How to take scented-leaf pelargonium cuttings

How to take scented-leaf geranium cuttings

Scented geraniums can be expensive to buy, but easily root from cuttings. We show you how.

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To do

Do not To do in January

Do not To do in February

Do not To do in March

Do not To do in April

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Do To do in August

Do not To do in September

Do not To do in October

Do not To do in November

Do not To do in December

Scented-leaf geraniums (pelargoniums) are beautiful plants, with a variety of scents, including lemon and rose. The fragrance is released when the leaves are gently rubbed between the fingers. You can use the leaves to infuse desserts and cordials.

Scented geraniums can be expensive to buy, but are easy to propagate from cuttings.

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You Will Need

  • Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
  • Perlite
  • 10cm pots
  • Secateurs
  • Jar of water
  • Pencil or dibber

Total time:

Step 1

Fill a pot with equal volumes of peat-free, multi-purpose compost and perlite to ensure good drainage.

Taking pelargonium cuttings - mixing compost with perlite
Taking geranium cuttings – mixing compost with perlite

Step 2

Choose a stem with no flowers. Cut just above a leaf node, using sharp secateurs.

Taking pelargonium cuttings - taking the cuttings
Taking geranium cuttings – taking the cuttings

Step 3

Put your cutting into water, while you take your other cuttings, so it doesn’t dry out.

Taking pelargonium cuttings - cuttings in water
Taking geranium cuttings – cuttings in water

Step 4

Remove the lower leaves, leaving just a couple at the top of the cutting.

Taking pelargonium cuttings - removing the lower leaves
Taking geranium cuttings – removing the lower leaves

Step 5

Taking pelargonium cuttings - cutting below a node
Taking geranium cuttings – cutting below a node

Make a final cut just below a leaf node at the base of the cutting with a sharp knife.

Step 6

Taking pelargonium cuttings - inserting the cutting into compost
Taking geranium cuttings – inserting the cutting into compost

Insert the bottom half in a pot of cuttings compost. Water well and place in a well-lit spot.

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