Geranium cuttings - container size - Ask Extension
I am overwintering my geraniums indoors and want to take cuttings and grow them under grow lights until I move them to the garden this spring. What si...
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Geranium cuttings - container size #924613
Asked February 15, 2026, 4:30 PM EST
I am overwintering my geraniums indoors and want to take cuttings and grow them under grow lights until I move them to the garden this spring. What size container should I use to avoid the need to transplant them prior to planting them in the garden? I also understand that right now, (2/15/26) is a good time to do this?
Mats
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Mats,
Thank you for your question.
Now is a good time to get your geranium cuttings going. Here's what you will need:
1. A good potting mix, add extra vermiculite or perlite to make a very loose soil. The vermiculite or perlite will add spaces for oxygen and water to flow easily through the soil.
2. Cut a 3"-4" cutting from the terminal ends of the stem pinching off the leaves at the bottom of the stem.
3. If you have a rooting hormone you can dip the ends in it. Rooting hormone will help the roots to form more quickly.
4. Put the stems in a 2 1/2" pot or you can use a flat if you have a lot of stems. It is actually better to start with a small pot or shallow flat than to plant in a bigger, deeper pot at first.
5. You can cover the pots or flat with a plastic dome or plastic bag to keep the leaves from wilting. If this is not possible, just keep the soil moist but not soggy.
6. Put pots or flat under artificial lighting or by a sunny window. Don't put in direct sunlight.
7. Rooting may take 6 - 8 weeks.
I hope you will find this information useful.
Happy Gardening!
Debbie M.
Master Gardener Volunteer
Arapahoe County
Thank you for your question.
Now is a good time to get your geranium cuttings going. Here's what you will need:
1. A good potting mix, add extra vermiculite or perlite to make a very loose soil. The vermiculite or perlite will add spaces for oxygen and water to flow easily through the soil.
2. Cut a 3"-4" cutting from the terminal ends of the stem pinching off the leaves at the bottom of the stem.
3. If you have a rooting hormone you can dip the ends in it. Rooting hormone will help the roots to form more quickly.
4. Put the stems in a 2 1/2" pot or you can use a flat if you have a lot of stems. It is actually better to start with a small pot or shallow flat than to plant in a bigger, deeper pot at first.
5. You can cover the pots or flat with a plastic dome or plastic bag to keep the leaves from wilting. If this is not possible, just keep the soil moist but not soggy.
6. Put pots or flat under artificial lighting or by a sunny window. Don't put in direct sunlight.
7. Rooting may take 6 - 8 weeks.
I hope you will find this information useful.
Happy Gardening!
Debbie M.
Master Gardener Volunteer
Arapahoe County
