Cuttings success rate.

[Bigmallly]

I have never had too much success taking cuttings but still persevere. I've taken just over 100 geranium cuttings, dabbed them in rooting powder put them in module trays of sieved compost & placed them in clear polythene bags. I'm mentioning this in case I am doing something wrong. Am I being too optimistic expecting around 40% success rate? Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Tam]

If you mean the half hardy geranium, you should get 100% success. I take cuttings in
February, but have done it at the end of summer. I cut the stem immediately below about the third leaf node down and remove the large leaves and any flower bud. I then stick them in pots of half sand/half compost. They root in about a fortnight and should be potted on and kept in the light and frost free. Do not overwater.

If you mean the cranesbill - the hardy geranium, these are easily multiplied by division.

[Two_Sheds]

you shouldn't use plastic bags with pelargoniums (tender geraniums).

Don't bother with rooting hormone, and add a bit of vermiculite to your compost to lighten it a bit

[Flummery]

I don't use rooting hormone either. To be honest, it's got such a short shelf life it's hardly worth using it.

[Bigmallly]

Thanks guys, I think I've failed on all fronts. Firstly they are too short (only about 2 inch), secondly they are in sieved compost not mixed & thirdly they have all been dunked in rooting powder. Back to the drawing board but at least I now know where I have been going wrong.

[Two_Sheds]

Fourthly (and most important imo) you put a cloche over them. Pellies do not like moisture

[Flummery]

Rooting powder won't hurt - I just find it doesn't help either - so that's spending money for summat else!

Keep them cool and dry. (Edit - as against under plastic where they will rot off).

[Bigmallly]

Thanks for the 4th reminder.............

[rustylady]

I let mine dry off for a day or two before potting them in multipurpose compost. They definitely do not need covering.

[valmarg]

For all cuttings I use a 50/50 mix of multipurpose compost and vermiculite. I get a very good germination rate with this mix.

valmarg

[bramble]

Thanks Bigmally. I did'nt see this thread but am glad of everyones input.

[bramble]

What I really asked was, how to keep my plants through the winter without them freezing to death. Should I cut them down or leave them as they are?

[Liza]

I am hoping to overwinter mine too Bramble not sure how. Mine are in the blowaway at the moment but not sure to cut down or not, hope you get a reply soon.

[Liza]

Just found this....

The Garden of Eaden: HOW TO OVER-WINTER GERANIUMS

[Madasafish]

I have given up overwintering geraniums.. Far too cold outside... even the greenhouse saw -20C last winter.
And inside it's hit and miss...