An experienced Dutch gardener, whose experience exceeds three decades, has revealed the secret of lush flowering of geraniums.
His story began twenty years ago, when he faced a problem: the plants stubbornly refused to form buds, remaining only green bushes.
After trying dozens of methods, he accidentally discovered an unexpected solution using an ordinary tailor's pin.
Today, his pelargoniums delight with bright inflorescences for up to nine months a year, causing admiration among neighbors and colleagues.
Over the years of practice, the specialist has identified three main reasons that prevent a plant from revealing its potential. He calls the first mistake an excess of nitrogen fertilizers. The second critical factor is a lack of light. The third common problem is excessive watering.
The Dutch master's method is based on activating the plant's defense mechanisms.
The procedure requires a simple medium-sized steel pin, pre-treated with alcohol.
The grower carefully pierces the stem at an angle of 45 degrees, deepening the tip by 2-3 mm. It is important to choose a strong shoot and not exceed the specified depth to avoid injury.
The tool is left in the plant for 7-10 days - this period is enough to start the budding process.
According to the specialist’s observations, the technique works in 90% of cases, becoming a lifeline for “lazy” specimens.
After the first buds appear, the stage of careful care begins.
The temperature is maintained in the range of 18–22°C, avoiding sudden changes and drafts.
Watering is carried out only after the top layer of soil has dried out by 2–3 cm, using settled water at room temperature. The liquid is directed strictly under the root, bypassing the leaves and stems.
Fertilizers are applied every two weeks, giving preference to compositions with a minimum nitrogen content. In the active flowering phase, the proportion of phosphorus and potassium is increased - these elements are responsible for the size and richness of the inflorescences.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya