How To Grow Pelargoniums (Geraniums) And Petunias.
On Receipt
Open the green plastic 'blister' pack containing your plants and check them for moisture, watering any that have dried out in transit. Our specially designed packaging should have provided good protection although it is advisable to remove plants and stand them upright for a day or so in a well lit, airy place to allow them to settle.
Potting On
Your plants can be planted straight into their final containers if you so choose. However, we recommend, if time permits, that they are potted on for a couple of weeks before planting out as this will result in a stronger more proportioned plant which is likely to flower sooner. 4 to 5in pots are ideal for potting on and care should be taken to select a good quality proprietary potting compost as this is likely to have good structure and contain all the nutrients needed. Pot into the centre of the pot, firm in, water well and place in a frost free place with good light and ventilation. As the plants grow ensure that have sufficient space between them to prevent leaves touching as this will prevent them stretching. Where appropriate many of our basket and patio plants will have already been stopped on the nursery, occasionally we may decide to send unstopped to prevent unnecessary delay. In general most plant will benefit from at least one stop. Although this delays flowering it encourages side breaks and creates a much bushier plant which ultimately has more blooms. Our Zonal Pelargoniums however do not normally require stopping as they are naturally free branching’ having the benefit of modern breeding. To stop, remove the tip of a stem making a neat cut with a clean sharp knife or scissors. (our 'Snippers' are also ideal for this purpose)
Planting Out
Ideally this should be done a few days before moving containers outside to allow plants to establish. If planting a 12 or 14 in hanging basket 3 plants will give a good display although one or two more can usually be accommodated. Ivy Leaf Pelargoniums and Petunias are ideal for baskets and Petunias can also be planted in taller patio tubs. Zonal Pelargoniums are best planted in pots and troughs alternatively they make a good centre plant in a basket. A large 16-18in pot will accommodate 3 Zonals.
When planting use a good quality compost, incorporating water retaining gel and slow release fertiliser at this time will greatly aid feeding and watering later on. After planting water plants well. Place outside only after all danger of frost is over. Both Zonal Pelargoniums and Tumbelina Petunias can be planted into borders, Zonals making handsome feature plants and Tumbelinas making a bushy spreading mound.
Water and feed all container plants regularly through the summer and deadhead as necessary.
These are perfect plants for hanging baskets and patio containers. Our double flowering 'Tumbelinas' are British bred petunias and feature large double , often scented flowers. Priscilla – the first in the series - is still one of the best and has sweet perfume.
Often known as geraniums, these are great plants for the patio. The variously zoned leaves are almost as attractive as the blooms. They are easy to grow and love hot dry weather yet still give a good display in cooler conditions. Red is the most popular colour and Anthony is our best red giving large flower heads on compact plants.
These are perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes and produce streams of flowers which tumble over the sides. They are at their best in full sun and are less prone to drying out than some plants so are easy to manage
