by The Long Island Gardener

Created on: March 11, 2009   Last Updated: December 08, 2011

Gaily colored globes of salmon, scarlet and sparkling white, Geraniums were born to spill out of sunny window-boxes, where they fluorish care-free all summer long.

Cheap to buy, a breeze to grow, delightfully simple to multiply, these splendid summer flowers are the best selling bedding plants in the U.S.  That's more than Impatiens, Begonias, and Petunias. No plant is more at home in pots on the porch, the front steps, or windowboxes than the popular Pelargonium.

Yet, these are popular perennials are surprisingly easy to grow.  Long, warm days of Summer sun are the main secret of successful Geranium care. Skimp on sun, and their flower power goes out the window.

The more, the merrier...

If you love the colors of those you have, take cuttings and grow more of them. It's simple. Here's how:

1. Measure 3 to 4 inches from the top of the main, middle stalk. Then find the nearest bump. That's a node - where growth hormones concentrate. Slice across the middle stalk just above a node. A diagonal slice is best. That way, you'll get the most surface and the most water exposure. This is your cutting. There should be at least 3 leaves, and no buds or flowers.

2. If you've bought rooting hormone powder, dip the edge in the powder, and tap to remove excess.

3. Rest the sliced stalk with cut side facing down, as horizontally as possible, on a bed of vermiculate or sand with a little soil or peat moss mixed in. This makes it easier for water to flow up and into the cutting. You want your stalk to spend energy growing roots, not defying gravity.

4. Set in a bright window - not too sunny, or the root-less leaves will begin to wilt.  Heat mats raise the root zone temperature, and make it easier for your cuttings to root. Avoid direct sun. Your cutting is not prepared to deal with that. During the cold season, and especially if you have central heating, cover the cutting with an upside down plastic bag to retain moisture.  Now, wait.

In a month or so, you will see the cut area begin to swell. Soon after that, roots will emerge. Disturb as little as possible, and make sure you add more water as needed. If leaves wilt, remove them, until you have a maximum 3 leaves (or even 2) on the cutting.

When less is more

If you're having trouble with your Geraniums, you should know that the number one error people make with these is overwatering.

Avoid temptation. Make sure the soil is dry when you touch it, and then flood the pot with water. A quick but thorough

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