Seed Geranium

and the number of weeks to flower is directly related to the accumulated light hours. The period from germination until development of the 6th leaf is the most critical. High light during this period increase the speed with which these leaves unfold and enlarge, and thus the vegetative stage is shortened resulting in earlier flower. Keeping lights on 24/7 for the first 30 days will remarkably improve the time to flower. The more light the better. As the plants grow, make sure spacing is adequate to ensure a compact growth habit and avoid stretching. Too closely spaced plants also tend to drop the lower leaves (turn yellow and die) creating tall, leggy, unattractive plants.

Fertilizing
If the seed starting mixture contained a seedling nutrient charge, you can wait to fertilize until the first true leaf expands. Fertilize with 150-200 ppm nitrogen from a high nitrate based fertilizer. Seed geranium are sensitive to high levels of ammonium and prefer high calcium levels. If you use regular soluble plant fertilizers, such as Peters or Miracle Grow, then consider alternating with Calcium nitrate, or instead feed entirely with the mixture of Flora Grow and Flora Micro mentioned in a previous article. I am not trying to advertise their brands, but this particular combination does provide a high nitrate, high calcium fertilizer.

Growing Temperatures
Grow geranium at minimum temperatures of 60 F (nights). Any lower and the plants can take a very long time to flower. On the other hand, temperatures below 75 F (days) generally produce better quality plants.

Transplanting
Transplant geraniums into larger pots before they become over grown, e.g. leaves start to touch. Once leaves touch, plants tend to grow taller and become less attractive. Transplant into intermediate 2.5" or 3" pots, or directly into 4" pots after 4-5 weeks in plug trays. In the pots it will take another 6-7 weeks to flower. Most seed geraniums should flower within 13-16 weeks (90-110 days) from sowing. Sow in February for May transplanting dates.

Watering
In the young seedling stage, the growing media should be kept uniformly moist, and not allowed to dry out. Still, a well draining media which does not stay too wet is preferred. After the plants have rooted into the pots, the soil should be allowed to dry thoroughly on top before watering again.

Over watering can be a big problem. Keeping plants on the dry side can help alleviate many problems and

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