Geranium Seeds - Wild Cranesbill Meadow
(Geranium pratense) Perennial. 80-90 days to maturity. Hardy in zones 4-9.
Cranesbill Meadow is a small, clump-forming woodland perennial, spreading through underground rhizomes. It can form dense patches that will grow abundantly in your garden borders or shade garden. Stalks will form clusters of 2 to 5 flowers, with colours ranging from rosy-pink to lavender to a darker purple. The darker lines running through the petals to the pistil are pollinator route indicators. When sowed plentifully Cranesbill Meadow makes a stunning ground cover for shaded areas of your garden! 🤍
Growing Instructions:
Germination: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Prepare moistened soil, making sure it is evenly moist. Evenly scatter seeds over moistened soil medium, finish by lightly dusting dry soil medium over the seeds. Lights are needed 8-10 hours a day to germinate and bottom heat of around 22 degrees in the daytime, and as low as 10 degrees in the nighttime. Do not leave in direct light for longer periods, and the same for daytime temp. Place a cover over your tray, or containers to retain moisture. Constant moisture is important during the germination period.
** Remove cover and vent daily to let excess moisture escape.
Transplanting: After two sets of true leaves it is time to transplant to a 3" pot, if the container is larger too much moisture will retain causing root rot. Begin hardening off transplants 2 weeks before last frost in their permanent location. Make sure they are not left in direct light, and no overnight stays yet.
Watering: When the plant is maturing, water when soil is dry, bottom watering is ideal, let excess water drain thoroughly. Once your plant is set permanently in its location, water only after soil has completely dried out. Sitting water will cause root rot.
Sun requirement: Full sun preferred, but partial shade is tolerated.
Soil: Likes moist soils but not boggy ones!
Tip: In midsummer, if the Cranesbill is looking a little jaded from the heat it is okay to cut it back. This will promote dense growth and stronger reblooming. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer, a well-balanced plant or fish fertilizer around September will do for the plants subsistence. Trouble-free once established, and will return year after year!
Propagation: Easily divide the following spring, March to May.