Saturday, January 24, 2009

Fish Geranium



The brilliantly colored perennial, biennial, or sometimes annual favorite commonly known as geranium, is technically not a geranium but a member of the genus Pelargonium. Having no noticable fragrance, this plant relies on its bright, colorful flowers and easy maintenance for its popular reputation. Geraniums are easily adapted to indoor or outside displays, and are easy to propagate. They are drought-resistant and flourish in full sun locations with only moderate watering. In fact, geraniums will not do as well in rainy, humid climates such as parts of Louisiana and southern Florida. Home gardeners find that plant cuttings are the easiest way to propagate plants. Take cuttings in late summer or early fall for best results. Cuttings should be made from new tip growth and should be 3 to 4 inches long, having several leaf nodes. Place cuttings immediately in damp sand and place in a dry, shaded location. Roots will begin to form in two to six weeks. If you start with 2 1/2-inch pots, you’ll need to transfer them to larger containers as they grow. Pinch tips periodically to prevent plants from becoming leggy. In the spring, when there is no longer any danger of frost, plants can be moved outside.





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