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.

CLASSIC MOSAIC GERANIUM

(Photo from Syngenta)

Two new varieties for me this year will be 

'Americana Rose Mega Splash'  and 'Fireworks Red-white'.

                                    

AMERICANA ROSE MEGA SPLASH

                                  (Photo from Syngenta)

FIREWORKS RED-WHITE

More NEW geraniums in a future post.

New Annuals for 2014

I trepidatiously approach this year's growing season.  Some of you know I "lost" my partner, who was also my electrician/mechanic/plumber, to lung cancer June 11 last year.  Every thing I do now pushes the "memory buttons."   In the middle of this endless winter someone crashed into my business sign, so it is also gone.  I imagine local folks who see no greenhouse sign think I am finished as well.

Not so, I hope ... and here are a few of the fun new petunias I am looking forward to trying out this year.  They are all started from cuttings and are not available as seeds.

'Cascadias Indian Summer' is a new variety from Danziger.  The blooms start as yellow and then change to different shades of orange and terracotta. All reports on this new petunia are full of superlatives, particularly regarding its growing habit.

CASCADIAS INDIAN SUMMER

Photo from Greenhouse Product News

I've tried vaious picottee and striped petunias and they are often not consistent.  I am told that this  'Crazy Cherry Cheesecake' from German breeder Westhoff is "perfect."  Here in Vermont we are so starved for summer that bright colors are always appreciated.

CRAZY CHERRY CHEESECAKE

Photos from Van Meuwen Gardens

A few years ago different companies started introducing black petunias with yellow highlights.  I decided to give another highly recommended petunia in the 'Crazy' series, 'Crazytunia Star Jubilee' a try this year.

CRAZY STAR JUBILEE

Photo from Spring Trials

Black petunias are not my cup of tea.  However, my customers like them and I am growing 'Sweetunia Black Satin' because it is touted as the best black petunia on the market with the color staying true and not as leggy as the competition.

SWEETUNIA BLACK SATIN

Photo from Greenhouse Management Magazine