Do this with geraniums in January. You’ll thank yourself in spring

Geraniums need a lot of time to transform from seeds into beautiful plants ready to bloom. The period from sowing to the first flower can last from about four to even five months. This means that if we start in January, we will enjoy the first flowers in May, and in June the balcony may be full of colors.

Later sowing of geraniums will shift the entire development cycle and delay flowering. This often means an unspectacular season. In addition, plants from seeds are more compact, more resistant and bloom longer than purchased, ready-made flowers. Costs are also important – seeds are much cheaper for seedlings, and the satisfaction of growing a plant from sprout to flower is certainly greater.

Before you start sowing, it is worth ensuring proper preparation. Before being sold, geranium seeds are often subjected to the so-called scarification, i.e. treatment that facilitates germination, however, additional soaking for 12-24 hours may accelerate the start of growth. Light, permeable sowing soil or a mixture of peat and perlite works best as a substrate. Sow geranium seeds shallowly, they should only be covered with a thin layer of substrate or sand.. The substrate in containers should always be slightly damp, but not wet, to avoid rotting.

It is best to place the containers in a warm and bright place. The optimal temperature for germination is approximately 20-24 °Cand access to light is crucial from the very first days. Without this, the seedlings easily “pull out” and become weak. When replanting young plants, it is worth preparing separate small pots so that after a few leaves appear, they can be pricked out without damaging the delicate roots.

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When the seeds germinate (usually after about 7-15 days) and the seedlings already have a few leaves, we begin the next stages of care.. After quilting, it is worth transplanting them to their intended containers and continuing to ensure proper watering. It is important to maintain constant soil moisture and regular but gentle watering. Overdrying or overwatering may weaken young geraniums

Geranium seedlings should be hardened off at the beginning of May. This involves them gradually getting used to the lower temperatures outside. You need to take the pots outside during the day, for a little longer every day. They should absolutely be brought home at night. After May 15, geraniums cared for in this way will be ready to be taken out to the balcony or transplanted into the ground.