How to properly form a lush geranium bush
Geranium is one of those plants for which pinching is a vital procedure. Pelargonium grows very quickly and can reach a decent height if not pinched in time. Of course, a tall bush is also beautiful, but only if, at the same time, there are enough side shoots on it.
However, in most cases, the geranium itself does not bush much. In addition, over time, the stems become lignified, the flowering is reduced, and the inflorescences become smaller. Therefore, it is important to pinch in time in order to stimulate the development of new branches and get a compact bush instead of a tall bare stem with a green crown.
Do not confuse pinching with pruning! Pinching is the process of removing a growth point from a plant, while pruning removes almost the entire shoot.
Instrument preparation
For the procedure, you will need sharp nail scissors or a thin paper knife. They must first be disinfected with alcohol.
In the absence of alcohol, you can wipe the tools with hydrogen peroxide.
You can pinch the flower with your hands, but it will still be more accurate with the help of scissors.
When and how should you pinch?
Proceed to geranium formation follows when there are already 5-6 leaves on the young branches.
It is necessary to count 5 leaves on a branch and pinch off (cut off with scissors) the growth point along with the rest of the undeveloped leaves. In the future, new buds will appear from the sinuses, which will eventually turn into branches. By the way, the first flowering on them can be seen in 2 months.
If overgrowth has appeared on the geranium at the roots, you can also pinch it - this will make the bush even more lush.
How to rejuvenate an old plant?
Some gardeners, with the arrival of summer, plant geraniums in open ground, and in the fall they root only cuttings from it, thus renewing the flower. If this is not possible, or it is simply a pity to leave a beautiful bush on the street, you can update the plant with the help of cardinal pruning.
It should be carried out after the end of flowering, but not later than December - remove dry leaves and flower stalks and cut off the extended branches by a third.
The main pruning in order to form and improve the quality of flowering is carried out in March.