Pruning geraniums for lush flowering - in spring and autumn, diagram

Geranium, pelargonium, pelargonium, and cranesbill—these names are all used to refer to the same plant. This flower is a permanent fixture in many apartments, where it is prized for its bright, vibrant colors and ease of care.

Pelargonium belongs to the Geraniaceae family and originated in India and South Africa. Today, there are over 200 species of this flower, but only a few groups are used for indoor cultivation. In Europe, this marvelous flowering plant is popular not only for its lush blooms and ease of care, but also for its medicinal properties.

However, often the windowsill is graced not by a lushly blooming bush, but by a dull, long stem with a tuft of leaves at the top. This happens because not everyone knows how to care for pelargoniums. To ensure lush blooms, geraniums require pruning. This is not at all difficult to do at home.

Features of geraniums and the need for pruning for lush flowering

Traditionally, there are three types of geranium: tall, medium, and dwarf. The main differences are stem height and flower size (from 100 cm for giant varieties to 16 cm for dwarf varieties). The rounded leaves have serrated edges, a heart-shaped base, and can vary in color, from soft green to green with a burgundy tint.

Some species have plush leaves, while others have smooth foliage. Flowers reach 5-6 cm in diameter, while regal geraniums reach up to 15 cm. Flowers on different bushes can be pink, burgundy, white, lilac, or cream; they are gathered in inflorescences arranged on a long stalk. In addition to the bush variety, there are trailing varieties, including the ivy-leaved pelargonium.

The most common varieties suitable for growing at home are shown in the photo:

1. Tulip-shaped.

   

   

   

2. Royal.

   

   

   

3. Terry.

   

   

4. Non-terry.

Geraniums are low-maintenance plants. They exhibit high disease resistance and thrive on windowsills.

It blooms from early spring to early fall. Timely pruning and pinching are essential for a decorative appearance and lush blooms. These procedures not only promote a beautiful crown and lush blooms but are also beneficial for the plant's health.

Pinching and pruning are not complicated procedures; you just need to remember the general rules. Pruning is the process of removing old stems and leaves. This helps the bush renew itself and grow more vigorously. Pruning is suitable for mature plants. To do this, old branches are cut back so that each branch retains a few buds, which will then give rise to new growth.

Pinching is suitable for young plants. The procedure involves removing the top of the plant, which encourages it to grow laterally, forming new shoots that will further promote branching.

Particular attention should be paid to the areas where new shoots emerge. If they grow from the rhizome, they should be left alone. However, when shoots emerge from the trunk, they should either be removed immediately or wait until they grow a little and then pinched back. This will encourage more branching of the bush.

Not all plants require the same pinching and pruning. If the geranium is an annual, it's pruned only to shape the bush. Perennial pelargoniums, on the other hand, require pruning twice a year—in spring and fall. Spring pruning is considered the most important.

Basic rules for pruning geraniums in spring

The main pruning of the bush is done in the spring. The period from February to March marks the beginning of sap flow, the awakening of the plant, and the formation of new shoots. When planning the procedure, it's important to approach it wisely.

Necessity

To determine whether a geranium needs pruning, consider its type. A bare stem isn't pruned, but if the plant has a neat shape, it can be pruned in the spring. This involves removing all inward-growing stems, old branches, and side shoots that disrupt the shape. For trailing varieties, remove all long branches devoid of foliage and flowers.

What does pruning do? It promotes:

• long flowering;
• growth of lateral branches;
• formation of an even, beautiful crown;
• obtaining fresh planting material for planting new plants.

Scheme of the procedure

First, you need to decide what shape to give the flower. After that, you can begin the process according to the generally accepted scheme:

• The instrument used for manipulation should be disinfected. Boiling water, alcohol, or an antibacterial agent are suitable for this purpose;
• remove all yellowed leaves and damaged branches;

  

• shorten a tall stem, in which case new shoots will begin to grow from it, and the plant will take the shape of a tree;
• remove lower lateral shoots;
• Trim off all old, crooked stems, leaving stumps. These stumps will later form bushes.

Aftercare

Pruning is stressful for the plant. To ensure a speedy recovery, it needs comfortable conditions. Kalachiks require watering every two days, feeding with nitrogen-rich fertilizer for flowering plants, and avoiding drafts and overspray. The ideal growing location is a sunny windowsill or outdoors.

How to prune geraniums in autumn?

Pruning geraniums in autumn is a logical conclusion to the flowering period and preparation of the plant for winter dormancy.

Necessity

During winter, pelargoniums enter a dormant state, continuing to receive nutrients. In this dormant state, it's difficult for the bush to provide nutrients to its large crown, weighed down by wilted leaves and old stems. To prepare the plant for the next flowering season, lay the foundation for a beautiful crown, and facilitate wintering, fall pruning is performed.

Dates of the event

The optimal time for the fall procedure is considered to be between September and November, after the last blooms have dried. It is during this time that yellowed leaves and old shoots are most noticeable on the bushes, and they should be removed. After November and up until February, it is not recommended to disturb the geranium - during this period the flower is especially weak.

Technology

Before pruning, as with spring pruning, you should clean your tools and wash your hands. It's best to use a razor blade, as it leaves a smooth, jagged cut. The pruning procedure includes the following steps:

1. At the first stage, old shoots, weak branches and crooked stems are removed.
2. Next, check to see if the plant has sprouted long stems. If these shoots are unnecessary, they are cut off at the bottom leaf node. If, however, the shoot needs to bush out later, it needs to be pinched.

   

3. The main stem is cut by no more than 30%.
4. If the plant has winter buds, it's best to remove them. This will allow the geranium to recharge during the winter rather than waste it on useless buds.
5. To speed up healing, cut sites are treated with activated charcoal or cinnamon powder.

Scheme of formation of standard plant

Geraniums are suitable for shaping into standard forms—trees with a crown. These are typically formed from vigorous young plants with a distinct central shoot. The trunk can be either straight or curved. To achieve a straight shape, the central shoot is firmly tied to a straight, vertical support; if a curved trunk is desired, the shoot is tied to a curved support.

As the central shoot grows, it is cleared of side branches, preserving the leaves. Once the trunk reaches the desired height, the leaves are removed and the top is pinched. This will encourage the upper part to bush out, and over time, a dense crown will form. The support is removed only when the trunk has gained strength.

Place the standard form in a warm, bright location, avoiding direct sunlight, and water and fertilize generously. Forming a tree takes time and is stressful for the pelargonium, so it will likely not bloom in the first year.

Peculiarities of the formation of royal geranium

The exceptionally beautiful, yet extremely capricious, regal geranium is one of the largest in the family. Its stems can reach a height of one meter. Its large, maple-shaped leaves are serrated and varied in color. It blooms, predominantly pink, scarlet, or purple, for only three to four months a year.

To ensure profuse blooms, the royal beauty, like other members of the family, requires pruning. However, this is only done once a year, in the fall. The optimal time is September-October, after the last blooms have faded.

First, prune the main shoots, removing a third of their length, then begin shaping the crown. Remove old leaves, as well as stems without leaves or flowers. Pinch out young shoots by hand. This will encourage the plant to produce many new shoots by spring, giving the geranium a beautiful, bushy appearance.

Winter is a period of complete dormancy for regal geraniums. They should be placed in comfortable conditions, avoiding any handling of the stems or shoots. If new shoots appear during the winter, they should be pinched by hand, avoiding injury to the plant. With proper care, the regal geranium will delight its owner with its first flowers as early as April.

Frequently asked questions about growing

Geranium is a bright and colorful plant. Although it requires very little care, the key to its beauty lies in following simple rules, including careful and timely pruning and pinching.