Gardening in Vermont - Perennials and Annuals: Geraniums - New Varieties

Friday, March 14, 2014

Geraniums - New Varieties - Seed and Zonal

Essentially there are two kinds of geraniums: Those grown from seeds and those grown from cuttings (usually called "zonal" geraniums.) The seed geraniums are less vigorous and more compact than the zonals, and they tend to have smaller blooms, but more of them.

I like to offer both kinds because the seed geranium is at least $1 less than the zonal geranium. It grows well in a 4" pot, while we use larger deeper 4 1/2" pots for the zonals. The blooms on seed geraniums shatter easily with time, which can be a good thing. Deadheading is not needed as much as it is with zonal geraniums.

This year I will also offer 'Pinto Premium White to Rose' which is an AAS (All American Selection) bedding plant winner for 2013. Petals start out white and then darken to rose pink. I am hoping the bi-color effect is as pretty as the photos indicate. Blooms are 5" across and the foliage is deep green with darker zones.

PINTO PREMIUM WHITE TO ROSE

SEED GERANIUM

(Photo from AAS Selections Web Site)

Besides the ever-popular red and dark red zonal geranium, I like to offer quite a few other colors. 'Classic Mosaic Purple' is relatively new and my customers really like it.