Learn more about caring for gorgeous geraniums in pots or in your garden.
Key Takeaways
The plants we know as geraniums arent actually geraniums.
Some can even be used as ground cover.
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Plant in the spring once the chance of frost has passed.
Geraniums are popular plantings across the South.
Note that these plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
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Plant Attributes
Geranium Care
While they require a little attention, geraniums are relativelyeasy-care plantings.
They love full sun and well-draining soil.
They are drought-tolerant but appreciate regular watering.
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Geraniums grown in containers should be watered more frequently since they tend to dry out quickly.
Light
This light-lover should receivefull sun.
When planted in containers, you’re able to move the pot to adjust for natural conditions.
Soil
Plant in any good, fast-draining soil andamend poor soilwith plenty of organic matter.
Water
Geranium requires moderate to regular watering.
Many common geraniums stop blooming in sizzling weather, a condition known as ‘heat check.’
(They’ll resume blooming when cooler weather arrives.)."
Two, however, account for almost all of the sales.
The first and most popular is the common geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum).
Succulent stems become woody with age, and plants grow into picturesque shrubs.
Rather than growing upright like common geraniums, this one cascades.
Use it to plunge from hanging baskets, window boxes, or the edge of a big planter.
Rather, youll need todeadhead geranium.
To tend them during the blooming season, remove wilted and faded flowers.
This will encourage new blooms to shoot up.
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Propagating Geranium
Geraniums are easilypropagated by cuttingsor in water to make new plants.
Place in bright, indirect light and keep moist.
How To Grow Geranium From Seed
The best time tostart geranium from seedis in late winter.
Using clean planting flats, fill with moistened planting mix, and press into each opening.
Make a shallow indent with your finger and sow the seed following the directions on the geranium seed package.
Press the seed in the soil and lightly cover with the planting medium.
Lightly water the soil and put the planting flat under a grow light.
Once the seedling has two or more leaves, transplant it into a small nursery pot.
Before planting, set the pots outside in dappled shade to build the plants outdoor endurance.
After a week, plant the geraniums in pots,window boxes, or planting beds.
Geraniums need moist, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil.
Amend potting soil with organic matter to assist with drainage.
Add the plant, and moisten the soil.
Place it in a sunny spot where the plant will get at least six hours of light per day.
Since geraniums like to be root-bound, they dont needfrequent repotting.
Let the soil dry to barely moist, and remove dead leaves and flowers and any rot.
Once the temperature is above 50F at night, resume feedings.
Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Tobacco budworms may be a problem in some areas.
Most pests are controlled by spraying with neem oil or spinosad to treat.
To tend them during the blooming season, you should regularlyremove wilted and faded flowers.
This will encourage the appearance of new blooms.
Common Problems With Geranium
Gardeners dont encounter many problems with geraniums.
If their growing conditions arent right, the leaves are usually a sign that the plant is struggling.
Heres what to do if you see yellowing or curling leaves.
Give it water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Geraniums dont like soggy soil.
The tips and edges of a geranium will turn yellow first if it is underwater.
If water isnt the issue, ensure the plant is getting enough sun.
Theleaves will turn yellowif its too shady.
Geraniums do not like cold temperatures, so a cold snap may cause yellowing leaves.
The leaves of geraniums grown as perennials will also turn yellow as the plant approaches dormancy.
New green growth will return in spring.
In hot climates, give the plant morning sun and afternoon shade.
A geranium will also curl its leaves during drastic temperature changes.
Indoors, maintain a consistent temperature and keep the geranium away from drafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Geraniums can last about two years when properly cared for.
For geraniums to flourish without diminished blooms, propagate geranium plants using cuttings to generate new healthy plants.
Geraniums are known for theiraromatic, green foliage, the fragrance of which varies from plant to plant.
Other geraniums produce fragrances that smell like roses and lemons.
Strawberry-scented pelargonium(Pelargonium x scarboroviae)is sometimes grown as an indoor plant.
The foliage varies from species to species.
Common geraniums have rounded leaves, which are soft, velvety, and hairy with scalloped edges.
Some geraniums have foliage resembling that of ferns.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.Geranium.
Plants for a Future.Pelargonium triste.
