Geraniums (officially "Pelargoniums") are a favorite. They are colorful, nice in the dry conditions, although in containers at least they do need watering and shelter from the worst sun and heat. This year they gave a lot of color. When I find one I like, I keep it going by storing the dormant plant in the garage for the winter, or starting cuttings to grow in the sunroom. Some are five years old. One is twenty years old.
This year I didn't care as much for some of the new store varieties. They are hybrids between ivy leaf and zonal, growing from a tight cluster of leaves with huge pom poms of flowers covering the plant. Nice, especially in the store, but more challenging to water n containerso because they shed water to the side.
I had a difficult time, finding varieties that I liked at the store. So I decided to grow from seeds. I chose the "Maverick" line, the red, coral, and white colors.
I started them now, because I read they are slow to get to blooming size. Plus, it's something to do indoors in winter.
I planted these a few weeks ago. They germinated pretty quickly on the seed warming mat.
Germination was about 50% to 75%. OK, but I will start some more.
These might be ready for the sunroom plant stand with LEDs. Pelargoniums do well there. They may also need individual containers and real potting soil, soon.
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