Geranium pratense, 'Purple Haze'

Germination

Sow indoors. Surface sow 2cm apart onto moist well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a fine layer of soil mixed with coarse grit. Keep the soil moist not wet. Ideal temp. 5-10°C. Germination takes 30-90 days. Prick out seedlings carefully as soon as they has 2 true leaves and move to 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. Full or part sun preferred but shade will be tolerated. Quite a tall variety so may need staking.

Cultivation

Remove faded flower stems and old leaves to extend the flowering window and to encourage new leaf growth. Propagate by division in spring.