Their flowers are pleasing to the eye and their citrus-minty scented leaves have driven away many a mosquito. It can even be used in the kitchen. In short: There are many reasons to multiply the scented geranium.
How can you successfully propagate scented geraniums?
Scented geraniums are best propagated through cuttings. In July or August, cut off a semi-ripe shoot about 10 cm long without flowers and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in potting soil and keep the substrate moist. Rooting takes about 6 weeks at 20-22 °C.
The easiest method: taking cuttings
Regardless of what variety it is, scented geraniums can best be propagated via cuttings. This method is considered proven. The best time for this is between July and August. Summer provides the optimal temperatures for rooting the cuttings.
How to proceed:
- Cut half-ripe head cuttings with a sharp knife below a leaf node
- should be about 10 cm long
- remove lower leaves
- 4 leaves sticking (on the upper part)
- Prepare a pot with potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon)
Now the cutting is put into the ground. You should make sure that you do not cover the leaves with soil. Now the soil is watered and kept moist for the next few weeks. In a bright place with a temperature between 20 and 22 °C, rooting takes around 6 weeks.
Tips from experts
You should not use fresh shoots when propagating cuttings. These rot quickly. It is also advisable to use shoots that do not have flowers. A place in the greenhouse is ideal for rooting. After the cutting has rooted, it should remain indoors in the pot until spring.
Sowing: Only for patient plant lovers
The seeds can be sown both in pots and in a tray. They are light germinators that should only be sifted very thinly with soil or sand. After sowing, the substrate is kept moist. At a temperature of 20 °C, the seeds germinate after 10 to 20 days. When the four leaves per plant are visible, it is time to separate.
The young plants of the scented pelargonium should be slowly accustomed to the outdoor climate. If the location is right and the substrate is perfect, the scented geranium needs little care. Don't forget: This plant needs to be overwintered from October onwards.
Tips & Tricks
The cutting should lie around for a moment before placing it in the ground. After a short time, the cuts are closed so that no bacteria can penetrate from the outside during rooting.
