Pelargoniums 
Pelargoniums . . . for glorious color . . . for wealth of bloom. . 
in the home garden, for potted plants, for cut flowers and corsages. 
Pelargoniums are our specialty. They are one of the most beautiful 
spring and summer flowering plants available. 
Many new varieties of Pelargoniums give the flower lover a wide 
range of striking color combinations and types. For the gardener who 
desires a large collection, here is an opportunity to satisfy his wishes. 
HELP FOR YOU IN YOUR GARDEN 
Gardening is fun, gardening is easy, if you follow a few simple rules. These suggestions 
are primarily to aid beginners. 
Ideal conditions for Pelargoniums may be satisfied in every garden. The requirements 
are not exacting, as for many plants such as azaleas, camellias and several others. 
But it is misleading to say that Pelargoniums, as often claimed, will thrive in poor soils 
with practically no care or water. Some of the oldest and most common varieties may do 
fairly well under those conditions, but the new, finer varieties need care for best results—the 
care of the average flowering plants. 
HOW TO PLANT 
The soil should be medium rich. Very heavy soil requires some sand or leafmold. Rotted 
manure is always good. On the coast and where summers are fairly cool, Pelargoniums may 
be planted in full sun or partial shade. In areas where summers are hot, partial or near shade 
give best results. The east side of a tree is perhaps the best spot for this type of shade. 
Large plants may be set out almost any time of the year. Small plants from 2¥2 inch 
pots, in areas where danger of freezing is past, should be set out in late winter or early 
spring, before the weather becomes too warm. They will soon grow into large, bushy plants, 
giving continuous spring and summer bloom. Cut off fading blossoms every few days—this 
will bring new buds and flowers from April to August, sometimes earlier and often later. 
Among varieties available are early-flowering, late-flowering, and some continuous-flowering. 
PELARGONIUMS IN POTS 
Small plants of the 22 inch size should be repotted in 4 or 5 inch pots as soon as they 
are well rooted. Good drainage at the. bottom is essential. As the plants grow, repot to 
larger containers. Partial shade is best. Pots dry out too fast in direct sun. Keep well 
watered. About every 3 weeks, give the plants a light watering of commercial liquid fertilizer 
until they are in bloom. 
WATERING 
Water all plants as soon as they are set out, no matter how wet the ground. This settles 
the soil around the plants and roots. Irrigation later should be determined on a basis of need 
and according to weather conditions. (We use the overhead sprinkling system.) 
Watering is best done in early morning or late evening. This method keeps the plants 
bright and clean, and they thrive much better when the soil has been wet all around and not 
just at the base of the plant. Plants will absorb water and breathe through the leaves. Never 
permit the soil to become completely dry. In localities where soil is very heavy, watering 
should be more moderate. 
SPRAYING 
Spray every 30 days, especially during the spring and summer. Do not wait for pests 
to appear. It is much easier to keep them away. We recommend a general all-purpose spray. 
Nicotine and pyrethrum are good. 
TRIMMING AND SHAPING 
In the fall, September is a good month to trim and shape your plants for the coming 
year. Trim them severely if you like, but always see that a few leaves are left on the plant. 
If you live where there are severe freezing temperatures, plants should be taken up and 
the roots and tops trimmed. Put the plants in containers and water well. After that, they 
will require only a small amount of water. Place the plants in a cool building or a room 
where they will not freeze. They should have light and some fresh air, but no gas fumes. 
Reset the plants as soon as the danger of freezing is past. 
Average varieties of Pelargoniums will not kill at 24 degrees—only the new growth and 
green wood will die. Most of the varieties will revive. Do not trim frost-bitten plants until 
there is considerable new growth. Some varieties will stand lower temperatures than others. 
We hope these suggestions will prove helpful. Soil and weather conditions 
vary so greatly throughout the country that it is necessary to consider the 
locality in determining the exact needs and care of any plant. Readers 
should keep this in mind for best results. 
2 
