Geranium Viscosissimum Germination

Conditions

• To germinate geranium viscosissimum plants, select an area with well-draining soil as these plants do not require much water to thrive. Also choose a spot where the plants will receive full sun to partial shade. Prepare a planting medium of vermiculite, perlite and sphagnum peat moss, along with a controlled-release fertilizer. Plan to sow your geranium viscosissimum seeds in the fall so that you can see results the following spring.

Planting

• When planting geranium viscosissimums, plant the seeds 1/4-inch deep. Sow seeds at a rate of 1.4 pounds per acre and cover them with the planting medium. Water the soil thoroughly. To get the best germination results, wear down the seed hulls prior to planting them. Do this -- a process known as scarification -- by placing the seeds in hot water for about 10 seconds then putting them in cold water for a full day. Also, instead of putting the seeds in hot water, consider scratching the surfaces of the seeds with fine-grit sandpaper before placing them in cold water. Note that previously air-dried seeds actually require less scarification.

Germination

• The germination process for geranium viscosissimums takes about three weeks. At the start, you will see a root begin to form from each seed, followed by a sprouting shoot. During germination, keep the soil and seeds moist. In three to four weeks following germination, you will see the plants begin to form two true leaves.

Care

• Apply a liquid 10-20-20 fertilizer during the months of August and September. Keep the soil moist but not too wet in September and October. Flowers with five petals and 1/2-inch in length will eventually appear on the plants during the blooming season. The flowers are purple or pink in hue, and the plants' foliage features sticky hairs. In addition, the leaves are on long stalks.