Geraniums, the quintessential flowering plant for any garden, offer a burst of color and cheerful beauty that can enhance any landscape or windowsill.
These plants, known for their vibrant blooms and versatility, can be grown in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors.
What’s more, geraniums are remarkably easy to grow and care for, making them an ideal choice for seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of growing geraniums, offering tips and guidance to help your plants thrive.
Table of Contents
Annual Vegetative Calendar for Geranium
Geraniums, known for their vibrant flowers and aromatic leaves, are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color and fragrance to their outdoor spaces. Whether grown in containers or beds, geraniums require specific care throughout the year.
Here’s an annual vegetative calendar tailored for geranium care.
Spring
Month | Tasks | Description |
---|---|---|
March | Pruning | Prune back any leggy or overgrown geraniums to encourage bushy growth. |
Repotting | Repot overwintered geraniums into fresh potting mix to rejuvenate and stimulate new growth. | |
April | Fertilization | Begin fertilizing with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. |
Watering | Increase watering as temperatures rise and plants begin active growth. | |
May | Outdoor Transition | Gradually acclimate indoor geraniums to outdoor conditions before planting them outside. |
Summer
Month | Tasks | Description |
---|---|---|
June | Deadheading | Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. |
July | Pest Monitoring | Monitor for pests such as aphids and treat any infestations promptly. |
August | Watering | Water plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. |
Fall
Month | Tasks | Description |
---|---|---|
September | Fertilization Pause | Reduce fertilization as plant growth slows. |
October | Overwintering Prep | Begin preparing geraniums for overwintering by reducing watering and moving potted plants indoors. |
November | Pruning | Prune geraniums to about half their size before bringing them inside for the winter. |
Winter
Month | Tasks | Description |
---|---|---|
December | Light Management | Ensure indoor geraniums receive plenty of light, supplementing with grow lights if necessary. |
January | Watering Reduction | Water sparingly, keeping the soil barely moist to prevent root rot. |
February | Early Start | Start new geraniums from cuttings or seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season. |
Caring for geraniums involves a mix of regular maintenance tasks such as pruning, deadheading, and pest management, along with seasonal adjustments in watering and fertilization. By following this vegetative calendar, you can enjoy lush, flowering geraniums from spring through fall, and successfully overwinter them for years of beauty.
Adjust care routines as needed based on your local climate conditions and the specific needs of your geranium varieties.
How to Grow Geranium
Growing geraniums, whether you’re starting from seed or transplanting mature plants, can be a gratifying experience.
Below, we’ll explore the steps and considerations to grow your geranium plants successfully.
- Select the right spot: Geraniums are fairly adaptable and can thrive in full sun, partial sun, or light shade. However, they generally prefer a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade, if possible.
- Prepare the soil: Geraniums prefer soil that drains well as they do not tolerate soggy conditions. The soil should be enriched with compost or a slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for the plants.
- Choose the right pot: If you’re planting geraniums in pots, make sure the pot has good drainage. The size of the pot should be appropriate for the variety of geranium you’ve chosen.
- Planting: Plant your geraniums about 8 to 12 inches apart. They should be planted at the same depth as they were in their original pot.
- Watering and care: Water your geraniums deeply once the soil begins to feel dry. Keep a watch for any signs of disease or pest infestation. Regularly remove dead leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Where to Grow Geranium
The location of your geraniums can play a significant role in their growth and blooming.
Here are some considerations for where to grow your geranium plants.
- Outdoor garden: Geraniums can be a great addition to outdoor flower beds or borders. They prefer a location that gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight.
- Pots and containers: Geraniums grow very well in pots and containers, making them an excellent choice for balconies, patios, or indoor growing. Make sure the container provides adequate drainage.
- Hanging baskets: Certain types of geraniums are perfect for hanging baskets. These can be hung outdoors or indoors near a sunny window.
- Window boxes: Geraniums can be a vibrant addition to window boxes, especially in urban settings where garden space might be limited.
- Greenhouse cultivation: For those living in colder climates, geraniums can be grown in a greenhouse, which provides a controlled environment that can be adjusted according to the plants’ needs.
How to Plant Geranium Plants
Geranium plants, also known as pelargoniums, are popular choices for adding vibrant colors and delightful fragrances to your garden.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing geraniums can be a rewarding experience. Here are some steps to help you successfully plant geraniums:
- Choose a suitable location: Geraniums thrive in full sun, so select a spot in your garden that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogged conditions, which can harm the plants.
- Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork or spade. Remove any weeds or rocks and incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.
- Select healthy plants: Purchase healthy geranium plants from a reputable nursery or garden center. Look for plants with sturdy stems, lush foliage, and no signs of pests or diseases.
- Dig the planting holes: Dig holes that are slightly larger than the root balls of the geranium plants. Space the holes about 8 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety.
- Plant the geraniums: Gently remove the geraniums from their containers and place them in the prepared holes. Ensure that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil surface. Backfill the holes with soil and press it gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water thoroughly: After planting, water the geraniums thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Provide enough water to moisten the soil but avoid overwatering, as geraniums prefer slightly dry conditions.
- Mulch and maintain: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Monitor the plants regularly, checking for signs of water stress, pests, or diseases.
How to Care for Geraniums
To keep your geranium plants healthy and thriving, proper care is essential.
Follow these tips to ensure the best care for your geraniums:
- Watering: Geraniums prefer moderate water levels, so water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Water the plants at the base to prevent foliage and flowers from getting wet, as wet leaves can be susceptible to diseases.
- Fertilization: Feed geraniums regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct dosage and frequency. Avoid excessive fertilization, as it can result in lush foliage but fewer blooms.
- Deadheading: Remove faded flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming and prevent seed production. Pinch or cut off the spent blooms just above a leaf node or stem junction.
- Pruning: Trim back leggy or overgrown stems in early spring or after the main blooming period to maintain compact and bushy growth. Cut the stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching.
- Pest and disease control: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Treat any infestations promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls. Monitor the plants for signs of diseases such as powdery mildew or bacterial leaf spot, and take necessary measures to prevent their spread.
- Winter care: In regions with frosty winters, geraniums are typically treated as annuals. However, you can overwinter them indoors by taking cuttings or digging up the plants and potting them. Place them in a bright location with temperatures between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 10 degrees Celsius) and reduce watering.
By following these care guidelines, you can enjoy a stunning display of colorful geranium blooms and fragrant foliage in your garden.
Remember to observe your plants closely and adjust your care routine as needed to ensure their optimal health and beauty.
How to Prune Geranium Plants
Gardening is not just a hobby, it’s a creative art form where plants are your canvas and pruning shears your paintbrush. And when it comes to Geranium plants, they’re the Vincent Van Gogh of the plant world. But even a masterpiece can use a little touch-up now and then. Here is where pruning comes into play. It not only keeps your geranium looking spruce and neat, but also promotes the growth of those fabulous blooms.
- Know when to prune: The ideal time to prune geraniums is in late fall or just before spring. This gives the plant a fresh start for its blooming season.
- Use clean, sharp tools: Before pruning, make sure your pruning shears are clean and sharp to avoid spreading disease or causing unnecessary damage to the plant.
- Remove dead or diseased parts: The first step is to get rid of any diseased or dead stems. These do not contribute to the plant’s growth and can attract pests.
- Trim back excessively long stems: Look for any stems that seem out of proportion with the rest of the plant. Cutting these back will help the plant maintain a pleasing shape.
- Cut above a leaf node: When pruning, make your cut just above a leaf node. This is where new growth will sprout.
- Thin out crowded areas: If certain areas of the plant are overcrowded with stems and leaves, don’t hesitate to thin them out. This promotes better air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
- Consider the desired shape: While pruning, always keep the desired shape of your plant in mind. The goal is to encourage a bushier plant with more blooms.
How to Propagate Geranium
Nothing brings more joy to a gardener than successfully propagating a beloved plant. If the geranium holds a special place in your heart, why not multiply that joy? Propagation, though it might sound complicated, is just a fancy term for making more plants from the ones you already have. And guess what? Geraniums are perfect candidates for this. Here are some steps you can take to propagate your geranium plant:
- Select a healthy stem: Begin by choosing a robust, healthy stem from your geranium plant. It should be about 4-6 inches long and ideally, should not have any flower buds.
- Cut the stem: Use a clean, sharp tool to cut the selected stem just below a leaf node. This is where new roots will form.
- Remove lower leaves: Strip the lower leaves from the stem. This reduces moisture loss from the cutting and directs the plant’s energy towards root development.
- Let it dry: Allow the cut end of the stem to dry for a few hours or even overnight. This allows the cut to form a protective “callus” which can help prevent rotting.
- Plant the cutting: Insert the cut end of the stem into a small pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Water the soil thoroughly.
- Maintain the right conditions: Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light and maintain a consistent temperature of around 70°F (21°C).
- Keep the soil moist: Water the soil regularly to keep it moist but be careful to avoid overwatering.
- Wait for roots to develop: In a few weeks, the stem will develop roots and can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly to your garden.
Pests and Diseases
No matter how much care we take of our green companions, pests and diseases can sometimes sneak in, uninvited.
It’s like they say, ‘Every garden has its weeds’. Geraniums are no exception.
Here are some of the common pests and diseases that affect geranium plants:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause the leaves of your geraniums to curl and become distorted. You can usually spot them on the underside of leaves. If you see aphids, you can try washing them off with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Botrytis Blight: This is a fungal disease that causes the geranium’s flower buds and leaves to become covered with a gray, moldy coating. It typically occurs in cool, wet conditions. To control it, remove and dispose of infected parts of the plant and avoid watering the plant from above.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This disease causes brown, water-soaked spots to appear on the geranium’s leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots may become surrounded by a yellow halo. Infected leaves will eventually yellow and fall off the plant. The best defense against bacterial leaf spot is to prevent it. Water your geraniums at the soil level and give them plenty of room for air circulation.
- Whiteflies: These are small, white insects that are often found on the undersides of leaves. They can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Whiteflies can be tough to control, but insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or beneficial insects like ladybugs can help.
- Root Rot: If your geranium’s leaves are wilting and turning yellow for no apparent reason, you might be overwatering. When the plant’s roots sit in water for too long, they can rot and the plant can die. If you suspect root rot, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Remember, prevention is always the best cure.
Regular inspection of your geranium plants can help detect these pests and diseases early, giving you the best chance of controlling them.
Always ensure that your plants are not overcrowded, have plenty of sunlight, and are watered properly.
These simple steps can go a long way in keeping your geraniums healthy.
Advice On Buying Geranium Plants
Geranium plants, also known as pelargoniums, are popular flowering plants that add beauty and color to gardens, hanging baskets, borders, and containers.
If you’re interested in buying geranium plants, here are some tips to consider:
- Choose the Right Type: Geraniums come in various types, including zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums, and scented geraniums. Each type has its unique characteristics, growth habits, and flower colors. Consider your garden’s needs and your personal preferences when selecting the type of geranium plant.
- Select Healthy Plants: When purchasing geranium plants, it’s essential to choose healthy specimens. Look for plants with vibrant green foliage, strong stems, and no signs of disease or pest infestation. Inspect the leaves for any discoloration or spots, which may indicate problems.
- Check the Root System: Carefully examine the root system of the geranium plant. Healthy roots should be firm, white, and well-developed. Avoid plants with roots that appear brown, mushy, or stunted, as they may have root rot or other issues.
- Consider Plant Size: Geranium plants are available in different sizes, from young seedlings to more mature plants. Determine the size that suits your needs and preferences. Larger plants may provide instant impact, while smaller ones require more time to grow and establish.
- Purchase from Reputable Sources: When buying geranium plants, it’s advisable to purchase from reputable nurseries, garden centers, or online stores known for their quality plants. Read customer reviews and check for certifications or guarantees offered by the seller.
- Pay Attention to Shipping: If you’re buying geranium plants online, ensure that the seller provides proper packaging and shipping methods to protect the plants during transit. Look for stores that offer reliable shipping options and guarantee the arrival of healthy plants.
- Consider Local Climate: Geraniums have different hardiness levels. Some are hardy and can withstand colder temperatures, while others are more suitable for warmer climates. Consider the climate in your area and choose geranium varieties that are well-suited to thrive in your local conditions.
- Read Growing Instructions: Before purchasing geranium plants, familiarize yourself with their specific care requirements. Check for accompanying care instructions or visit reputable gardening websites for guidance on planting, watering, fertilizing, and other care practices for geraniums.
- Explore Different Varieties: Geraniums come in a wide range of colors, including shades of red, pink, white, and purple. They also vary in flower shapes and foliage patterns. Explore different geranium varieties to find the ones that match your aesthetic preferences and garden design.
- Consider Companion Plants: Geraniums can be combined with other plants to create beautiful garden displays. Consider companion plants that complement geraniums in terms of color, height, and blooming time. Some popular companions include petunias, marigolds, lobelias, and salvias.
Remember, buying geranium plants is just the first step in your gardening journey.
Proper care, including providing adequate sunlight, watering, and regular maintenance, will help your geraniums thrive and reward you with beautiful blooms throughout the season.
Where to Buy Geranium Plants Online
If you prefer the convenience of purchasing geranium plants online, there are several reputable online stores where you can find a wide selection of geranium varieties. Here are some options to consider:
- Amazon: Amazon offers a vast range of products, including geranium plants and seeds. Their dedicated plant and gardening section provides numerous options to choose from, with convenient shipping options and customer reviews to guide your purchase.
- Wal-Mart: Wal-Mart, a well-known retail giant, also has an extensive online presence. They offer a variety of geranium plants, both for in-ground planting and as houseplants. Their online platform provides detailed product descriptions and customer ratings.
- Little Flower Hut: Little Flower Hut is an online store based in Singapore that offers a selection of plants, including geraniums. They provide fully grown, potted geranium plants with delivery to your doorstep. They also offer other types of plants and flower arrangements.
- Thompson & Morgan: Thompson & Morgan is a reputable gardening company that sells a wide range of plants, including geraniums. They offer both hardy geraniums and half-hardy pelargoniums. Their website provides detailed information about each plant variety and care instructions.
- Woottens: Woottens is a specialist nursery that focuses on geraniums. They offer a diverse selection of hardy geraniums suitable for different growing conditions. Their website provides comprehensive information about each geranium variety and care notes.
- GrowJoy: GrowJoy is an online plant retailer that offers a variety of geranium plants. They guarantee the arrival of healthy plants and provide detailed descriptions and care instructions for each variety. Free shipping is available on qualified orders.
- Dobies: Dobies is a gardening company that provides geranium plants, also known as pelargoniums. They offer different-sized geranium plug plants suitable for various garden settings. Their website provides information about each geranium variety and its attributes.
When purchasing geranium plants online, ensure that the seller has a good reputation, provides detailed product information, and offers reliable shipping options.
It’s also beneficial to read customer reviews to gauge the quality and service provided by the online store.
Geranium Varieties to Grow
Geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are beautiful flowering plants that come in various species and cultivars.
They are popular choices for garden beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets due to their vibrant colors, attractive foliage, and versatility.
Here are some captivating geranium varieties to consider adding to your garden:
- Rozanne (Geranium ‘Rozanne’): This award-winning geranium variety is known for its stunning blue-violet flowers with white centers. It blooms from late spring to fall, creating a long-lasting display. Rozanne is a vigorous and versatile plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Johnson’s Blue (Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’): With its intense blue flowers and delicate foliage, Johnson’s Blue is a classic and highly popular geranium variety. It forms a low mound of flowers and spreads well, making it ideal for ground cover. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Cranesbill): This hardy geranium variety is prized for its fragrant foliage and attractive pink or white flowers. It tolerates dry conditions and is suitable for rock gardens or edging pathways. It thrives in full sun to part shade.
- Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill): With its vibrant pink or magenta flowers, Bloody Cranesbill adds a splash of color to any garden. It forms dense clumps and is often used in borders or as a ground cover. It prefers full sun to part shade.
- Geranium ‘Elke’ (Geranium cinereum ‘Elke’): Elke features delicate flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and white. This compact geranium variety is perfect for containers, rock gardens, or front-of-border plantings. It prefers full sun to part shade.
- Geranium ‘Biokovo’ (Geranium x cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’): Biokovo is a low-growing geranium with fragrant foliage and dainty white or pale pink flowers. It spreads gently, making it suitable for ground cover or rock gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade.
- Geranium ‘Patricia’: Patricia is known for its striking magenta-red flowers and deeply lobed leaves. It adds a bold pop of color to garden beds and borders. This geranium variety prefers full sun to part shade.
- Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’: Ann Folkard features bright magenta flowers with black centers and chartreuse foliage. It creates a dramatic effect in the garden and pairs well with other plants. It thrives in full sun to part shade.
- Geranium ‘Dilys’: Dilys is a compact geranium variety with deep purple flowers and attractive dark foliage. It blooms profusely and is suitable for borders, containers, or rock gardens. It prefers full sun to part shade.
- Geranium ‘Orion’: Orion displays large, vivid blue flowers and deeply cut foliage. It is a showstopper in the garden and attracts butterflies and pollinators. This geranium variety prefers full sun to part shade.
Remember to select geranium varieties that are suitable for your specific growing conditions, such as sun exposure and soil type.
With their diverse colors, shapes, and sizes, geraniums can add a touch of beauty and elegance to any garden setting.
FAQs
What type of soil is best for Geraniums?
Geraniums prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Loamy, well-draining soil is best for growing geraniums. If your soil is heavy, you can incorporate compost, peat, or perlite into it to improve drainage. When growing geraniums outdoors, they require moist, well-draining soil similar to that of indoor potting soil with equal amounts of soil, peat, and perlite.
How much sunlight do Geraniums need?
Geraniums require at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. They should be located in an area that receives full sun or partial shade. In hot climates, they may benefit from some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense sun.
How often should I water my Geranium plant?
Geraniums should be watered deeply and infrequently. Water them once the soil begins to feel dry indoors or at least weekly outdoors. Potted plants may need daily watering in hot weather. It’s important to avoid overwatering, as geraniums are susceptible to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
How can I fertilize my Geranium plant?
Geraniums benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Use a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer or a 5-10-5 fertilizer with additional organic matter. Fertilize every four to six weeks throughout the active growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for proper application rates.
Can Geranium plants be grown indoors?
Yes, Geranium plants can be grown indoors as houseplants. They should be placed in a location that receives ample sunlight, such as a south-facing window. Indoor geraniums may require repotting once they become overgrown. Regular deadheading of spent blooms can help promote continuous flowering.
How do I plant Geraniums?
When planting geraniums, wait until the threat of frost has passed. Choose a location with well-draining soil and ample sunlight. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant in the hole, backfilling with soil. Tamp down gently and water thoroughly. Geraniums should be spaced about 8 to 12 inches apart and planted at the same depth as their original pots.
Are there different varieties of Geraniums?
Yes, there are different varieties of Geraniums. Common geraniums, also known as Pelargoniums, come in a variety of colors and forms. There are zonal geraniums, ivy geraniums, scented geraniums, and more. Each variety has its own unique characteristics and growing requirements.
How do I care for Geraniums during winter?
Geraniums are typically grown as annuals, but they can be overwintered indoors. In colder climates, bring potted geraniums indoors before the first frost. Place them in a cool, well-lit area, such as a basement or garage, where the temperature stays around 50-60°F (10-15°C). Water sparingly during the winter months, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In early spring, prune back the plants and gradually reintroduce them to outdoor conditions.
Are Geraniums bee-friendly?
Yes, Geraniums are bee-friendly plants. They attract bees and other pollinators with their colorful blooms. Planting Geraniums in your garden can help support pollinator populations and promote a healthy ecosystem.
How do I propagate Geraniums?
Geraniums can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 3-4 inch cutting from a healthy, mature plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, roots should develop, and the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed.
Additional Resources
These are some additional resources that provide helpful information on how to grow and care for geraniums:
- Geranium Care – How To Grow Geraniums – Gardening Know How
- Geranium: How To Plant, Grow and Care For Geraniums (Pelargoniums) – Gardeners’ World
- How to Grow and Care for Geraniums – Martha Stewart
- How to Grow and Care for Hardy Geranium (Cranesbill Geranium) – The Spruce
- Geranium Care: Learn How to Plant, Grow and Care for Geraniums – The Practical Planter
- How to Grow and Care for Geranium – MyDomaine
These sources provide valuable insights and tips on successfully growing and maintaining geranium plants.
We hope that this collection of information proves useful for your gardening endeavors.
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