How to properly prune geraniums for beautiful flowering. Autumn pruning of geraniums - a guarantee of lush flowering

Geranium fell in love with gardeners for its undemanding to watering and soil composition. Aroma essential oil, emanating from its leaves, effectively repels insects. The only thing this flower needs for the full development and maintenance of decorativeness is pruning. Without its implementation, bare shoots are greatly extended, and the number of inflorescences is significantly reduced - in this form, the plant seems neglected and stunted.

Flower growers specializing in geraniums are advised to carry out a mandatory annual autumn pruning of the plant in order to stimulate the growth of lateral branches and abundant flowering in the next season.

Why prune geraniums - the purpose and timing of the procedure

There are many types and varieties: garden and indoor flowers - pelargoniums, ampelous and bush geraniums, plants with climbing or erect shoots. In addition, there is a huge variety of color and splendor of inflorescences. And each of them needs a formative pruning, the purpose of which, above all, is to create thick bush and encouraging lush flowering.

Without outside interference, geranium never lets out additional lateral processes - this is its peculiarity. Each node has growth buds, but they are all dormant. In order to arrange the plant as a lush bush, it is necessary to provoke the development of branches and thickening of the green part of the flower.

The formation of geraniums should be carried out on a regular basis, and it is recommended to start this process immediately after acquiring or propagating a flower and transplanting it into a permanent pot.

It should not be allowed that the stems of the plant are excessively stretched and exposed. If this happens, there are only 2 options left:

  1. 1. Or completely cut the bush in the fall after flowering and root the cut cuttings in order to obtain new young plants.
  2. 2. Either cut the stems of the flower, leaving only one of the strongest and healthiest, from which to remove all the lower side shoots. The stem can be shortened a little, and then, after a while, the geranium will form like a small tree on a thick trunk. Too much tall stem you need to cut off, removing part of the top, then with the development of lateral buds, the culture will turn into a small tree on the trunk. Blooming it looks incomparable.

Geranium pruning dates - early spring and autumn. Moreover, a heavily pruned geranium in the spring may not have time to regain strength for flowering, therefore, all manipulations associated with stress for the plant should be performed as early as possible - around the end of February - beginning of March . Considering that pinching is a less traumatic procedure, then in spring time, in the absence of an urgent need for pruning, you can stop at it.

Pruning for winter is carried out immediately after autumn bloom when the last petals fall from the plant. In case on summer period geranium planted in open ground or constantly growing garden bed, then in the fall its stem is cut exactly in half - this significantly improves air exchange in the crown, the lower leaves become available to the sun's rays.

Features of different types of geraniums

Most often, the geranium itself will tell you correctly and in time whether it needs pruning. If the bush looks compact, the stem is not bare, then you can do without autumn pruning. So, for ampelous pelargonium, long shoots are characteristic, but they are good when completely covered with leaves and decorated with flowers. When a plant begins to flaunt an uncovered trunk, this indicates the need for formative measures - cutting or pinching.

There is also such interesting variety like a mini pelargonium. This is a miniature plant that needs pruning to a lesser extent than its tall counterparts, having a fairly compact structure. But the royal geranium, on the contrary, is very prone to growth, so in the fall it is drastically sheared, leaving only a small shoot with buds.

Rules and step-by-step guide for autumn pruning

The basic rules for pruning are not original. Tools must be prepared and disinfected. For such a procedure, you will need a sharp clerical or kitchen knife. You can also replace it with an ordinary blade. Scissors are not suitable for this purpose - in the process they strongly pinch the shoots and stem, which is unacceptable. Disinfection is done by boiling the blade, heating it over a flame, or rubbing it with an alcohol solution.

When removing half of the bush or more, pruning is carried out in several courses with an interval of 2 weeks. If the plant during summer season has been planted in open ground or flower pot with geranium was constantly in the garden, then the haircut should be postponed for 4-6 days so that the flower gets used to the new growing conditions.

Getting started, it is desirable to adhere to the stages:

  1. 1. The first step is to remove all yellowed leaves, withered inflorescences and damaged parts of the plant - this will show the true shape of the bush, from which you can proceed in the future.
  2. 2. Next, after carefully examining the geranium, you need to think about desired result formations.
  3. 3. Before wintering, branches that cross each other are shortened or cut, weakened shoots are cut off. It is important to make cuts only above the leaf node, 5 millimeters from it.
  4. 4. Then, when the bush is thinned out, the tips of the remaining shoots and twigs are cut in accordance with the planned shape. All tops are shortened by several knots at an acute angle to stimulate the development of peduncles.

What will the recovery be like?

Geranium care includes regular pruning, set mode glaze, seasonal top dressing. However, plants cut before winter require a little more attention than usual. At the end of the event, it is important to disinfect all sections formed during the process with activated charcoal to avoid infection. Also good means for this purpose - wood ash or cinnamon powder, they are excellent antiseptics.

In order for the plant to more easily cope with the stress caused to it, it is recommended to feed it with a special vitamin complex for geraniums, purchased in flower shop. For the splendor of the crown and the speedy development of new leaves, nitrogen fertilizers are applied to the soil. The crop that has undergone pruning should be irrigated to reduce the amount of moisture and the intervals between waterings up to 3 days.

In winter, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the cuts. large area and trim them when blackened.

Comfortable temperature content of geraniums in winter period varies from +17–22 during the day and from +13–16 at night. Lighting must be present for 12 hours a day, and if natural conditions is not enough for this, it is recommended to turn on the fluorescent lamp.

Errors that occur during seasonal pruning

Pruning geraniums for the winter at home is a simple process, especially if you do not ignore the advice of experts on its implementation, because the mistakes of beginners can cost the plant life.

Fertilization should also be controlled. Nitrogen can be applied after pruning, and when sufficient crown splendor is reached, the plant needs more potassium supplements.

Pruning is one of the main care measures for geraniums. She stimulates abundant flowering bush and prolongs the formation of buds, forms beautiful crown and also plays important role for plant health. Pelargonium can be trimmed in spring and autumn. If everything is done correctly, on time and regularly, geraniums will delight you with a well-groomed appearance and lush flowering.

Types and methods of pruning geraniums

Without this sanitary procedure, pelargonium will eventually look like an untidy, shapeless bush, will release single buds, or stop blooming altogether. Periodic shortening of the shoots will help form a symmetrical crown of the correct shape and thin out too dense areas.

Pruning turns the geranium into a pretty ball-shaped bush, stimulating the formation of side branches that will not wake up without artificial intervention. In addition, it improves metabolism, lighting and leaf nutrition. Depending on the purpose, there are such types of pruning:

  • the main one - forms a bush and encourages it to active, abundant flowering;
  • sanitary - performed in autumn or spring;
  • pinching - carried out as needed.

Different varieties of pelargonium need a procedure at a certain time:

  • the zonal variety can be pruned in spring and autumn, as it quickly buds and forms buds early;
  • the ivy-leaved geranium is also sheared twice a year. If the bush is strongly extended during the winter, it is shortened in early spring;
  • royal pelargonium is cut to the level of a stump, but this is not done regularly. The flower does not develop too intensively;
  • variegated geranium is shortened in spring. The same time of year is usually chosen for ampelous varieties;
  • dwarf species form only for decorative purposes.

How to prune geraniums in autumn

The autumn procedure for shortening the shoots is considered more natural than the spring one. From November to February, the plant is in a state of hibernation. Its development is slowing down, but the bush continues to receive nutrients. Maintaining a lush crown in good condition is quite difficult, while pruning makes it easier to overwinter the flower.

Advice. Don't wait for the geranium stem to reach a significant size. Trim young bushes from the first months of their life.

Properly prune geraniums autumn period This step by step guide will help:


Attention! Immediately after this, pelargonium needs abundant lighting, moderate watering and fertilizing with nitrogen.

Features of spring geranium pruning and pinching

Haircut after hibernation, more superficial and gentle. At this time, it is easy to harm the culture and postpone its flowering indefinitely. Therefore, shortening the branches must be very careful. The main purpose of the procedure is to remove shoots that are very stretched or weakened. Also, spring pruning helps geraniums grow greenery and form buds, awaken dormant buds.

You need to execute it like this:

  1. Schedule a haircut for the end of winter or the first half of March. The faster, the earlier the pelargonium will begin to grow rapidly.
  2. Remove diseased, bare, long stems. Each of them should have at least 3 kidneys.
  3. If necessary, use cut cuttings to propagate geraniums. They root well.
  4. Provide bush good light, normal watering and spraying Epin three times at weekly intervals.

At the same time, take care of pinching - the formation of the crown of a young geranium. Remove the growing point of the central stem. Treat this place with talc or ash. Left without a top, the flower will begin to produce side branches.

There is nothing complicated in the procedure itself, but inexperienced gardeners manage to make mistakes that negatively affect the plant. For everything to be successful, follow these rules:

  • pruning should not be combined with a sharp change in conditions. A bush may not survive two stresses in a row;
  • it is necessary to remove excess crown after withering of all inflorescences. Constantly blooming pelargonium pruned at any time of the year;
  • do not forget about disinfection;
  • it is necessary to avoid intensive watering of a plant that has just undergone a haircut - this is fraught with rotting of the roots;
  • with a forming purpose, pelargonium grown from seeds should be pinched after the 7th leaf, obtained from the cutting - after the 9th or 10th.

Different varieties of geraniums usually bloom from spring to late autumn. On how correctly and in a timely manner you will cut and form the bushes, their decorative effect, health and general appearance.

How to prune geraniums: video

Pruning geraniums is a must for lush flowering. Despite the fact that this activity is not difficult, there is certain moments, which should be taken into account so as not to destroy the plant.

The main rule of pruning is its regularity, do not allow excessive growth of the stems.

Why is it done and what does it give?

It is worth noting that There are a lot of types of geraniums, they are divided into:

  • dwarf;
  • tall;
  • ampelous;
  • with erect stems;
  • shrubs.

And each of them needs a separate approach to care.

The systematic, started immediately after planting, the formation of a pelargonium bush will help:

  • stimulate the growth and development of side shoots, and as a result, new buds;
  • give the flower a beautiful and compact look;
  • help the plant bloom luxuriantly and for a long time;
  • get high-quality cuttings for further propagation.

If you leave geraniums unattended, then during the season the stems will stretch out, foliage will remain only at the top. The specificity of pelargonium is that, without outside interference, it does not give side shoots, despite the fact that there is a dormant bud in each internode. If you cut the geranium in time, then the dormant buds begin to wake up, and the flower stalks are laid.

Fundamental rules

There are certain rules by which pelargonium pruning is performed:

  • the formation of the bush is carried out twice a year - in spring and autumn;
  • the procedure must be carried out with a sharp sterile instrument;
  • be sure to treat sections with antiseptic compounds;
  • competent aftercare.

On a note! It doesn't matter what plant is on your windowsill - perennial geranium or annual, pruning should be done regularly.

Step-by-step instructions on how and when to prune a plant?

Before starting the pruning process, you need to carefully examine the plant and think about the form that you want to get in the end. Then prepare the tool and antiseptic and you can proceed.

Features of the spring procedure

The algorithm for performing spring pruning of geraniums is as follows:

  1. Cut off dry and yellowed leaves, cut off crooked, injured shoots.
  2. All weak lateral layers are removed without regret, only strong and healthy ones should be left.
  3. From the remaining stems, remove all side shoots that are below.
  4. If the stem is very long, then it should be shortened by cutting off the top.
  5. If the stems are crooked, then they are cut off completely, leaving only 10 cm of the stem from the ground. After a while, young leaves and shoots will appear in place of the stumps.
  6. Apply a disinfectant to the cuts (ground cinnamon, brilliant green, charcoal).

Pruning geraniums in spring can delay flowering a little. as the plant will have to recuperate. It should also be taken into account that when carrying out such a procedure, it is impossible to cut off more than 20% of the shoots for lush flowering. If you carry out local pruning, then the geranium will bloom only next summer.

We offer you to watch a video about spring pruning of geraniums:

Is it possible to "cut" it in the fall?

Yes, you can and even need to prune the plant in the fall. Many novice growers do not know what time to start pruning in the fall. The first step is to observe the geranium, as soon as the pelargonium ceases to form new peduncles, and the existing ones begin to fade - it's time for pruning, which must be done as follows:

  1. Remove from the plant all wilted inflorescences, stems and leaves that are dried or damaged. This procedure will make your job easier. Then you should inspect the plant and remove all weak and damaged shoots, and those that are stretched should be shortened. This will allow the plant to save strength for further growth and flowering.
  2. Before you decide on the place of the cut, you need to understand that new shoots are formed from dormant buds.
  3. In autumn, pelargonium can be cut to 1/3, while you should not think that it will be too difficult for the plant. During the long winter, it will gain strength and release many new lateral processes.
  4. But one pruning is not enough; during the dormant period, young shoots should be pinched after every 4 internodes. Only in this way in the spring you will get a bushy geranium that will release a lot of flower stalks and please you with a hat of buds.

Pruning and pinching is carried out until December, at which time a dormant period passes, during which pruning for pelargonium is painless. Then it is worth leaving the plant alone until spring. It is worth noting that during a period when the daylight hours are very short, geraniums will be very difficult to endure any interference.

We offer a visual video on how to cut geraniums in the fall:

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Useful secrets

How to prune geraniums for lush blooms? This question is asked by many flower growers. But do not forget that the duration and frequency of flowering directly depends on the plant variety and from the conditions of care and of course from the correct pruning. If you want a lush plant in the spring, prune properly in the fall.

  • If in winter the plant did not have enough light and the stems were very long, then at the end of February they should be shortened by 2/3. And in the spring, start pinching new side layers.
  • If the plant has branched out strongly during the winter, then in the spring only those side stems that are knocked out of the total mass of the bush are removed - global pruning is not worth it, the plant will spend energy on restoration and will not bloom.
  • If you want to get a lush plant in the spring, leave only 7-10 cm stumps in the fall and constantly look after the geranium, pinching it in a timely manner. At the same time, pelargonium should stand in a well-lit place so that the side stems do not stretch.
  • We draw your attention to the fact that peduncles in geraniums are formed only from young shoots, therefore, as soon as the bud begins to dry out, it is removed and the stem is pinched.

What to do to make the flower fluffy?

Good condition and stormy geranium bloom, therefore, pruning is carried out with a sharp blade or knife, which must be disinfected, the execution algorithm is as follows:

  1. Experienced flower growers advise pruning with a sharp blade or a clerical knife. Do not use scissors, as in this process the stem is pinched and receives additional injuries in the form of cracks.
  2. The cut is made above the node from which the leaf grows, facing outward - if the leaves are turned inside the bush, then the shoots will interfere with each other, while the density of the plant will be increased, and this may cause diseases and insects.
  3. If you need to remove a young shoot, then you can simply gently pinch it with clean, dry hands directly from the main stem, being careful not to damage the main layer.
  4. Be sure to process the cut points, otherwise the plant may be affected by rot. You can use crushed coal, cinnamon or simple brilliant green.

If you want the geranium to produce a large forcing of greenery after pruning, then you should feed it with nitrogen fertilizer.

Formation of a standard tree from a bush at home

If you want to make a compact bushy geranium clearstem tree, worth making correct pruning- remove the side rails. A support is installed, to which the main stem is tied in several places.

The garter of the central stem must be carried out very carefully, since in pelargonium it is very fragile. It is necessary to fix the stem so that the support helps it withstand the weight of the growing crown. Some gardeners simply wrap the trunk and support with a soft cloth.

The main stem is cut at the level of the support, it can be 2-3 cm higher, it all depends on the last sleeping bud at the top. After pinching, intensive branching will begin. At the crown, 5-7 strong layers are left - they will be the basis of the future crown.

After every fourth leaf, pinching is done on each new stem. Over time, as a result of such intensive formation, a beautiful miniature tree is formed, but you need to understand that it will bloom only a year later, after the formation of the crown. If you want the plant to lay buds, two months before the expected flowering, pruning and pinching are stopped.

Care

Care after pruning should be more thorough, so that the plant has the strength to recover. Geranium is placed in a room with a temperature of + 15-18 degrees, the number of waterings is reduced to a minimum so that the flower does not rot. Lighting should be maximum, but without direct sunlight. For growth a large number greens, carry out top dressing nitrogen fertilizers.

As soon as the wounds from the cuts heal, you can move the plant to a warmer room, it is better to install a flowerpot with geraniums on the southern windowsill, or arrange additional lighting.

It must be remembered that geranium - photophilous plant, which does not tolerate heat and stuffiness, so the room in which it stands must be constantly ventilated.

Constant pruning of pelargonium is necessary not only for the formation of a bush. If excess, dried and unhealthy processes are removed, a free space is formed. The thinned bush is well ventilated, the threat of infection with fungal diseases is significantly reduced. The type of plant becomes the most accurate and attractive. The mass of greenery becomes small, while the number of inflorescences and their quality increase.

Related videos

We suggest watching a video on how and when to properly prune geraniums:

Create a demotivator

Pelargonium pruning: basic rules

To properly prune geraniums, you need to consider the type of flower. It can be perennial or annual. annual plant cutting is not necessary. This should only be done to change the shape of the plant. Perennial pelargonium needs pruning 2 times a year - in spring and autumn. Pruning not only decorates the appearance, it contributes to the emergence of a large number of large inflorescences and increases the duration of their flowering.

Be sure to consider the characteristics of the type of plant. A geranium may have a small main stem, growing wide low above the ground, may have drooping branches, or may tend upward due to a tall stem. You will not be able to drastically change the shape of the crown by trimming. Attempts to do so may result in the death of the plant.


The main purpose of pruning absolutely any plant, both a bush and a tree, is to thin out the crown. This results in better ventilation, more moisture and sunlight. For such a “liberation” of the bush from excess sprouts, it is necessary to remove all branches directed inward of the crown, giving free rein only to those growing outward. Properly and on time pruning geraniums, you can achieve a long and lush flowering.

Cutting tools must be sharp and clean. A knife or pruner must be disinfected with boiling water, alcohol or a special antibacterial agent. Hands must also be clean so that infections from other plants do not get into the flower. You need to cut the stems at the leaf knot, and be sure to anoint the “wound” with charcoal or sprinkle with cinnamon powder. To renew the strength of the plant after the operation, do not forget about "feeding". Geranium loves nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

Pruning geraniums in autumn

Pelargonium blooms in summer, when all plants come to life and rage with greenery and colors. In autumn, it fades, falling into winter sleep. After drying the last inflorescences and before the onset of winter, you need to prepare the plant for the upcoming sleep. In no case should autumn pruning be carried out from December to mid-February, when the plant is especially weak.

Follow the proverb “measure seven times, cut once”, do not start pruning before carefully inspecting the crown and thinking through each step. Prepare disinfected instruments in advance. In autumn, the pelargonium will dry out a little, having acquired yellow dry leaves. They need to be plucked so that the plant does not waste the forces necessary to form new strong shoots trying to restore old leaves. All wilted inflorescences and old stems must also be removed.


If the geranium has started up long unnecessary stems, they need to be cut off in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe first leaf node. However, if you want this stem to sprout and continue growing, it must be cut above the node. The main stem also needs to be cut: it is enough to remove one third. Don't forget to drink room geranium after autumn pruning, it needs additional nutrients. Many flower growers advise removing buds emerging in winter so that an exhausted sleeping plant gains strength before summer flowering, and does not waste them.

spring pruning

Such an operation should be carried out at the end of February or no later than mid-March. Spring pruning will help the plant form many buds and greenery. It should be remembered that after such an operation, the geranium will bloom much later than usual, but the result will be impressive: there will be more inflorescences, their size will become larger, and the flowering time will be longer.

To properly carry out the procedure for cutting the stems, you need to consider the size of the bush. A large overgrown bush should not be subjected to radical pruning. He may not have enough strength for landscaping and the formation of inflorescences. The plant may not bloom at all. small bush can be cut more mercilessly, forming the shape of the crown that you like. But at the same time, the genetic characteristics of the plant type should be taken into account.


Formation of a stem plant from a geranium bush

The formation of a standard plant means the transformation of a lush bush into a rather tall tree with flowers not along the entire length of the stem, but only at its top. It looks very unusual and will become original decoration interior. If you still decide to take a chance, then you can turn a bush into a tree at home.

Choose a sturdy geranium bush with a strong, upward-growing stem. It is necessary to prune all side stems and small shoots so that all forces are directed to strengthening the main stem. Be sure to make a base first. After reaching the desired height (no more than 1 m), you should pinch the old shoots after the first bud, and the new ones after the 4th. This procedure is laborious and the first flowers on the "palm" will appear only a year later.

plant care - necessary measure for its long flowering. Unlike many other flowers, geranium is very unpretentious. Do not be too lazy to spend 15 minutes pruning in the fall so that you can enjoy the beauty and aroma all summer long. bright inflorescences pelargonium.

Geranium is not in vain loved by many gardeners. It is easy to care for, undemanding to the soil and watering. But there is something that is obligatory in the formation of a beautiful lush bush pelargonium and its long-term flowering. It's cutting and pinching. If you do not perform these operations with geraniums in a timely manner, then very quickly the flower will lose its shape, bare shoots will stretch out, and the number of inflorescences will come to naught. When and how to cut and form a flower crown correctly? Here's what experienced geranium growers advise.

  • 1 How to prune geraniums in autumn
  • 2 Crown formation
  • 3 Pruning: necessary or useless procedure?
  • 4 Mistakes when trimming geraniums at home

How to prune geraniums in autumn

The purpose of the autumn pruning

There are many varieties of geranium: it is indoor or garden plant, with decumbent or climbing stems, tall or short, bushy or ampelous. For each flower, you need to choose your own pruning method, comparing it with the desired shapes that you would like to give the pelargonium.

Geraniums should be helped to form a beautiful bush

The ultimate goal of geranium pruning is to obtain beautiful bush with luxuriant blooms. Accompanying - the improvement of the bush.

For all types of geraniums, it is important to adhere to the main requirement: pruning and control over the shape of the bush should be done regularly. It is impossible to trim once and get the intended design. Engage in the formation beautiful view geraniums need to be constantly, starting immediately after planting. You do not need to wait a year or two for the stems to grow to great lengths and become bare, with only a few leaves at the very top. Pruning leads to increased growth of side shoots and stimulates the conception of new inflorescences.

The right place to trim a geranium cutting

The geranium itself, without human intervention, does not throw out additional side stems. But dormant growth buds are located at each node. Their growth should be provoked. After pruning, the plant begins to grow compactly, without jumping out bare and ugly branches. In addition to lateral shoots, flower buds are also activated. Such geraniums bloom longer and more magnificently than their groomed counterparts. After flowering is completed, the bush gives a quality planting material, which allows you to propagate your favorite variety of pelargonium.

Time spending

Pelargonium smart plant. She will tell you when to start pruning. Geraniums are pruned after flowering stops on the bush and the last inflorescences withered. If the plant is planted for the summer in open ground or remains in the garden all year round, then remove half the height of the stem. If the flower spent the summer outdoors, it should be kept in the room for ten days before pruning, so that it gets used to the new living conditions. Removing the excess crown improves air exchange, the lower leaves open to sunny color. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

Formed flowering bush geraniums

Winter is a dormant time for a plant, but not for a grower. It is necessary to observe the condition of the cuts. If the cut has turned black, has become an unnatural color, it is necessary to repeat the pruning, removing the non-healing wound on the stem.

Features of the procedure for different types of pelargonium

You can determine if pruning is needed for a particular plant by its appearance. If the bush is compact, the branches are neat, then pruning can be postponed until spring. For example, zonal geraniums often grow obscenely, exposing the bare trunk of leaves. Then, of course, pruning is required. Ampelous pelargonium is beautiful with long shoots, but decorated with foliage and flowers. If the type of plant is quite presentable, then it is better not to touch the bush until spring.

Variegated geraniums are under severe stress after pruning, so if you can not cut, then do not do it. There is an interesting variety - mini-pelargoniums. The name itself indicates their miniature size. Therefore, pruning is a rare event for them. Is it just to remove something suddenly protruding from the general compact design. Royal geranium needs pruning after the bush has grown. In autumn, everything superfluous is cut off, leaving only a small shoot with buds.

Scheme of work

It is necessary to carry out the removal of geranium shoots with a disinfected tool. This is sharp knife(kitchen or stationery) or a blade. Scissors are not suitable for this procedure, as they pinch the stem. Cut off the geranium trunk above the leaf node in three to five millimeters. The cut is made at an acute angle. You should choose nodules directed to the outside of the bush. With the growth of shoots from such a bud, the shoots will not lead to thickening of the crown, as they will tend to separate from the center of the bush.

Saved shoots with a direction of growth from the center do not lead to thickening of the crown

Step-by-step instructions for autumn pruning geraniums

  • Remove yellowed or damaged twigs, leaves and any faded inflorescences. Thus the bush will reveal its true form.
  • Prepare tools. You will need a sharp knife, blade, in extreme cases, pruners or scissors. You can disinfect the instrument with alcohol by wiping them work surface. Another way: ignite over a flame or boil in water for 10-15 minutes.
  • Make an incision above the leaf node. If the branch directs its growth into the bush, it is better to remove it. Crossing shoots should also be cut off. Weakened branches are pruned without pity.
  • It is necessary to start pruning from the outer stems, gradually moving to the center of the bush. If it is necessary to remove about half of the bush, pruning should be carried out in two or three passes. Between each approach, allow a two-week respite for the plant.
  • You can trim the tips of the stems after four to five leaf nodules. Here new sprouts with peduncles will form.
  • Treat the sections with a disinfectant (ash, coal, cinnamon, alcohol solution).
  • Apply nitrogen fertilizer to support the plant. Create appropriate thermal and light conditions for wintering.
  • Video tip

    Features of care for geraniums after pruning

    The place where the geranium stem was cut must be disinfected. Suitable for this Activated carbon. It needs to be crushed into powder, and then sprinkled on the cut. Another remedy is wood ash. It is also a good antiseptic. natural stimulant wound healing is considered cinnamon powder. They can also process the cut.

    The treated plant must be fed with nitrogen fertilizers. This vitamin complex helps to cope with stress and stimulates the growth of shoots and greenery.

    For the splendor of greenery and flowers, the plant must be fed

    Watering should be reduced. Since there will be very little green mass left, excess moisture will not be able to evaporate. This can lead to disease and death of the plant. It has already been weakened by the experience.

    Wintering conditions: table

    crown formation

    It is necessary to form a geranium crown almost immediately after planting the cutting. The main actions to achieve this goal are pruning and pinching. If the geranium is pruned in the fall, then in the spring you can cut or pinch it. What is the difference? Pinching is the removal of the growth point of a plant. In its absence, the geranium throws out side shoots and turns into a small branched tree. The first pinch is made over 8 or 10 leaves. The time of its holding is the end of February-March. side shoots also pinch as they grow. It is not worth delaying with spring manipulations with geraniums. The later the pinching is done, the longer the time before the flowers appear.

    Pinching young sprouts accelerates the growth of lateral shoots

    Spring pruning is a cut of large stems at the level of the second or fifth leaf from the root. The time of the operation is autumn or early spring.

    The basics of proper crown formation

    • Carry out all manipulations with geraniums only with treated tools and clean hands.
    • First of all, remove (cut or pinch) the shoots growing inside the bush to prevent thickening.
    • With a large distance between pairs of leaves, the stem is cut immediately above the leaves, indenting up to five millimeters.
    • First of all, diseased shoots are removed, capturing up to five centimeters of the healthy part.

    Step-by-step instructions for spring procedures

    Spring work with geraniums is very similar to autumn pruning. The first three steps are exactly the same. But it also has its own nuances.

  • Carefully examine the plant and carefully consider what kind of result you would like to get.
  • Remove yellowed or damaged twigs and leaves.
  • Prepare tools. You will need a sharp knife, blade, in extreme cases, pruners or scissors. You can disinfect the instrument with alcohol by wiping their working surface. Another way: ignite over a flame or boil in water for 10-15 minutes. For pinching, wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Cut off all the stems, leaving the most healthy and beautiful. It is necessary to remove the lower side shoots from it.
  • A stem that is too tall must be shortened by removing part of the top. Lateral buds will grow and the geranium will turn into a small tree on the trunk (or a ball on a stick).
  • Pelargonium stems that are too long or crooked can be cut off, leaving stumps up to ten centimeters. In a few weeks, fluffy bushes will appear in the pot instead.
  • Pay attention to the direction of growth of the kidney. She should strive to grow in opposite direction from the main stem.
  • Treat the sections with a disinfectant (ash, coal, cinnamon, alcohol solution).
  • Geranium crown formation (video)

    Spring pruning and pinching perform an important agrotechnical function - they stimulate the formation of new buds, branches and inflorescences.

    It is important to remember that after spring pruning and/or pinching geraniums will bloom later.

    The explanation for this is simple, the flower needs time to recuperate. Therefore, you need to decide what you want to achieve: early flowering or its pomp and longevity. Given that pinching is a more gentle procedure than pruning, then in the spring you can stop at the first option. It is necessary to pinch young shoots not only in spring, but also as the plant grows.

    Geranium needs constant monitoring of the grower for the growth of shoots and the removal of unnecessary sprouts

    Without urgent need, pruning in the spring can be omitted. You can only cut up to 20% of all shoots. Large thinning can significantly shift the timing of flowering. Also, the plant can spend all its energy on recovering from stress and not bloom at all this season.

    Care after work: table

    Geraniums that have undergone spring pinching or pruning need the most favorable conditions content.

    Conditions for keeping geraniums Required indicators
    Temperature Comfortable temperature - above +12 degrees. Can be displayed on Fresh air at night temperature from +4 degrees.
    Light mode South side of the house. Geranium loves the sun very much and tolerates direct sunlight well. Doesn't like drafts.
    Watering Water in a day or two. You can check the need for watering by the top dried layer of soil.
    Air humidity Under no circumstances should the plant be sprayed. For geraniums, this is dangerous.
    top dressing Loves nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You have to pay twice a month. Can be purchased ready-made fertilizers"For flowering plants". Can't stand organic fertilizers(fresh manure).

    Pruning: necessary or useless procedure?

    Of course, geranium pruning can be omitted. Only now, will a beautiful flowering bush turn out from a plant? Most probably not. Geraniums tend to stretch their stems. The elongated stem is not covered with foliage and does not throw out inflorescences. The plant will grow, but there will be nothing to please the eye. Some flower growers suggest not to suffer with old plants, pruning and pinching them. They consider the best option cut the old bush in the fall, discard the root, and root the cuttings and get a young plant.

    Geranium without pruning stretches up and becomes naked and ugly

    If you save the old faded geranium, then it is important not to forget that pruning is the strongest test for the plant. Therefore, it is better to carry it out with an increase in long daylight hours, that is, at the end of winter or the beginning of spring. autumn pruning Pelargonium is worse tolerated and the plant may not have enough strength to recover.

    Mistakes when pruning geraniums at home

    Geranium pruning is not so difficult process. The only thing that must be observed is the timeliness of its implementation. But improper pruning will lead to an unplanned result or the death of the plant.

    Geranium pleases the human eye beautiful flowers and a peculiar aroma. Every grower can create a well-groomed pelargonium bush. To do this, it is enough to prune the plant in time and provide it with proper care. magnificent blooming geranium needs a potassium supplement. This is where all the secrets of creating a spherical crown or a fluffy geranium bush end. Have a nice sight for your eyes.

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