February is Always One of the Most Important Months in the Pelargonium Calendar
Hello from Ed at Fibrex Nurseries,
February is always one of the most important months in the pelargonium calendar - a real turning point in the growing year. After the quieter holding period of midwinter, this is when the nursery begins to wake up again and the new season starts to build momentum.
Although it may still feel like winter outside, inside the pelargonium houses the shift is already underway. Natural light levels are increasing week by week, day length is stretching out, and the plants begin responding accordingly. Growth becomes steadier, propagation becomes viable again, and our focus turns fully toward spring development.
So, what’s happening at Fibrex Nurseries in February? 🌱
The Nursery Begins to Wake Up
February is the month when pelargoniums start moving again after the darker weeks of December and early January.
The gradual rise in light intensity is the true driver of renewed growth - far more than temperature alone. Even under glass, pelargoniums are very sensitive to low winter light. During the shortest days, plants naturally slow down, conserving energy and maintaining themselves rather than producing active growth.
As we move through February, the improving light allows plants to photosynthesise more effectively again. You can see the change across the houses: buds begin to swell, shoots start extending, and stock plants take on a healthier, more active appearance as the season begins to turn.
This is always one of the most encouraging points of the year, as the first real signs of spring growth appear.
Potting On Season is Underway
One of the main tasks in February is potting on established plants.
At this stage, we are stepping up well-rooted pelargoniums into their next container size, giving them fresh compost and space for the spring growth ahead. Root systems are checked carefully, and plants are assessed for balance, health, and structure before being moved forward.
Potting on is an important stage because it sets the foundation for the months ahead. A plant with a strong root structure now will grow away steadily and develop properly as conditions continue to improve.
Our focus is always on producing plants that are:
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well-rooted and stable
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firm and compact in growth
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balanced in shape and habit
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progressing naturally with the season
This careful work defines much of February life on the nursery.
The Return of Cuttings
February also marks the beginning of the new propagation cycle.
We begin taking fresh cuttings again after January because winter light levels are simply too low for consistent and reliable rooting. Even with heat, pelargonium cuttings taken too early in the year often sit for longer before initiating roots.
Under low-light conditions, cuttings are more likely to:
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soften before rooting
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struggle to callus cleanly
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become prone to fungal losses
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produce weaker early growth
That is why propagation is usually paused during the darkest weeks, restarting as soon as conditions improve.
By February, increasing light levels allow cuttings to root more consistently, producing:
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quicker callusing
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stronger root initiation
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firmer young growth
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better quality plants moving into spring
Propagation timing is one of the most important aspects of specialist pelargonium growing, and February is where the new season truly begins.
Longer Days Bring Stronger Growth
The lengthening days in February make an enormous difference to plant quality.
As day length increases, pelargoniums are able to photosynthesise properly again. This results in stronger, more compact growth with better structure and energy.
Plants begin to develop with:
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firmer stems
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healthier leaf colour
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more consistent growth patterns
This is why February is such a pivotal month - growth begins to accelerate naturally rather than being artificially pushed.
The aim is always steady seasonal progress: plants growing at the right pace, in the right conditions, without stress or forcing.
Preparing for the Spring Season Ahead
Everything happening now is part of the gradual build-up toward the main growing season.
February is a month of careful management across the houses, including:
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monitoring early growth responses
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spacing plants as they develop
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continuing potting work in stages
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managing temperature, airflow, and ventilation
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ensuring plants remain firm and healthy as light increases
This is the period when the nursery shifts from winter maintenance into full spring preparation, with every stage guided by the natural rhythm of the plants.
Specialist Growing at Fibrex
At Fibrex, pelargoniums are all we grow, and February is a perfect reflection of what that means in practice.
Our approach is always based on correct seasonal timing rather than rushing growth early. Light, temperature, propagation, and potting work are all carefully matched to the needs of the plant.
Every pelargonium is grown steadily under close attention to ensure:
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strong, healthy root systems
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correct growth habit
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varietal integrity
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dependable performance later in the year
February: A Quietly Crucial Month
February may still feel like winter, but on the nursery it is one of the most quietly crucial months of all.
It is the point where light returns, growth begins again, propagation restarts, and the foundations of the season ahead are set in place.
Thank you, as always, for taking an interest in life here at Fibrex Nurseries. We look forward to sharing more as the pelargonium year continues to unfold.
Warm regards,
Ed
Fibrex Nurseries