it may not survive. Once germinated, the temperature can be reduced slightly, as air temperature causes mature geranium plants to flower.
Should I soak geranium seeds before planting?
Geranium seeds have a tough outer surface that can be difficult to germinate without cracking or softening. Seed houses often sell scarified seeds, which can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to improve sprouting. Some text links go to Senior Gardening Advertisers’ sites, and clicking through them and making a purchase will produce a small commission for the site. Geranium seeds can be started in various ways, such as direct seeding into small flower pots filled with sterile potting mix and lightly surrounded with vermiculite to allow light to reach the seed.
At what temperature can you plant geraniums?
Geraniums thrive in winter with night temperatures between 50° to 60°F, but can survive below 32°F and above 80°F as long as they are kept dry. Pelargoniums, also known as common geraniums, are colorful summer-flowering plants that are drought- and heat-tolerant. They bloom from June through fall frost. Despite being commonly called “geraniums”, pelargoniums are not true geraniums, which belong to a separate genus (Geranium) that are cold-hardy perennials.
The common geranium, introduced to Europe by Dutch traders in the 18th century, is a tender annual that is commonly known as “geraniums”. Botanists mistakenly grouped them into the same genus due to their similarities to hardy wild geraniums already growing in Europe.
Do geraniums like the heat?
New hybrid geraniums are emerging in southern Texas and Arizona, capable of handling dry weather and extreme heat. They thrive in Phoenix summers, but require shade in late afternoon and evening. Begonias, although not as summer classic as marigolds and geraniums, can bloom in peak summer with the right variety, but require careful care due to their intense light tolerance. Stonecrop, a decorative succulent, is also a heat-resistant plant that looks appealing in rock gardens and is extra hearty in droughts and heatwaves. These plants can thrive in various conditions, but it’s essential to keep up with their warm-weather needs.
Do geraniums like sun or shade?
Geraniums require specific soil types and locations for successful planting. Annual geraniums thrive in full sun, while perennial geraniums can grow in either sun or shade. Both types require protection from sun during the hottest part of the day in southern and western regions. The best soil for geraniums is fertile and well-draining. To improve soil drainage, mix Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Flowers into native soil. For containers, use Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix. For raised beds, mix garden soil and potting mix for the right medium.
Starting with young plants is the best way to plant geraniums. Both annual and perennial geraniums thrive in warmth, so wait to plant in spring after frost has passed. Plant perennial geraniums in the fall, as summer heat breaks, or from late fall to early spring in regions with mild winters.
How to start geranium seeds indoors?
Geranium seeds should be planted in starter pots with two to three inches of soil. Once the seeds show two to three sets of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers. Moisten the soil before placing the seeds and cover each seed with a thin layer. Place small pots in a clear plastic bag, cover with plastic wrap, or use a seed starting kit with a plastic cover. Geranium seeds prefer temperatures to reach 75°F for germination, which can be achieved by placing the starts on top of a refrigerator or using a heat mat.
Geraniums thrive in sunlight, so choose a sunny south-facing window and watch for germination. If the soil appears dry, remove the cover and mist. Keep the temperature around 70°F during the day and 60°F at night. Transplant smaller pots into larger containers, maintaining consistent soil moisture but not waterlogging. Geraniums prefer moist, well-draining, and high-organic matter potting soil.
Will geraniums survive in an unheated greenhouse?
Before bringing your geranium plants indoors for winter, thoroughly examine them for signs of pests and diseases, such as rust, which is more common in zonal pelargoniums and thrives during damp summers or autumns. Remove affected leaves and try spraying with a fungicide called Dithane945. Place your plants in bright, sunny locations, ensuring they are over three feet away from windows. Keep the roots moist as they continue to grow over winter, as they will often survive drought but not thrive.
Ventilate the atmosphere around your plants as often as possible to prevent mold and rotting. Automatic electric fan heaters are best for this purpose. Geraniums are frost-free, making them economical to overwinter in greenhouses. However, use a heater to ensure temperatures stay above freezing, set at 5°C or 41°F. Porches, sunrooms, or conservatories are also excellent places to keep your tender pelargoniums through the winter. For more information on growing and caring for geranium plants, visit the geraniums hub page and share your favorite plants on social channels.
📹 🇨🇦 How I start my Geraniums from seed/Gardening with Lo 👩🏽🌾
Hello Garden Friends I am so happy to finally be planting again, I am going to show you how I plant my Germanium seeds …
This article was just what I needed to start the day. Such a pretty view in the Hartley with the sun and the pretty geraniums and your cheerful, positive self. My mother has been in the hospital for 14 days and still a ways to go. We are heading into a snow storm today and I probably won’t be able to go see her. It’s been a rough go lately, and your articles provide some peace and cheer. Thank you Laura & Aaron.
I ordered geranium seeds right after I saw this article and they hadn’t arrived on the date the were suppose to so I just made a call to Swallow Tail Gardens about my order of geranium seeds and was told by a very nice lady that my order would arrive in 2 days. She apologized for that but said they had an unexpected surge of orders that week. I started to laugh and said I bet Laura had something to do with that and she laughed back and said yes, our angel Laura woke everyone about growing geraniums. 💗🥰😆
Geraniums (well, pelargoniums) remind me of my grandma, she had a big planter box full of them outside her kitchen window and since she lived in California they were perennial rather than annual. She also had a big bougainvillea vine growing up the side of the house and across the roof roof by her back door that’s seemed like it was always in bloom- definitely inspired my love for gardening!
I had a coral colored geranium with a reddish vein in the leaves for the past two years and it was breathtaking. Last summer it died and I was so sad. I recently discovered the Maverick series Coral (ironically from Swallowtail Gardens) and I ordered them immediately. I got my seeds the other week and I am so excited to get them started and very hopeful that these are the geraniums that I had before. I hope they are and I hope you love them as much as I did. 😍 PS … I also got the apple blossom. ❤
I am so excited to follow this project 😍 My grandmother had so many pellargoniums/geraniums and she showed me how to propagate just by snipping off the top and putting it in water. They root very easily. Also the plant will branch out and get more full. Every year I get a new light pink pellargonium in her honor. They always flower vigorously and I absolutely love them 💕 Loved this article, Laura 🙏🥰
Love that subliminal Maverick. The new Top Gun is probably the only movie my husband has watched start to finish and two times in the theatre. I have really enjoyed geraniums. I am starting seeds for many varieties this year as a memorial to my mother-in-law who passed away several months ago. Geraniums were her favorite – they will have a place in our home and garden from now on.
This article inspired me to start some geraniums from seed. I’ve always been a person to buy my plants already grown. I’ve never tried to grow them myself. I don’t have a whole lot of room in my small space, but who needs a dining room to eat anyway? I’ll just fill it with plants instead. 🙂 Thank you Laura and Aaron for being so inspiring. I never miss a article!
I so appreciate the tour of the greenhouse and the incredible plants you have in there. We had a huge snowstorm hit today (southern Ontario, Canada) and I can’t tell you how nice it was to watch you start some seeds in that beautiful space. It’s helping me get through and think positively as we approach spring!
This was the perfect article! The beautiful geranium blooms, the snow in the background… the joy emanating from you is contagious! Last year you inspired me to start geranium seeds, despite having zero equipment.. no grow lights, no heat pads, no greenhouse, I even used saran wrap in lieu of a humidity done, and they grew beautifully. The art of creating and growing something yourself is a whole different feeling and that is what you inspired me to do, so thank you. This article today helped get me into gear to order my seeds and grow them again (I wasn’t going to and I don’t know why). Trying out swallow tail for my seeds- fingers crossed for another success. Thank you, Laura, for being a positive light for us all! 🌸
I love when you do a article about growing from seed! They are scarce on YouTube and I so value your way of teaching! Would love to see more articles about growing from seed☺️ I love the ones about planting containers and such with purchased plants but that is mostly out of my budget, so this is so helpful!
Geraniums are always in my garden. They are a sweet reminder of my grandmother who loved all flowers but always had geraniums. The love of this plant is shared by my mother and sister as well. I’ve never once in my many years of planting large pots using geraniums, ever started by growing them from seed. As you often do, you’ve inspired me to give it a try. Also, this same grandmother would have tea parties with my sister, cousin and myself using small little tea cups like Benjamin used. I’ve got those cups and saucers and have enjoyed tea with my granddaughter and great nieces as well. A very special article for me today, thank you.
I so enjoy your articles! I happened upon you 2 years ago. Because of you i started growing from seeds. How totally exciting and rewarding. You are a wealth of knowledge, and i have benefited from it. Wish i had seen this article earlier, as i LOVE geraniums. (Life got busy!) I will grow them next year. Thank you!!!!
I’m so glad i found your website.. i’m a ‘newbie’ and my dad always loved geraniums.. i live in central Ohio and in the past have just bought my geraniums from a local flower shop, but thought this year, i’d try and grow them from seed. I have ‘over wintered’ my past plants and had success.. I have porch railing planters where they will go that face the east.. anyway, enough rambling.. thanks for the information.. you’re a delight to listen to..
I rarely comment on this but after seeing your little Benjamin have his hot chocolate while you planted, I smiled and enjoyed it just as much as he did. I watch your article’s every day and a few older ones to refresh my skills of planting and caring of my plants. I have retired and am new to the game. I love your Hartley and how you have it decorated. As you say, “you do you,” and the heck with what other’s feel you need to do. Hi to mom and God Bless all of you.
Thank you for a fun article. When I saw your Amaryllis I was reminded that while shopping at Home Depot at Christmas I purchased one that was not blooming and on sale (I’m frugal). Well it bloomed and 4 gorgeous red blossoms appeared. When they finally died I removed them, put them in boiling water with some vinegar and boiled them for a while, then put 4 small pieces of fabric in the water and continued boiling. Finally I removed the flowers and let the fabric steep in the hot vinegar water. There were 2 different types of fabric and one (I think linen) held the color better than the other. Then I rinsed them out. Since I am going to use them in something that will not get washed, I feel confident they will be OK. I should add that currently another stalk came up and I now have 4 more red blooms. I think I will dye some fabric again.
I had the good fortune to work in a greenhouse for a few years. Loved it! I was in charge of the geranium greenhouse, oh goodness how amazing it was to work with the plants from when they were in tiny cells to their full grown glory. The array of colors were so rewarding, what an beautiful breathtaking show. Very pleased to see you planting these amazing plants! Thanks Laura for all that you do…..very helpful information.
Perfect timing as usual. I was just looking at seed catalogs to figure out the best varieties to grow as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles. They love the blooms, but after munching, the beetles become paralyzed for a few hours. Enough time to toss them into soapy water. White is the best color, but I also picked up salmon, red and a blend just in case.
Good job gal . GO AWAY OLD MAN WINTER CANT WAIT FOR SPRING . GOT OUR FENCE UP NOW WILL BE DESIGNING A BIG GARDEN IN FRONT OF FENCE. GOOD IDEA BECAUSE OUR GRASS IS NOT GOOD. WILL BE HAVING LOTS MORE LAVENDER I LOVE PEONIES ROSES LILACS . GOT MY STANDARD LIMELIGHTS IN FALL PLANTED IN FRONT GARDEN HOPE THEY GET HUGE . I LOVE ALL FLOWERS THAT HAVE A SCENT THE MOST. Thanks for sharing your sweet family and gardening ideas
I’ve been growing geraniums inside for years, in front of South facing windows and sliding doors, in full sun. Some plants are over 5 yrs old, cut back the foliage to keep them from growing too wild, which gives me new stems for rooting elsewhere. I don’t use rooting hormones, just push the stem in new soil and they germinate easily. They grow better for me inside than outside!
Such a beautiful space. I’m researching seedlings right now. I have daffodils, cala lilies and some hanging plants I kept of periwinkle that have struggles but are flowering inside. Also ahve some new coleus to pot in a large planter bowl for my patio. I’ve had houseplants for a while but usually let my hanging basket die off in the fall. Decided to try something new and kept the 2 periwinkle and an inpatients bag hander so we will see how it goes. Love the website, can’t wait to learn more!
I love Pelargoniums/geraniums! So easy & foolproof, with a deep history. Brought from South Africa in the early 1700’s they can be found in many Victorian paintings by famous artists. Seemingly ubiquitous, there’s a variety to suit every taste & the scenteds are spectacular for fresh bouquets, crafts, cooking, sachets & potpourri! I’ve kept them going for years from cuttings & shared with all my friends! Hadn’t thought to try from seed, but now that you’ve shown me Laura, it’s a must on my to do list!
Ohhhh, YES, ‘BullsEye’ are a totally fantastic series both in striking FOLIAGE and BLOOM, they also boast high shatter resistance and become totally covered in glorious color, I have all colors from the series and ‘Salmon’ is my favorite! Laura, if you read this, could you please give a name to the amazing salmon colored geranium you have there, love to grow it for myself!
I enjoyed seeing your seed starting in the Hartley today. Happy to see that you only put one seed in the cell that with good germination will be a time saver not having to move seedlings. I had 7 day germination on some of my lisianthus and did overseed because they might not all survive in the months ahead inside. Snapdragons will be planted soon and they are started in 72 cell flats for 18 cells of each variety. I usually put in about 22 seeds for each group of 18 cells.
We’re all hoping for spring here in zone 6 New England. Yesterday I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw a male Goldfinch at my thistle feeder that already had begun changing over to his bright yellow breeding plumage! It’s still January, right?! Seeing your article just makes me hope for spring even more!
I’ve never started geraniums from seed but in the fall I dig them up and dust them off and stick them in a brown paper bag, roots and all, and put them in a cool dark place. until end of March or early April and bring them out and pot them up an stick them in a south window… I’m zone 6.. I’ve had the same geranium now for 4 years…. super easy to store
You are living the life!! Thank you for all you do sharing your knowledge and letting us into your world! I could only dream of such things, but you inspire me everyday and I’ve learned so much through you. In my small garden I have tried to do things on a much smaller scale and have grown things in every inch of my space. Next year I will try to grow Pelargoniums! Would you recommend a small backyard greenhouse? I’m afraid I can’t do a Hartley. What features should I look for? Thinking 6’X8′. Gardening in zone 6a.
Geraniums are my absolute favorite!! I live in the middle of Nebraska and I do not have a greenhouse so seeding is not an option. However every year I plant 4 big planters with beautiful red geraniums to enjoy. Unfortunately my front porch faces north east but I am able to have the geraniums there. Thank you for sharing the interesting seed planting process!! I LOVE your green house!!
My aunt taught me this method of overwintering geraniums. I don’t have a lot of geraniums, si this method works for me Carefully dig up the geraniums before the first fall frost. Remove all of the soil from the plant’s roots. Place one or two plants in a large paper sack and store in a cool (45- to 50-degree F), dry location. (Or hang the plants upside down in a cool, dry location. She hung them in her unfinished basement.) The foliage and the shoot tips will eventually die. Around the middle/end of March remove all shriveled, dead material and prune back to firm, green, live stem tissue. After pruning, pot the plants and water thoroughly. Place the potted geraniums in a sunny window or under artificial lighting. Geraniums that are pruned and potted in March should develop into attractive plants that can be planted outdoors after the last frost.
Laura, I accidentally saved seeds from several salmon-colored zonal geraniums, from blooms I missed when I was deadheading. They have a very interesting seed with a kind of cork-screw appearance to the fluff part of the seed (similar to the fluff of a dandelion, only in a cork-screw shape)! In nature, wind probably helps the seed drill itself into the soil. I can’t wait to see if my saved seeds grow. 🤗🌸 I love seeing sweet Benjamin hang out with you in the Hartley!☕🫖
Laura, I paused the article to go to the Swallowtail Garden Seeds site and place my order. I am so excited for this project! While it’s fun to think about planting out gorgeous color into my patio pots this summer, I am most excited about the possibility of color in the house next winter. And I love a good propagation project, too! This project just ticks so many boxes for me 🙂. So excited to “grow along” geraniums with you!
I love Geraniums, specially the big round blooms…..I found them one year and was gorgeous but now all I can find in my area is the small single like blooms which are pretty but not as much as the bigger ones! So, thank you on your opinion on the Maverick Geraniums and where you ordered them …..after perusal your episode I went Straight to Swallow Tail and placed me an order with some other varieties they had. I should be receiving my order anytime!!!! 😊😊😁😁
Never started Geraniums from seed, great article Laura. I would be mindful of the heat mats directly on your beautiful table, I put mine on my electric fireplace console table thinking it doesn’t get warm enough to worry about but it did bubble the veneer. I ended flipping a cookie sheet over and set the mat on top. Wouldn’t want to ruin that gorgeous table.
I noticed the buds are swelling on the dogwood framing you used in the white amaryllis w the ivy 🥰🌱 wonder if those branches are putting put roots too? That is so awesome! I live in the lower Florida Keys and have peach colored geraniums I grew from cuttings. Its amazing we can grow the same plant the same way. Im starting to love them more and more
I also ordered several seeds pacts from Swollowtail Garden …. Just wanted to say that they do have excellent customer service …. a big thank you Laura for doing this article …. I am start seeds this year … like the big girls do … for the first time ever …. scared and excited … you are always so informative and that is a big help …. Thanks
love geraniums! i have a tapestry of geraniums in a narrow bed; lots of varieties and always such happy plants.. easy to propagate and share with friends for a sweet gift too.. how sweet to see Benjamin having cocoa with mom 💕💕.. how much are you loving that Hartley with the snow outside!! 🥰 20:33 🥰🥰🥰 so beautiful! ☺️❤️ thanks for the article!! ☺️❤️
I use a temperature regulator for my snake’s (I felt a collective shudder when I said that LOL) heaters for her enclosure. Heat regulators are very common in the reptile keeper world. I hadn’t even thought of getting one to use for my seed heat mats. Thank you for pointing that out! Next season when I plan to start a lot of seeds, I will have to pick up another regulator or two.
Love it!! Love Geraniums! I have lots that live in my glass porch in winter and outside in pots in summer. I just keep them going and take cuttings and cut back when they start looking old. Some I’ve had for many years! All shades, red, salmon, hot pink, pale pink, but no white!! You’ve inspired me to start some from seed so I’ll try some white ones! 😻👍
For over 20 years, my mom and I would buy Geranium starts, pot up in 4 Inch pots in early April and give to each mother at church for Mother’s Day. One year i bought mom a Marth Washington bicolor geranium, we brought it indoors for winter, then in February, we took cuttings off the mother plant and started from cuttings rather buying seeds or starts. They were a big hit that year. In 2006 I took mom and dad on Alaska cruise, In Fairbanks, a guide told us that during summer, the “red light district” used red geraniums rather red light bulbs due to midnight sun. Mom had a chuckle as we had given out red geraniums for Mother’s Day a month before.
Amazing article! Imagining beautiful window boxes! I think the sink would look amazing with a little curtain covering that section. I know you talked about it a while back but I do think it would soften the space (compared to just painting the plumbing). Also they make pedal activated sink attachments if that would work for you, then you can get an amazing unlacquered brass faucet to age and patina! I’ll try to find the link!
I live in zone 4a and for the past 20 years I bring back all my geraniums, 200 of them, inside in the dark basement and they are huge. I pull them out of the soil slightly clean up the roots with no water and attach them upside down on a wooden pole. They will lose all their leaves, a bit messy, but who cares for the money saving it is completely worth it, and by mid-February I will take a very big plastic container and put the roots in the water. Give them a drink for a day or two and put them back on the pole. By mid-April, I plant them back all the leaves will come back and be ready to bloom! This way I have the geraniums grow trunks very solid with so many branches.
So Wonderful too See, Lov Ur Inspiration, Thank U all!! May I ask where did u find ur tote, bin U use for ur soil mixing bin, that’s come very handy!! Oh my Mom would loved this one those are her favorite Annuals, Beautifully and Luster’s bright fluff blooms!! Thank U is never said Enough, Enjoy all Ur growth and Great viewing Inspiration for our yards, gardens, Again Thank’s 😊
Love your space ! Isn’t it about time to start something in the cold frames ? Cold frames have always been a puzzle to me, I remember my grandparents using something like it but they called it a hot bed and started lettuce and other cool crops in that were then set out in the garden . They would layer the bed with fresh horse manure that had lots of straw in,then soil . The horse manure would create heat from composting and keep the beds slightly warm .
👋Good Wednesday morning, Laura!!! I love that salmom color of your geraniums. They are gorgeous!!! I learned something, as usual, from you in this article; weekly deadheading produces more bloom growth vs seed production. Plus, you can propagate the branches! I will be propagating my ivy-leaved geranium plants, for CERTAIN! YAAAY! Thank you for sharing those tidbits. I recently bought 2 salmon pink ivy-leaved geranium plants; I had never seen them before. They are outside in a hanging basket from my back patio eave. They are so beautiful and happy in the chilly Arizona desert Winter temperatures. Beautiful guitar 🎸 music 🎶🎵 🎵🎶!!!! Is that you playing, Aaron? Has Ken been on vacation? I haven’t been seeing any highlighted comments/replies this week. 👋Good morning, Benjamin!!! Nice cocoa and marshmallows break, in the Hartley while Momma is planting seeds, huh? ☕️ Have a Blessed and Beautiful day/night 🌞/🌜✨️⭐️🌟⭐️✨️ 🌐 everyone!!! Kimberley F in Avondale, Arizona 🌞🌵💞 (Zone 9b) USA 🇺🇸
Love your seed starting articles. I know they may be a bit repetitive for you but I learn something every time! Do you start begonias from seeds? I could use some advice or some experience. I thought I did everything right but two and a half weeks later I don’t see any growth. Any help would be appreciated!! Take care and thank you for being a positive place in the world and my life
I’m having a hard time regulating the temperature in my greenhouse. The builder leveled the greenhouse, so I have a huge space between the ground sloping under greenhouse. Not sure if I should just order chip drop and shove/push chip mulch under greenhouse? Or raised beds around the perimeter to help keep cold air from coming up through the wood floor gaps? I didn’t realize how cold it would get inside! Greenhouse newbie, here. As this is my first ‘greenhouse winter’, I’ll chalk it up to learning experience. But I definitely need to figure out how to maintain the temperature. If anyone reading this can recommend a website for me, thank you! Happy gardening, all! -Benjiman was so sweet enjoying his hot cocoa 💕
I just absolutely love your articles, so informative and easy to understand. You’ve given me the courage to try and grow geraniums from seed. A question though, are humidity domes necessary for seed starting? I have a lot of little six packs from plants bought over the years but nothing to cover them with. Will they still germinate without a dome?
Hi Laura! I would really appreciate if you talked about Hardy Germanium’s? Where can you buy them? Who is a good grower? What do I do with them in the winter? I am in Southeast MI zone 5b. I currently buy annual Germanium’s and “brown bag” them in the garage over winter. Thank you for everything you do! ❤ 🌻
My heart swells for you, seeing you work in your well earned Hartley! ❤ I can only live vicariously through you as our property is too slanted and surrounded by huge trees to have a greenhouse, and my house is too dark to have many plants indoors. Note to self, next house will have tons of natural light! I love geraniums! To me they are a nostalgic plant. Are you concerned about the heat mat damaging your wooden table?
Good morning! I’ve been winter sowing in milk jugs for 8 years now. An indoor growing setup always seemed too confusing and intimidating. But this year I finally setup a shelf and some LED lights and I’m giving it a try. Laura, will you be documenting the all of seeds that you start? I’m in Zone 6 as well so I’m hoping I could coordinate my planting time with your articles.
Hi Laura, I always watch your articles, but I never join in. I decided to go for it and bought some geranium seeds. If I start them with a seed mat until they sprout, can I get away with using a south facing window? Or will I need to invest in grow lights? Thanks for the help. You are such a good teacher!! Beth
I am so jealous. I wish I had the room to germinate seeds. I love geraniums!! I am getting so excited to see what all you and Aaron plant/ do in the garden and your yard this year!!! I keep showing pictures of Aaron’s beautiful grass to my husband. He just tells me that’s a pretty lawn. He gets a sandwich for dinner. Benjamin buddy,I would have sat with you and had a cup of hot chocolate while mom planted up some flowers. I love anything chocolate, and I love to watch your mom work her magic. You know that God gave your mom many special talents. From being a great mother (which is the best gift) and working with flowers, making floral arrangements, being a wife, giving to others, loving the Lord, sharing her talents with us, going antiquing with Nana and aunt Monica ( which she doesn’t invite me along with them…lol) helping others when they need help, my list could go on and on. Just know that you,Samantha Grace, and your dad are extremely lucky to have a special lady in your life. Thank you for sharing her with us.
LOVE your GREENHOUSE!!!! Everyone says growing geraniums is easy and yet I have had zero luck with growing them. I stopped buying plants thinking growing from seed would be more advantageous but I have spent a lot of money on seed and never had one plant make it to what you could consider an actual “plant.” I so wish I could grow them they are beautiful!
Thank you for the tutorial and encouragement! You have inspired me to take on this project this year. I have been saying for years that I need to start by own annuals as it would be so much more cost efficient. Each year my bill grows and grows, but I can’t help myself when I see the color and impact. Any other recommendations on varieties of annuals that would be good for beginners to start? Shade annual suggestions?
laura have you seen the specialty varieties of pelargonium? there are some really unique and interesting ones, some that flower like a tulip and really full double ones like emanuelle! check out denise too its an apple blossom kinda colorway 🥰 also wanted to say ive been getting inspiration from you for years and even though i only have two small balconies i have some of your fav plants in containers, salmon pelargonium and salvia was last summers favourite combo! my small balcony is west facing and has glass glazing to protect from cold, so i feel like im websiteing your vibes when im gardening there 😁 my north facing balcony im turning into a shade garden, now i have all of my bulbs there(more than 500) thinking of getting a pannicle hydrangea, astilbe, clematis 😁 small space means i can take time to groom and shape and micromanage absolutely everything, it’s fun 😁 i have a bluetooth thermometer with an app to keep track of the temps🤓 in the summer it would be torturous to keep plants in the hartley without ac i imagine! i wonder how a miniature scale for an automatic drip system one could figure out for the hartley… i feel like i have the same conditions in my west balcony as your hartley because i live in a similar climate as you 😁
I love planting geraniums. I usually do 1 seed per cell too. I usually soak them for 24 hrs between wet paper towel. I’ve had them germinate in 24 hrs. No joke. And I’ve not used heat mats. I just have problems with knowing how to pinch off the seedling plants correctly to get them to be more bushy. Can you show that when it’s time to do that I would so appreciate it 🌷
I know you probably won’t see this, Would you try putting your little bird fountain in the middle of the plant shelf? Please… Maybe elevated if needed. You have an outlet next to it. It would be beautiful there & it gets lost on the floor. Also, I put my heating mats on my buffet table & it ruined it. You will need something to protect your table. Hope this helps.
Regarding temperature, Laura…. Would it be possible to maybe just show the temperature in Celsius, maybe discreetly in the corner of the screen? I’m just used to Celsius, and I just cannot remember, how to convert fahrenheit. So I thought, I would just ask, if it could be showed on screen, when fahrenheit is mentioned? It would be greatly appreciated!!! 😁😁😁
Hi, thank you for sharing. Geraniums have always been one of my favorite plants for summers in Illinois. Which Generanium do you currently have in bloom in the Hartley, i love the coral color if you can share the name please? Additionally what do you recommend to spray when bringing the rooted plant indoor prior to winter to keep the bugs out of the indoors?
Thanks Laura! I just set up a grow station in my garage and excited to try geraniums! I know the seeds need extra heat during germination, but once they sprout, will they be ok under a grow light in my garage that is averaging 50-55 degrees this time of year? One other off topic question—are popular annuals such as Supertunias readily available in the Spring at local nurseries and big box stores, or do they tend to sell out quickly? I’m debating if I should preorder directly from Proven Winners or wait.
I have an amaryllis but mines leaves are a lot taller and always flop. Do they flop because they need more light, could it be the variety, or could it be something else? It is in a south facing window and watered at least weekly. Thanks and I always look forward to perusal your articles to start my day!
My husband gets me a red geranium every year for Mother’s Day. I live in zone 4B, in Northern NY by the Canadian border and 1000 Islands region, it’s the perfect time for them as long as we bring them in when it gets really cold and we are still getting snow, which we occasionally do. I do have issues with my leaves turning spongy after a time. I keep up on ‘arming’ them ( taking off the spent blooms). Any suggestions? I use Proven Winners’ fertilizer.
This year I’m going to try putting my self-watering tray on the heat mat and then the seed tray on top of that, thinking that maybe the water will be warm as it is fed up through the soil. I’m hoping to eliminate my issue of my seeds drying out if I don’t have eyes on them as often. I will start with warm water.
I grew Maverick Apple Blossom last year and they were great! I’m trying to overwinter them with the paper bag method. Question–I’m confused about when to start seeds. I have Maverick Orange to start this year and the packet says 6-8 weeks. You said 12-16, I think, for your seeds. Why such a big difference? We are the same zone.
I started some zonal pelargonium seeds around the same time as you and they’re doing really well. I live in N Alabama zone 7b and our last frost date is around April 10. My plants are in the Gardener’s GrowEase system with the wicking mats 24 count. Do I need to pot them on to bigger pots or can they stay where they are til they go outside?
Quick question…I planted petunias in my garden this last year and welcomed budworms (bane of my existence). They also got my petunias and eat out the buds. Is there a way to kill them off for good? I’m a zone 9b and spray them with Captain Jack’s spray but I can’t seem to get a good handle on killing off the little buggers (pun not intended).
I bought a house 2 years ago with a sunroom that is lined with one continuous flower bed. There were geraniums in them and they are still there but are needing changed out. My question is about soil type. The soil in those beds are not heavy but I don’t know what kind of soil to replace it with ? Would you have any suggestions for the best soil for geraniums?
Hi becky, my name is sulaika i am from Curacao in the caribbean. I love to see your articles and your beautifull family. I love all your plants and the knowledge that you have i have learned a lot. I was wondering why you don’t have orquids. I am a fan of orquids thats why. Will wait on your weeklt article and hope to receive an answer. Much Blessings and have a nice day.
Hi maam! (we don’t know your name😔) Thanks for your articles. Wondering if you ever tried planting seeds collected from your geranium stocks and at the end you see all the offspring are almost identical to the mother? I did that for one of my badass geraniums this year and I got so excited because as you know hybrid plants don’t produce similar children. You may say that one probably was an heirloom but i am pretty sure it is hybrid because it is always on bloom and have a dwarf stock.
Is Ken trying to get a subliminal message in the article. A quick view of “Maverick” (best movie nominee) around 2:12 or 2:13. LOL Thanks Laura I thought geraniums were just outside plants. Do you know if any geraniums have a scent to them? Another question about the tree where you park your trucks. What are the clumps of stuff in that tree? Bird nests?