Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/18/2004

Question
Hello,  I recently planted several window boxes of Geranium Ivy.  They are sold as annuals, but I would like to keep them year after year.  Is this possible?  A neighbor told me I could cut them back this fall and store in a dark place without any water.  Is this correct?  Is it possible to get seeds from them?  Thanks for any help you can provide.
Sincerely,
Linda LePak

Answer
Linda,
Geraniums are usually propagated from cuttings, but if you want to try seeds get the Chilterns catalog from England (type in Chilterns on google and you'll find it)  - They have the best selection of Pelargonium (annual geraniums) seeds.

Yes, you can keep all annual geraniums from year to year - the dark basement technique works best for the "zonal" geraniums not the ivys, however.  Ivy's can be kept by first taking cuttings  (cut off a 5 inch piece and remove the bottom leaves, leaving only the top two sets of leaves.  Dip the end in rooting powder (from your garden center) and put it into MOIST soiless potting mix or seed-starting mix.  Cover LOOSELY with a plastic bag and place in a light but not direct sun area.  After two weeks remove the bag)

In addition to taking the cuttings you can keep the original plant in the sunniest window you have.  Cut it back in Feb. and begin to fertilize then (no fertilizer over the winter until late feb)  Do not overwater.

Watch out for whitefly, and if you see it, spray with insecticidal soap.

A word about keeping them:  realistically, unless you have a greenhouse, the geraniums you keep are never as full and healthy in the early spring as those you buy from the garden center.  This is particularly true of ivys.... it takes them longer to get going and start blooming in the summer if they haven't been in a greenhouse in Feb, march, and april.  

all the best,
C.L.
www.gardenlady.com