Pelargoniums (Geraniums) in February: A time to protect and detect!
In this post we will be sharing some hints and tips with you of what to do during February and sharing some ideas to prepare for the season ahead. Please note that this blog contains affiliate links. While we only recommend products that we believe in, we may benefit financially from any purchases you make.
February is a crucial time for Pelargoniums in the UK, as it is the month when you should start preparing your plants for the growing season ahead. Whether you're an experienced grower, or just starting out, there are several things you can do to ensure that your Pelargoniums are healthy and vibrant all season long.
Whilst there may not be much flower around at this time of year you should still be able to enjoy some colour from the coloured leaved varieties and some lovely fresh scents from the scented leaved varieties at this time of year
Checking for nasties!
It is important to check the condition of your Pelargoniums. You need to be on the lookout for any signs of damage, such as brown leaves or wilting, and remove any dead foliage to encourage new growth. If you've successfully overwintered your Pelargoniums (and managed to avoid the frosts!) you should also check for any signs of pests, such as spider mites or whiteflies, and treat them accordingly.
Look out for white flies and other pests, remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Early in the season it is still a bit too cool to use biological controls to control many pests. This early in the season I spray our plants with SB Plant Invigorator. It is chemical free, biodegradable as well as non toxic, and it is really effective at controlling not only pests but also helps reduce fungal diseases.
I also like to start giving the top of the compost in the pots a bit of a scrape out of any lose material, old compost and any pests that might come with it. I then give a light dressing of fresh compost to help give older plants a bit of a top-dress boost.
Pruning
Careful pruning in February will help to promote bushier growth, encourage new growth and keep your plants in good shape for a fantastic display later in the year. This is when being a bit ruthless is a requirement – make sure you prune back any leggy stems to a couple of leaves above a node and remove any stems that are crossing or rubbing each other.
Repotting
If you have any Pelargoniums that are in need of repotting, February is a great time to do so. Choose a good quality, well-draining potting mix and make sure you put them into a nice clean pot, not too much bigger than the one it came out of – I usually pot it up to the next size up each time. Be sure to water your plants thoroughly after repotting.
Watering
You may have kept your plants on the dry side through the winter but as the days start to get longer the plants will start to show signs of growth. This is the time your plants will need watering to support that growth. A good time to water is in the morning on a sunnier-warmer day so the leaves don't stay damp over night.
Happy growing!
Steven