Topic: hardy geraniums from seed

[aquilegia]

Is there anything I can do to encourage hardy geraniums to germinate? I sowed some a few months back and nothing has happened. I still have some seeds left.

[Muddy_Boots]

Aqui,

When you say hardy geraniums, do you mean 'cranesbill'?  If so, I've not tried them from seed but find if you can beg from friends, clumps settle very easily.

Pelargoniums, I found quite hard to germinate but assume you don't mean those as they are not hardy.  Geraniums for bedding were fairly easy.

Sorry, not much help I'm afraid.   ::)

[aquilegia]

Yep - cranesbill. It's just I bought this special variety - so I'm going to grow it!

I don't do pelagonians - some childhood trauma with one of them!  ;)

[Muddy_Boots]

Have you tried googling for the specialist nurseries who grow hardy geraniums?  Often they have instructions and tips for germinating from seed  :D

[Palustris]

I hate to be the one to tell you this, and no doubt someone will jump on me with both feet and deny it utterly, but Geranium seeds are rather difficult to get to germinate except when they are fresh off the plant. If you still have some left over you could try rubbing the seeds gently between 2 pieces of fine sandpaper, or if you are very nimble fingered, nicking the coat with a sharp knife. Mechanical damage of this nature at least allows water to get into the embryo. Best of luck any way.

[Gardengirl]

I managed to get some to germinate Eric.  Kept them in the airing cupboard until they did - can't remember how long it took though, was a few years ago.

[Garden Manager]

Oh dear. I have some geranium seed, courtesy of the RHS seed distribution scheme, which i havent sown yet. The instructions they sent with the seed didnt indicate that degree of dificulty in getting them to germinate  :(

I like geraniums, and want to expand the types I have in the garden. I thought seed might be the way to do it.  I will try though.

[aquilegia]

I still have some seeds left - I never sow a whole packet at once, just in case. So I shall dig out some sandpaper and give it a go!

[traceym]

I have sown about 12 varietys of hgs this year,most germinated.
Just sown in pots or trays outside pots can be covered with the top of an old pop bottle,cover trays with plastic tops,keep cool and moist never allow the compost to dry out.
Some types germinate in less than a week other can take up to 3 months,don,t give up.

[Palustris]

What did I say?  ;D