How to process geranium (pelargonium) seeds before planting to speed up germination. Why can't they be soaked
Fiery fireworks, fellow flower growers!
Gone are the days when zonal pelargonium was called a bourgeois flower with hostility. She settled forever in the hearts of the Russian people under the name "geranium". The reason for the success was a successful combination of unpretentiousness and a bright, even catchy appearance.
Pelargoniums are versatile. They feel great on home windowsills, balconies and in the garden. By the way, I noticed that it is in the open air that geraniums show their best side.
The easiest way to become the owner of a new variety of pelargonium is to buy or break off a twig. It willingly gives roots both in water and in soil. But there is a second, more interesting way - growing pelargonium from seeds. So you can become the owner of plants of very interesting colors, which none of your friends have.
The main feature of seed cultivation of pelargonium
You can start sowing geranium seeds at least all year round. But! If there is a lamp for artificial supplementary lighting of seedlings. Comrade, this is nothing in the winter, when there is no way to organize additional lighting. This has not yet brought anyone to good.
Growing pelargonium from seeds is easy and enjoyable. However, there is also a fly in the ointment. Namely - a thick and hard, very hard shell of the seed. The unpretentious pelargonium did everything to reproduce even in the most unfavorable conditions. And this hardest shell is called upon to become protection from all surrounding adversity.
Because of her, the seed will germinate for a very long time. In order not to wait for the shell to dissolve under the influence of moisture, the flower growers have come up with one tricky thing: scarification.
The meaning of scarification is to wipe the shell in places, reducing its thickness. The sprout will appear faster, finding a weak point in its defense.
To speed up the germination of pelargonium seeds, you need fine-grit sandpaper. The seed is placed and rubbed on the scratching surface. No fanaticism, comrades: do not damage the inner, valuable part of the seed.
I never soak pelargonium seeds and do not advise others
I do not understand why some growers soak seeds in fungicides (from fungus), growth stimulants and folk remedies:
- The plant itself has already taken care of the health of the seed: not a single fungus will penetrate through its hard shell.
- Without scarification, soaking is meaningless. No solution will get through the shell in a couple of hours. And why is it needed - geranium already has good germination.
- If the grower scratches the shell and soaks the seeds, the water will get in and stay there. It turns out that he will ruin a healthy seed with his own hands, provoking rot inside.
To plant pelargonium, take care of good lighting, soil and scarification. Soaking is from the evil one.