Ok I just bought my Geranium seeds . . got a bug after reading a post from Molly I think. Anyway, I'm in Zone 5 and from what I'm reading here and on the net I should start these in January. Is that right? We don't have warm weather until late April and by that I mean pretty safe from frost.
So any help would be appreciated! Thank you to all for this nice new bug I've gotten!!
I'm in zone 5 and you really should plant them about the 15th of December if you want them good sized for planting outdoors. Last year I didn't get an early start and it was about the end of summer before some bloomed for me.
Well I did find the Inspire at Park Seed and the Border Series at Burpee . . had a free ship coupon for both!
OK well earlier maybe . . I'll keep watching the reponses!
Thanks Hiker07!
I didn't start mine until Januray last year and I am in zone 4 which means can't plant until end of May first of April. I should have started them in December as they really didn't get blooms until late also.
Here is all the info my book has on starting geranium seeds :
need light to germinate (don't cover seed) germinate in 14 to 21 days at 72'F
Bottom heat of 72 to 74 is necessary for even germination. Monitor soil temps and maintain even moisture with warm water. Grow on at 62'F night temperatures. Provide maximum lighting to prevent stretching. Night lighting with cool white flourescent lights for 4 weeks after transplanting will hasten flowering. Apply growth regulators twice...35 days after germination and again 2 to 3 weeks later. After buds appear, lower night temperatures to 55'F to increase bloom size. Sow 16 weeks prior to setting outside.
Where it says to sow 16 weeks prior...I also add in the germination time of 14 to 21 days when calculating when to plant them.
And you guys thought that seed growing wasn't a science...lol. Charlene
Thanks for the info! I always start mine in an east window above my sink but am seriously considering buying lights if I can afford it. Always covered my seeds very lightly, the info about the fertilizor is what I've been wondering about. Thanks again!
For years I have started my geraniums the 15th of December they were blooming and ready to sell by April 15, our last frost date. I have never used a growth regulator, I do a pinch when the plant is about 6" tall. But at that time I was starting hundreds of geraniums so if a few weren't blooming by Apr. 15 they bloomed soon after that. Be careful watering them, water on the leaves can leave brown spots, not pretty to see and they don't like to be soggy, just nicely moist.
Molly...I'm just passing on the directions I have...do you really think I follow them?...lol Charlene
Charlene, we all have our ways of doing things, as far as I am concerned if it works for you it is ok with me! I just learned how to do it and have always done it that way because I subscribe to the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" theory. Not the only way for sure but the way that works best for me. And at my age I am too old or too lazy to change now.
Of course you also have to remember I do this in a heated greenhouse with plenty of light during the day so that may make a difference in time also.
Kimmer, I see your avatar is a quilt. Do you Quilt?
Just thought I'd let you know, she won't be back on until Tuesday but she does quilt, gorgeous quilt isn't it?
-Deloris
Molly you are right. Starting them in a heated greenhouse makes a big difference. I don't set mine out for over a month after you but because I start them in the house I have to start them about the same time you do.
Thanks for the information, ladies! I bought some geranium seeds to try over the winter and had no idea I should be starting them in December. I learn a ton of new stuff everyday. Sure am glad I learned this!!!
Peace be with you always!
Karen ... NW Ohio Zone 5
Got my seeds already! I ordered them the 18th.
OH wow . . lots of good responses here! I'll be starting mine around the first of December.
Now should the seeds be kept in the fridge prior to planting?
Also in Charlene's post it states appply a growth regulator . . is that fertilizer? Sorry probably a dumb question.
Thanks so much to everyone I appreciate all of your information! I would like this to be successfull my first try!
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