Geraniums grow tall and thin if not pruned regularly. Cutting them allows the growth of new shoots that will last a long time, giving you the best of this gardening wonder. And you don't even have to throw away what you cut: you can use it to make new seedlings. See the following article for all the information on pruning, times, techniques and some tips on how to make cuttings.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Knowing when to prune
Step 1. Prune the geranium as soon as you bring it home
When you buy a pot or bowl, pruning it right away will encourage it to grow bush-shaped, round and full-bodied. This step is not necessary if you like the shape of your plant and just want to repot it or put it in the garden, but if you sacrifice a few crops, you will be rewarded in the spring.
Geraniums come in two varieties: "authentic" and "common". Genuine ones are perennial, so pruning them is a good investment. The common ones are annuals, they do well pruned in turn, but since they don't last more than a season it's not a necessity
Step 2. Prune the geraniums before winter
After the growing season, pruning will help them stay healthy and at rest in the colder months. Wait until the plant has no more flowers and the branches have gotten a little long, in late summer or mid-fall. This way the geraniums will conserve their energy during the winter and will be back vigorous as soon as the temperatures rise.
- If you live in a temperate climate with mild winters, you can leave the geranium buried outside.
- In colder areas where it freezes a lot, it is better to remove the geraniums from the ground and put them in pots in the shelter.
Step 3. Prune the geraniums that have overwintered in the spring
They will have continued to grow over the winter by making long, woody branches. The look will not be very attractive, which is why they should be pruned at the beginning of the new season. This way you will encourage growth and a beautiful shape.
- If your geraniums have wintered outside, prune them in late March or early April when the weather improves and is warmer.
- If you kept them indoors, wait for the soil to thaw. You can take them outside gradually, placing them in the garden on sunny days and bringing them back inside in the evening. When the last frost ends, you can transplant them or keep them in pots.
Part 2 of 3: Using the Right Techniques
Step 1. Examine the plant
Take a look at the plant from every angle to identify problem areas. Look for areas where there aren't many leaves, dead or crumpled parts. Determine where to prune to give your geranium a beautiful shape and healthy appearance.
- Pruning leads to the development of new buds and other flowers, so it doesn't necessarily mean leaving a void.
- If a large part of the plant is dead, you will need to make a drastic cut. The geranium should survive if the main stem is still green. However, it may take a few weeks for it to produce new leaves or flowers.
Step 2. Remove the withered flowers
This method is important for stimulating the production of new ones. By removing dead and dried flowers you will infuse new energy into the production of new ones. You will also have a better view of the stems, and you will understand better how to work around them. You can remove dead flowers whenever you notice one; it is a quick way to keep the plant healthy and requires no tools.
- Take the stem of the flower behind the dead corolla between thumb and forefinger;
- Pinch the stem with your fingernails by pulling it off and throw it away;
- Alternatively, wait for the whole flower to wilt, then remove it completely by severing the stem at the bottom near the other leaves.
Step 3. Remove dried leaves
The next step is to get rid of the dry or dead leaves. Eliminating them will restore the energy to the geranium that it wastes to maintain them. Use a pair of pruning shears to cut dead or dry branches at the base of the plant. This is to help the geranium grow when the season is right, but the leaves can be removed at any time of the year.
Do not save the leaves that are starting to dry out even if they are still a little green. Better to remove them and let the plant produce new and more resistant ones
Step 4. Arrange the flower stems
In spring, pruning the stems with flowers will prompt the plant to do more. Follow a branch to where it rejoins the main branch, then with a pair of shears prune against the base of the main branch. This way you will activate dormant shoots and see them grow in no time.
If you don't want to make a drastic cut, follow the branch up to 1 cm above the tip of the knot, which is the loop around the branch. The new branch will stick out of the knot
Step 5. Cut the long branches
By "long" we mean in this case those twigs that have no leaves or very few. Cutting them almost at the base of the plant will allow for new growth, thus creating a fuller, more compact bushy appearance. Use the shears and cut the stems near the base, about 1 cm above the lowest knot. Keep the cuttings for the cuttings!
At the end of the season, cut at least 1/3 of the plant again to prepare it for rest
Part 3 of 3: Propagate the Cuttings
Step 1. Cut the bottom of the cuttings
Keep them straight and look for the lowest knot. Cut 1 cm below the knot. Be sure to calculate which side is up, as the cuttings won't take root if you plant them upside down.
- Long cuttings can be divided into several pieces. Make sure each is cut 1cm below the knot.
- Cuttings made from flowering branches generally do not take root, as they do not have the correct hormones to create roots. Cuttings must be obtained from stems that are growing and not from flowering ones.
Step 2. Remove all but the topmost leaves
The cut would not be able to feed all the leaves, but one can be kept and will be useful. Remove all dead or dry leaves and look for only the top, healthiest one.
- If the branch has no leaves, you can still plant it.
- If the cutting has only one large, healthy leaf, use scissors to cut it lengthwise, leaving both halves attached. The cutting would not be able to maintain a very large leaf page.
Step 3. Fill a jar with soil
A small plastic pot will suffice. You will need to use different pots for each cutting.
Step 4. Sprinkle the cuttings with root hormones
The root hormones will help the geranium to bloom. Wet the lower part of the stem in the hormone and wipe off excess dust. You can find these hormones online or in a nursery.
Step 5. Plant the cutting
Use a stick or pen to make a hole in the soil and insert the cut side. The tip - including the leaf - should extend over the top of the soil. Lightly compact the soil around the cutting.
Step 6. Water and wait for it to root
After a week or two the cutting will begin to form new roots. A few weeks later, a new throw will emerge. Now you can repot the plant or plant it in the ground.
