Pelargonium x hortorum L.H. Bailey cv. 'Ina' and 'Bargpalais' were grown in 10 cm pots. Growth retardants were applied as a spray, when plants were 5-10 cm high. Plants with a good habit were obtained using single application of flurprimidol at 15 mg l-1. Daminozide applied twice at concentrations of 3500 and 4500 was ineffective in growth retardation of geranium. Flurprimidol treatment at concentration of 15 mg 1-1 had no significant influence on the flower longevity of plants sprayed with etephon at concentrations of 10, 50 and 100 mg 1-1. Etephon was phytotoxic to geranium flowers depending on concentration and flower growth stage. The most sensitive to etephon application were fully open flowers and least sensitive were flower buds without visible petals.