Take Pelargonium Cuttings

Pelargoniums you have housed in the greenhouse, overwintered and now springing up with new growth, can be propagated easily. Buying lots of new pelargoniums to beautify your patio can get expensive, so if you have a favourite that’s come through the winter, why not increase your stock for free? Plus, if you’re looking for a straightforward, successful propagating project to try, pelargoniums are best for guaranteed results, so it’s really satisfying.

Fresh shoots root more easily, so if you’re taking cuttings from your plants now or further into the summer, choose younger, non-flowering shoots as good material. Remove all the lower leaves, but ensure you leave around two or three leaves left at the top of the plant, so the plant can continue to develop. Too many leaves left on, however, means your cutting may lose too much moisture and falter. Ensure at least 18C for your cuttings to root, and keep the compost lightly moist at all times. Once your plants have rooted in at least six weeks – you can test them by pulling them gently and they’ll stay put, and they may also have the telltale sign of new leaf growth – then pot them on individually for growing on and planting out in summer.