Scented geraniums in the Edible Landscape before the freeze.
Our five pelargonium beds (scented geraniums) were beautiful. Brushing up against them or gently rubbing a leaf between your fingers, fragrant scents of everything from roses to peach and chocolate mint filled the air. But the weather forecast had prepared us. Below freezing temperatures were only days away and it was time to carefully dig them up for winter protection in our greenhouse.
Propagation class in session.
Paula Spletter to the rescue! Under her helpful guidance, each plant received a severe pruning leaving only one third of the plant intact for its winter location. Then the fun began. Over 200 stem cuttings were taken and repotted in preparation for a spring class at Raincatcher’s Garden of Midway Hills. Here are Paula’s basic tips for propagating scented geraniums:
Paula Spletter showing us the perfect stem cutting.
- Start with a healthy, well-hydrated “mother” plant.
- Cut tip-end stems just below two nodes. Each cutting should be about 2” to 3” long.
- Cut stems with a sharp, clean paring knife. Make a straight cut across (not at an angle) the stem.
- Use a dowel stick or the handle end of the knife to make a hole in the potting soil. (This will help to protect the fragile meristem when inserting.)
- Cuttings should be placed into a pot filled with a mixture of loose potting soil and compost.
- Label every pot. Sometimes things get accidently moved around and what looks like an old-fashioned rose scented geranium might instead be peach scented.
- Water lightly. Monitor the soil while cuttings are in the greenhouse. Pay careful attention to conditions that could affect the health of the plants:
*Temperature in the greenhouse should be 45˚ or higher. A heater is recommended for anything below this number.
*Soil should stay evenly moist; never too wet or completely dried out.
*Extremes in heat, cold, overwatering or underwatering could cause problems with mealy bugs or a fungus. Pay attention and adjust accordingly.
Scented geranium cuttings in our greenhouse labeled and ready for winter.
Watch for an announcement about our 2020 late spring/early summer class on the joys of growing scented geraniums in your garden. A tasting menu will inspire you to get started!
Linda Alexander
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 