How Geraniums Reproduce

"Geraniaceae" is the scientific name for the family of geraniums.

Geraniums are reproduced by using both seeds and root cuttings; however, differences in the method of reproduction produces two separate types of geranium plants. Both reproductive styles of propagating geraniums have advantages and disadvantages.

Root Cuttings

In the past, nurseries only grew geraniums from root cuttings.

Geraniums produced by root cuttings are genetic reproductions of the parent plant, but their mature plants will not produce seeds. Flowers from root cuttings are generally larger than those grown from seed. To propagate geraniums in this manner, you first cut the roots, then place the cuttings in a separate container until mature. You apply a rooting medium to the cuttings, which assists with the growth process.

Seed Geraniums

Cross-pollination alters geranium genetics.

Geraniums grown from seed mature faster than cuttings, but they are not genetically the same as the parent plant. Plant characteristics from geraniums grown from seed may be influenced by cross-pollination, producing flowers of a different color than the parent plant. A more compact plant is produced from seed; therefore, seed geraniums are less expensive than root-cut geraniums.

Propagation

Root-cut geraniums are called "Zonal Geraniums."

Seed collection should take place three to four weeks after the flowers bloom and begin to darken. Wildflower.org suggests preserving collected seeds for later reproduction by placing them in a paper bag and storing them in the refrigerator until you are ready to plant. Plant both seeds and root cuttings outdoors in the late fall or early spring. Make your root cuttings the "thickness of a pencil," says "Fine Gardening" magazine. Take root cuttings during the dormant stage, between November and February, according to "Fine Gardening."

References

• University of Flordia IFAS Extension: Geraniums for Flordia
• Fine Gardening.com: Grow More Plants With Root Cuttings
• Wildflower.org: Native Plant Database

Resources

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Greenhouse Production of Zonal Geranium