How to Grow Geraniums
Geraniums are easy to grow annuals that fit well in home gardens, container
gardens, flowerbeds, and even as houseplants. We like them for their big,
bright bloom, and because they are so easy to grow almost anywhere. Geraniums
make great flowers for kids.
Home gardeners use Geranium plants in a wide variety of ways. They are well
suited for container gardens by themselves or with other flowers. You can
use them to make a potted gift for a friend for any occasion. They grow well
in flower gardens along with your other favorites.
When the weather gets cold these hardy plants will withstand light frosts
and patiently await transplanting into containers to move them indoors. Smaller,
dwarf varieties make the best houseplants. Geraniums like lots of sun. So,
put them in a sunny window or room. They prefer temperatures below 70 degrees.
Outdoors:
Geraniums can be grown from seed or cuttings. But, most people buy small
plants from garden stores at very low prices and plant them around the garden
and in containers. Plant them in full or partial shade. While they will tolerate
poor soil, add compost and a general purpose fertilizer to maximize growth
and plant health.
By mid-summer, your geranium plant will be growing bright white, red or pink
blooms. They will continuously bloom all the way to the first frost and beyond.
Tip: To promote continuous blooming, pinch or cut off the blooms after
they die.
Indoors:
Geraniums live approximately 18 months. They will last over the winter as
indoors houseplants. Getting them to bloom indoors is sometimes a little
difficult.,as they often go dormant, or grow slowly. After transplanting,
place them in a cool, but sunny location. Cut them back by about 1/3. Don't
overwater . They prefer soil on the dry side. Fertilize once a month.
If you want to grow cuttings, snip off several new growths, about 3-4 inches
in length. Then stick them in moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and
they will root. Comes spring they are just about the right size for planting
in a container on the porch or directly in the garden.
Insects and Disease:
Yet one more benefit of these plants is they are seldom bothered by insects
and diseases. In literally decades, of growing geraniums, we have never sprayed
for either insects or disease. We hope you have the same experience. But,
if a problem does occurs, treat it early.
Hardiness:
Here is one annual that will withstand the cold. It is among the hardiest
of annuals and will compete with Mums for the last flower of the year.
More Information:
Geraniums
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