Seed, or hybrid, geraniums are grown from seed by commercial growers. They tend to be somewhat shorter than cutting geraniums, with beautiful single flowers that last throughout the growing season. These relatively new plants are heat resistant and thrive in summer and early fall when many other garden plants have begun to decline. Since their introduction in 1965, seed geraniums have become true bedding plants. Available as small plants, seed geraniums can be used, like petunias, in mass plantings. Whichever type you decide to grow, buying small bedding plants will give your garden colorful blooms early in the season. Start with healthy plants that have well-developed, dark green foliage. Bedding-plant labels provide lots of information, so be sure to read them before you buy. The chosen location should provide at least five to six hours of full sun each day. If you cannot plant on the day of purchase, water thoroughly and place in the shade. Evenings or cloudy days are the best times to plant any bedding plant. To prepare flower beds, spade to a depth of 6 to 8 inches; loosen heavy clay or clay-loam soils by adding peat moss, leaf mold or compost. Fertilize with 2 pounds of 5-10-5 or 1 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet. Turn the soil over and rake smooth. For containers, fill the pots or window boxes with lightly moistened, commercial potting soil. Do not use straight field or garden soil since it may drain poorly and contain insects, diseased and weed seeds. When planting, remove each geranium from its container with root ball intact. Plants not in individual containers should be gently separated to retain as much soil around the roots as possible. Water thoroughly immediately after planting and then whenever the soil feels dry. Water early in the day, soaking at ground level; sprinkling the foliage is not sufficient and may lead to disease problems. Maintain geraniums by cutting off faded blooms to encourage more flowers and by pinching the long stems occasionally to keep the plant compact and bushy. In window boxes, containers and gardens, the popular, showy geraniums outshines and out blooms many other sun-loving plants. However they are used, versatile geraniums add a bold accent to any garden setting. By James L. Pointer |