Pelargonium Violareum, Growing From Cuttings

Question from Zane:
I have 200 plants Pelargonium Violareum, I never grow them. Can you tell me more information about these plants? I would like to know about soil, moisture, about propogation with making cutings. Thank you before!

Answer from Pat:
Pelargonium violareum is native to rocky hillsides in South Africa, tends to grow rangy and blooms mainly in spring.

Even if there is a flower on every tip, pinch back the tips of the plant progressively to make it branch. Otherwise the branches will become lengthy and lean on the ground and stems will be bare of foliage. This plant prefers well-drained soil with neutral pH. Water enough so water flows out the bottom of the pot. This plant does not do very well on drip system, but can be done if managed properly. (Experiment but don’t allow it to have wet feet or it will die.) Needs full sun and responds to weak solution of balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice a month. Good air circulation is beneficial.

P.S. To propagate Pelargonium violareum from cuttings, cut off a growing tip approximately 5 inches long, or of a length appropriate for your needs, remove the lower leaves, if any exist, and stick the cutting into a pot filled with well-drained potting soil. Plants take off much quicker if you root them directly into the potting soil you intend to grow them in than if you root in sand. If you wish roots to grow more rapidly, dip the cuttings into Clonex® or Rootone F® or a solution of Dip’N’Grow® (diluted according to package directions), or similar rooting concentrate prior to planting.

When using powders, such as Rootone®, after dipping the cutting into the powder always knock the excess powder off the cutting back into the package before planting the cutting. Then use a chop stick to make a hole in the potting mix before inserting the cutting, and then close up the potting mix around the cutting with your fingers. This keeps the powder from being wiped off the cutting as you plant it. In mild climates, just stick the cuttings into the ground. They root quite easily.