DOCSLIB.ORG

Greenhouse Production of Zonal Geranium

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Greenhouse Production of Zonal Geranium ALABAMA A&M AND AUBURN UNIVERSITIES Greenhouse Production ANR-1106 of Zonal Geranium n spring and summer, potted Greenhouse Sanitation red geraniums on the front I Years ago, growers retained steps or plants around the mail- plants selected from the seasonal box are a common sight crops to use as stock plants for throughout America. Geraniums the next season. Cuttings were rank number one in terms of taken in winter, rooted, and units sold among flowering pot- maintained under minimum con- ted plants and number three in ditions until early spring for forc- terms of wholesale value. The ing. Several events caused a exact origin of geraniums drastic change in this procedure. (Pelargonium x hortorum) is For one thing, the economics unknown, but they probably of greenhouse space utilization resulted from intercross- combined with the develop- ing between several ment of the “fast-cropping” species native to South method made the old proce- Africa, including P. dures impractical. Major crop zonale, P. inquinans, P. losses from serious systemic scandens, and P. fruteto- diseases such as bacterial blight rum. (Xanthomonus perargonii) and The traditional geranium has Verticillium wilt have also red flowers and green foliage changed cultural practices. and is grown in 4- or 6-inch Because there are no chemical pots. These plants, marketed protectants or cures for these mostly from early April into diseases, the crop must be de- June, make up the bulk of the stroyed once infected. potted-plant market. The flower Today, vegetative material color mix traditionally preferred comes almost exclusively from by customers is 45 percent red, In addition to choosing specialized propagators who use 30 percent salmon, 15 percent which flower colors and contain- culture-indexing and other labo- pink, and 10 percent white. er sizes to market, growers have ratory procedures to eliminate However, customers often want a number of other procedures to systemic organisms such as vas- different container sizes, differ- follow and considerations to cular wilt, bacteria, viruses, and ent flower and foliage colors, keep in mind, including the fol- fungi. Purchasing culture-in- and cultivars that perform in ei- lowing: dexed, clean materials is essen- ther sun or partial shade. They • Keeping the greenhouse sani- tial for successful zonal gerani- also want cultivars suited to tized to avoid disease um production. However, large open gardens, planterARCHIVE• Selecting cultivars because the culture-indexing boxes, window sills, or hanging • Making propagation choices process does not alter resistance baskets. The most popular con- or susceptibility to pathogens, tainer sizes are 3-inch pots, 4- to • Managing stock plants plants can still become infected 41⁄2-inch pots, and 6- to 61⁄2-inch • Using the “fast-cropping” if exposed to diseases during pots. A few zonal geranium cul- method production. The success or fail- tivars that have recently become ure of a production program for available perform well in hang- geraniums therefore depends on ing baskets. employees’ strict adherence to Visit our Web site at: www.aces.edu and awareness of sanitation! Use Effective sanitation for gera- tings in-house can order unroot- the following rules to keep your niums requires that management ed cuttings for less than what greenhouse sanitized: commit to establishing a certain rooted cuttings cost. • Steam or chemically treat all state of mind or awareness pots, flats, media, etc. that may among employees. This involves Stock Plant Production come in contact with plants. instructing everyone to treat Geranium stock plants are • Ensure that growing medium areas in which geraniums are handled as “clean areas.” Train generally a long-term crop, so is pathogen free. Store media in care should be taken in media disinfected containers or bins. employees from the first day to recognize plant problems, where selection and cultural practice. • Be sure the greenhouse is these problems orginate, how Rooted cuttings for stock plants clean and free of weeds, pests, they spread, and what employee are generally potted into con- and plant debris before planting. behaviors are appropriate within tainers from 6-inch pots to • Use raised benches with sur- clean areas to prevent problems bushel-basket sizes containing a faces that are easy to sanitize. from spreading. Monitor these well-drained, well-aerated, peat- • Disinfect benches, walkways, areas closely to determine the lite medium that does not com- sidewalls, etc. between crops. effectiveness of training. pact and that decomposes slow- • Disinfect irrigation systems, ly. Growers may choose to purchase a commercially pre- such as drip emitters and water Cultivar Selection breakers, between crops. pared medium or mix their own. Cultivar selection for zonal For a mix-your-own, pulverized • Isolate geranium production geraniums is often very market dolomitic limestone (to a pH of steps from other crops. driven. However, for greenhouse 5.8 to 6.5), superphosphate, and • Do not put anything that falls production, consider flower ear- micronutrients in the fritted form on the floor back on the bench. liness, flower and plant unifor- are added at the time of mixing. • Hang hose ends and water mity within a cultivar or series, Watering is usually done breakers—do not let them touch reasonable bench spacing for the using an automatic system, often the floor. market circumstances, minimal microtube watering. Stock plants • Enter the stock plant area only growth retardant use, and a are typically given full sun, except with clean clothes and hands. broad range of flower colors. A during the summer to reduce heat • Wear disposable gloves when list of zonal geranium cultivars in the greenhouse. Stock plants handling stock plants or cuttings. suitable for greenhouse produc- are frequently fertilized using a • Never dip cuttings in solutions tion in the Southeast is included fertilizer tank mix rather than or powders. at the end of this publication. commercial fertilizer so that nutri- • Avoid moving or touching ent levels can be adjusted based media or pots unnecessarily. Crop-Starting Options on monthly soil tests. Start fertiliz- ing at constant liquid feed of 250 • Avoid practices that might Two propagation options are parts per million (ppm) nitrogen splash or move media from the widely used by geranium grow- and potassium. floor to the bench tops or pots. ers. The first option is to pur- Media testing and tissue • Do not put your feet on the chase “clean” cuttings of named analysis are important compo- bench! cultivars for growing stock plants from which cuttings are taken nents in maintaining adequate • Limit and supervise casual visi- fertility for geranium stock tors. for production. The second op- tion is to purchase rooted cut- plants. Test every 2 to 4 weeks • Train employees to recognize tings of named cultivars from during production. Send samples and properly dispose of suspect specialized propagators. The de- from each planting to the Soil plants. cision to grow stock plants and Testing Laboratory, Auburn • Remove all weeds withinARCHIVE the carry out propagation in-house University, Alabama, or to a greenhouse and within 30 feet versus ordering rooted cuttings commercial laboratory. Table 1 outside the greenhouse. is largely an economic one and lists specific recommendations To sanitize equipment, soak depends on the size of the oper- for tissue analysis nutrient levels. it in a 10 percent hospital disin- ation, the space and facilities If one or more nutrients fall out- fectant solution for 60 minutes available, and the skill of the or a 10 percent household growing team. Some suppliers bleach solution for 30 minutes. have recently provided a third option. Growers who have the facilities and want to root cut- 2 Table 1. Zonal Geranium Foliar Analysis Nutrient Level Ranges Propagation Nutrient Percentage Nutrient ppm Cuttings Nitrogen 3.3 to 4.8 Boron 30 to 100 Phosphorus 0.4 to 0.7 Copper 7 to 16 Harvest cuttings early in the Potassium 2.5 to 4.5 Iron 100 to 300 morning, preferably by snapping Calcium 1.0 to 2.0 Manganese 40 to 150 them off manually. It is impor- Magnesium 0.2 to 0.7 Zinc 10 to 50 tant to break the cuttings evenly, with no jagged edges. If you use side of these ranges, take correc- Multiplication Stock a knife, make sure it is sharp, tive steps promptly so that the Production and sterilize it with disinfectant plant growth rate is not adverse- after cutting each stock plant. This method requires smaller ly affected. Make terminal cuttings about 2 containers, usually 6-inch pots, to 3 inches long (larger is not The objective of a geranium and a shorter production time. better) with two maturing leaves. stock plant program is to gener- Pot rooted cuttings in November Remove any basal leaves and ate all the cuttings possible at a or December, and remove, root, petioles that may end up below time when they are needed for and pot cuttings as they become the soil line. In cases where cut- finished production. The two available. Continue to take cut- ting material may be limited, sin- methods of stock plant manage- tings from all plants, and use gle-eye cuttings can be used. A ment that are commonly em- early cuttings as additional stock stem may be divided into several ployed are conventional stock plants. By early spring, you can single-eye cuttings composed of production and multiplication obtain a 1 to 40 (original cuttings an internode and node with at- stock production. to final cuttings) increase in tached leaf and dormant lateral plants with this method. This bud. Single-eye cuttings require Conventional Stock may be the most efficient use of 2 to 3 weeks longer to reach a Production greenhouse space for small- to flowering stage. Using this method, you can medium-sized growers and re- pot cuttings into large or small quires no special skills in devel- Rooting Medium oping stock plants.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Geranium Family, Geraniaceae, and the Mallow Family, Malvaceae
    THE GERANIUM FAMILY, GERANIACEAE, AND THE MALLOW FAMILY, MALVACEAE TWO SOMETIMES CONFUSED FAMILIES PROMINENT IN SOME MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE AREAS The Geraniaceae is a family of herbaceous plants or small shrubs, sometimes with succulent stems • The family is noted for its often palmately veined and lobed leaves, although some also have pinnately divided leaves • The leaves all have pairs of stipules at their base • The flowers may be regular and symmetrical or somewhat irregular • The floral plan is 5 separate sepals and petals, 5 or 10 stamens, and a superior ovary • The most distinctive feature is the beak of fused styles on top of the ovary Here you see a typical geranium flower This nonnative weedy geranium shows the styles forming a beak The geranium family is also noted for its seed dispersal • The styles either actively eject the seeds from each compartment of the ovary or… • They twist and embed themselves in clothing and fur to hitch a ride • The Geraniaceae is prominent in the Mediterranean Basin and the Cape Province of South Africa • It is also found in California but few species here are drought tolerant • California does have several introduced weedy members Here you see a geranium flinging the seeds from sections of the ovary when the styles curl up Three genera typify the Geraniaceae: Erodium, Geranium, and Pelargonium • Erodiums (common name filaree or clocks) typically have pinnately veined, sometimes dissected leaves; many species are weeds in California • Geraniums (that is, the true geraniums) typically have palmately veined leaves and perfectly symmetrical flowers. Most are herbaceous annuals or perennials • Pelargoniums (the so-called garden geraniums or storksbills) have asymmetrical flowers and range from perennials to succulents to shrubs The weedy filaree, Erodium cicutarium, produces small pink-purple flowers in California’s spring grasslands Here are the beaked unripe fruits of filaree Many of the perennial erodiums from the Mediterranean make well-behaved ground covers for California gardens Here are the flowers of the charming E.
    [Show full text]
  • Diseases of Specific Florist Crops Geranium (Pelargonium Hortorum)
    Diseases of Specific Florist Crops Keeping florist crops free of disease requires constant care and planning. Prevention is the basis of freedom from disease and should be an integral part of the general cultural program. The symptoms of the diseases of major florist crops are described individually by crop in a series of fact sheets. Geranium (Pelargonium hortorum) • Bacterial blight (Xanthomonas campestris pv. pelargonii): Tiny (1/16 in. diameter) round brown leaf spots, often surrounded by a chlorotic zone. Spots form when bacteria have been splashed onto the leaf surface. Subsequent systemic invasion of the plant leads to the development of a yellow or tan wedge-shaped area at the leaf edge and then to wilting of the leaf. Further progression of the disease may lead to brown stem cankers at nodes, brown to black vascular discoloration inside the stem, and tip dieback or wilting of all or part of the plant. Roots usually remain healthy-looking. Disease symptoms develop most readily under warm (spring) greenhouse temperatures. Spread is rapid during the handling and overhead irrigation associated with propagation. Only geraniums are susceptible to bacterial blight. P. hortorum (zonal) and P. peltatum (ivy) both show symptoms; P. domesticum (Martha Washington or Regal) is less likely to show symptoms. Hardy Geranium species may also be a source of infection; these will show leaf spot but not wilt symptoms. Infested plants should be destroyed; there are no chemical controls. Although culture- indexing procedures should have eliminated this disease from modern geranium production, it remains all too common in the industry today, causing large financial losses to geranium growers.
    [Show full text]
  • Geraniums Each Year the National Garden Bureau Selects One fl Ower and One Vegetable to Be Showcased
    A Horticulture Information article from the Wisconsin Master Gardener website, posted 17 Feb 2012 NGB’s Annual of the Year 2012: Geraniums Each year the National Garden Bureau selects one fl ower and one vegetable to be showcased. These crops are chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. For 2012 they chose garden geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) Introduction and Nomenclature The bedding plants gardeners plant out in late spring and bring inside in autumn are commonly known as geraniums; but geraniums they are not. They are pelargoniums. True geraniums are the cranesbills, hardy North American and European herbaceous perennials; while pelargoniums are semi-tender or tender plants, mostly from South Africa, that have graced our gardens with their large fl owers for Geraniums are popluar bedding decades. plants. We have to remember that botany wasn’t an exact science in the 17th century when the fi rst geraniums and pelargoniums were introduced. So, based on the shape of their fruit, plant collectors generally lumped both together as “geranium.” To tackle the complex history of geranium or pelargonium, one has to confront the use of common names versus scientifi c ones. Scientifi c names give individuals a common language by which they could communicate with other people, no matter the country they are from or what their mother tongue might be. In 1753 the famous and infl uential Swedish botanist, Linnaeus, published his two-volume book called Species Pelargonium quercifolium fl ower (L) and leaf (R). Plantarum, in which he attempted to pull together the names and descriptions of all known plants.
    [Show full text]
  • Pelargoniums an Herb Society of America Guide
    Pelargoniums An Herb Society of America Guide The Herb Society of America 9019 Kirtland Chardon Rd. Kirtland, Ohio 44094 © 2006 The Herb Society of America Pelargoniums: An Herb Society of America Guide Table of Contents Introduction …………………………………………………………….…. 3 Contributors & Acknowledgements ……………………………………… 3 Description & Taxonomy ..………………………………………………... 8 Chemistry …………………………………………………………………. 10 Nutrition …………………………………………………………………... 10 History & Folklore ………………………………………………………… 10 Literature & Art …………………………………………………………… 12 Cultivation ………………………………………………………………… 13 Pests & Diseases …………………………………………………………... 19 Pruning & Harvesting ……………………………………………………… 20 Preserving & Storing ………………………………………………………. 21 Uses ………………………………………………………………………... 21 - Culinary Uses ………………………………………………… 21 - Recipes ………………………………………………… 23 - Craft Uses ……………………………………………………. 40 - Cosmetic Uses ……………………………………………….. 41 - Recipes ……………………………………………….. 42 - Medicinal & Ethnobotanical Uses & Aromatherapy ………... 43 - Garden Uses ………………………………………………….. 47 - Other Uses …………………………………………………... 48 Species Highlights …..……………………………………………………… 49 Cultivar Examples …………………………………………………………. 57 Literature Citations & References ………………………………………... 62 HSA Library Pelargonium Resources …...………………………………… 68 © The Herb Society of America - 9019 Kirtland Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH, 44094 - (440) 256-0514 - http://www.herbsociety.org 2 Pelargoniums: An Herb Society of America Guide Introduction Mission: The Herb Society of America is dedicated to promoting the knowledge, use and delight of
    [Show full text]
  • Geranium Care for the Consumer
    Geranium Care for the Consumer History Geraniums are originally from the mostly dry and hot regions of South Africa. Pelargonium peltatum, today’s commercial ivy types, were first introduced into Holland in 1700. Pelargonium x hortorum, today’s commercial upright zonal types, were first cultivated in England by the Duchess of Beaufort in 1710. Most of the early breeding was done in England and later, in the 19th and 20th centuries, in Germany. Most of the current commercial varieties are the result of breeding work done in Germany. Fischer GmbH & Co., Hillscheid, Germany, the world’s largest producer and breeder of geraniums, has over 110 geranium varieties on the worldwide market and is adding new varieties every year. Fischer USA, Inc. is the marketing and distribution arm for Fischer Germany in North America. These new modern varieties, all with better colors, bigger flowers, and improved growth habit, can be traced to around 20 natural species of Pelargonium. Why Geraniums? With 500 million geraniums produced in Europe and 200 million produced in North America, geraniums represent one of the most exciting commercial flower crops in the world. No other flowering plant has shown a greater rate of increase in dollar value to commercial floriculture and better performance to the purchasers during the last twenty years. Gardeners around the world love the overall beauty, toughness, and versatility of geraniums. Compared to many other plant species, geraniums can tolerate cold and hot conditions, can handle complete dryness, and are very resistant against pests. Their beautiful and long lasting flowers bloom continuously, from the last frost in the spring to the first frost in the fall.
    [Show full text]
  • Geranium Robertianum L
    WRITTEN FINDINGS OF THE WASHINGTON STATE NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL BOARD (NOVEMBER 1997) Scientific Name: Geranium robertianum L. Common Name: herb Robert, Robert geranium Family: Geraniaceae Legal Status: Class B (a) regions 3,4,6,7, 9,10 Description and Variation: Geranium robertianum is both a winter and a spring annual. The leaves are deeply dissected and light green in color. In late fall the foliage turns red. The stems fork, and are brittle at the joints, they are pubescent and under high light conditions are red and up to 25 cm in length. The roots are shallow. The pink flowers are perfect with five petals that are 7- 10 mm. The receptacle is enlongated into a structure called a “torus”. The fruit is a capsule. Seeds are brown and about 2 mm in length. Propagates by seed A distinguishing characteristic of the species is the pungent odor of the crushed leaves. Economic/environmental importance: Detrimental: Geranium robertianum poses a threat to forest understories and plant biodiversity by displacing native species, especially herbaceous species. In preliminary research in western Washington it was found that under 90% canopy cover it was possible to find 250 plants/m2. In a more open canopy (e.g., 50% - 60%) there were only 112 plants/m2 but these plants were larger and more vigorous. There are unsubstantiated reports that its strong odor may trigger asthma attacks (Tisch 1992). Beneficial: Herb Robert is an ornamental species and has been sold in nurseries in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. White flowered forms are also sold. It has a long history of medicinal use including relief from toothaches and nosebleeds (Bath and Jones 1994).
    [Show full text]
  • Geranium Subg
    17/2 • 2018, 235–246 DOI: 10.1515/hacq-2017-0007 Species identification and population structure analysis in Geranium subg. Geranium (Geraniaceae) Somayeh Esfandani-Bozchaloyi1,*, Masoud Sheidai1, Maryam Keshavarzi2 & Zahra Noormohammadi3 Keywords: ISSR, morphology, Abstract species identification. Species identification is fundamentally important within the fields of biology, biogeography, ecology and conservation. The genus Geranium L. (Geraniaceae) Ključne besede: ISSR, morfologija, comprises about 430 species distributed throughout most parts of the world. določitev vrst. According to the most recent treatments, subg. Geranium is the largest subgenus with over 370 species classified in ten sections. The subg. Geranium is represent- ed in Iran by 13 species. These species are grouped 3 sections. In spite vast distri- bution of many Geranium species that grow in Iran, there are not any available report on their genetic diversity, mode of divergence and patterns of dispersal. Therefore, we performed molecular (ISSR markers) and morphological studies of 102 accessions from 13 species of Geranium (subg. Geranium) that were col- lected from different habitats in Iran. The aims of present study are: 1) can ISSR markers identify Geranium species, 2) what is the genetic structure of these taxa in Iran, and 3) to investigate the species inter-relationship? The present study revealed that combination of morphological and ISSR data can identify the species. Izvleček Določitev vrst je pomembna v biologiji, biogeografiji, ekologiji in naravovarstvu. V rod Geranium L. (Geraniaceae) uvrščamo okoli 430 vrst razširjenih po večini sveta. V skladu z najnovejšimi objavami je subg. Geranium najštevilčnejši po- drod z več kot 370 vrstami, ki jih naprej delimo v deset sekcij.
    [Show full text]
  • Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Herb Robert (Geranium Robertianum L.) February 2009
    Oregon Department of Agriculture Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum L.) February 2009 Common Name: Herb Robert, Robert Geranium, Stinky Bob, Red Robin, Fox Geranium Family: Geraniaceae Findings of This Review and Assessment: Geranium robertianum L. has been determined to be an invasive plant within the category of a “B” listed noxious weed as defined by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Noxious Weed Policy and Classification System. This determination is based on two independent risk assessments following a literature review. Using a rating system adapted from United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Services, Plant Protection, and Quarantine (USDA APHIS PPQ) Weed Risk Assessment Guidelines, Geranium robertianum received a score of 25 out of a potential score of 47. Using the ODA Noxious Weed Rating system, Geranium robertianum received a score of 15 supporting a “B” listing. Introduction: Weedy geranium populations have expanded exponentially in the Pacific Northwest in the last ten years. Two species, Geranium robertianum, and Geranium lucidum have aggressively invaded habitats (oak and fir woodlands) only marginally impacted by serious weed invasion in the past. Today herb Robert is becoming one of the most common woodland invaders in Western Oregon. An annual weed with a high reproductive potential, it has barely begun to infest all potential acreage available to it. Regionally, the species has been dispersed mainly by human activities into many if not most watersheds in Western Oregon. Locally, it is spreading by water movement, wildlife, recreationalists, gardeners, and through land disturbance activities. It can develop into populations of high density, up to 250 plants per meter square, pushing out native flora and impacting domestic gardens and parklands (Written Findings WSWB 2007).
    [Show full text]
  • Geranium Sylvaticum L
    Geranium sylvaticum L. Wood Crane’s-bill Geranium sylvaticum is a glandular-hairy plant with palmate, deeply divided leaves attached to petioles that become progressively shorter up the stem. The pinkish-purple flowers are white at the base and on pedicels that remain upright after flowering. It is a plant of moderately acid or neutral soils of low to intermediate fertility, and found in a variety of grassland habitats, including upland hay-meadows, roadside verges, streamsides and montane rock-ledges. It is widespread in northern England and Scotland, rare in Wales and the north of Ireland. It was assessed as of Least Concern in Great Britain as a whole, but as Near Threatened in England and Critically Endangered in Wales. ©Kevin Walker IDENTIFICATION as long as the sepal, and five obovate petals, the colour of which is variously described as pinkish-purple (Stace 2010) A glandular-hairy plant with tall (-80 cm), erect or ascending and purplish-violet (Sell & Murrell 2009; Yeo 2001) but pale green stems with alternate leaves, occasionally arranged almost always with white at the base. Petals (12-16 × 8-12 opposite each other near the top of the stem. Leaves are mm) have a rounded or slightly notched apex (Stace 2010), medium-green on the upper surface and paler beneath, and fruits are 17-21 mm with glandular-hairy mericarps (4 divided palmately up to four-fifths of the way to the base into mm) rounded at the base (Sell & Murrell 2009). seven or nine shallowly toothed lobes (Sell & Murrell 2009) which have ±acute teeth 1.5 - 2× longer than wide (Poland & Clement 2009).
    [Show full text]
  • Two New Lepidoptera Host Plant Relationships by Matt Bowser1 of Folding (Ptyxis) Similar to Paper Snowflakes
    Volume 8, Issue 1, March 2015 9 To celebrate National Moth Week, people attract moths of hundreds of species of moths in Alaska. He was one of through the use of lights and/or bait. People can choose the authors on the “Checklist of the Moths of Alaska” (Fer- to host events where they collect or just photograph moths. ris et al., 2012), which lists 710 known species of Alaskan After the event, participants are encouraged to upload their moths. He recognized that in order to gain an accurate photos or species lists to internet sites. These sites include understanding of the diversity of Lepidoptera in Alaska, it Moth Photographers Group, Butterflies and Moths of North was essential to find engaged citizens to help him. America, Project Noah, BugGuide, and Discover Life. Sub- A letter to Senator Murkowski was drafted by myself missions are screened to ensure accuracy, and they remain and Dr. Sikes where we highlighted the importance of available for public examination. moths within ecosystems, the need for citizen science ini- Dave had seen an article about the curation of the late tiatives, and described Dr. Philip’s Alaska Lepidoptera Sur- Dr. Ken Philip’s Arctic Lepidoptera collection at the Uni- vey. We also extended an invitation for her to tour Dr. versity of Alaska Museum. Dr. Philip avidly supported Na- Philip’s collection at the Museum, if she should have the tional Moth Week each year by collecting specimens and time and interest when next she visits Fairbanks. I emailed had also served as one of the National Moth Week Science the letter to her office and received a response from her leg- Advisory board members.
    [Show full text]
  • Scented Geraniums the International Herb Association Has Designated Scented Geraniums As Their Herb of the Year for 2006
    A Horticulture Information article from the Wisconsin Master Gardener website, posted 2 Jan 2006 Herb of the Year 2006: Scented Geraniums The International Herb Association has designated scented geraniums as their Herb of the Year for 2006. Scented geraniums, in the genus Pelargonium (which includes over 200 species, some scented and others scentless) are relatives of the common red, pink or white fl owered summer annual zonal geraniums (derived from the relatively scentless pelargonium, P. x hortorum). They are grown more for the highly aromatic foliage than the fl owers. Plants have a wide range of leaf types which are used for making potpourris, sachets, and fl avorings. The scent is contained in oil produced in special glands at the base of the leaf hairs. Bruising or crushing the leaves breaks open the glands, releasing the scented oil. Scented geraniums were Flowers of a scented geranium. originally brought to Holland and England from South Africa in the mid 1600’s. Since then, breeding and hybridization has resulted in hundreds of varieties, in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and color, and in rose, mint, spice, fruit, and pungent fragrances. The scented geraniums are a very large group of plants with many species that are categorized by scent (the names are sometimes confused however, with true species, cultivars, hybrids all mixed together). Some of the more common ones include: Apple-scented geranium, P. odoratissimum, is a trailing type with heart-shaped, apple-scented, grey-green ruffl ed leaves and white fl owers. Scented geraniums are grown for their Coconut-scented geranium, P.
    [Show full text]
  • Types of Geraniums Propagation of Geraniums
    Geraniums Paul A. Thomas Extension Horticulturist eraniums are among the most popular flowering Martha Washington Geranium. The Martha G plants grown in the United States. They are easy Washington or Lady Washington geraniums, to grow and can be used in many types of gardens such Pelargonium x domesticum, are frequently sold by as ground beds, planter boxes, hanging baskets and florists as flowering pot plants during cooler seasons of pots. They are ideal for flanking entrance-ways and the year. The plants are not particularly heat tolerant adding color to border plantings. They attract and typically do not perform as well outdoors in the considerable attention when grown in containers on south as the Common or Ivy-Leaved geraniums. patios or in bal-cony gardens. Species Geraniums. Many Pelargonium species and Potted geraniums have been popular holiday gift items varieties are grown for their fragrant foliage and exotic for years, especially at Easter and on Mother’s Day. leaf shapes. The flowers are typically small and are Some species and varieties also make good indoor plants. often inconspicuous. Lemon, rose, cinnamon, apple, orange and nutmeg are but a few of the scented types Types of Geraniums available. Most of these are grown as indoor plants and are sometimes used as culinary herbs. The plants we commonly call “geraniums”are actually members of the genus Pelargonium (the true geraniums are quite different). The genus is large and Propagation of Geraniums diverse, with approximately 280 species. Although Most cultivated geraniums are tender perennials that are relatively few of these species are commonly culti- treated as annuals because it is easier to start new plants vated, many varieties of certain species are commer- each spring than to carry over and invig-orate old plants.
    [Show full text]