Geranium bohemicum, 'Orchid Blue'

Germination

Sow indoors. Surface sow 2cm apart onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. Place inside a zip-lock style polythene bag or propagate. Keep the soil moist not wet. Ideal temp. 13-15°C. Germination takes 21-60 days. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. If you have seeds which have not emerged by autumn leave the seed tray outside where winter cold should offer the natural conditions required for germination the following spring.

Growing

Prefers any moderately fertile soil which is moist but well-drained. It will not tolerate a waterlogged soil. Prefers a sunny position, although may benefit from shade in the afternoon if particularly hot.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed. Will self-seed freely. Volunteer seedlings usually come true. Wilted basal leaves can be cut back after the plant has flowered.