How to Grow Geraniums
Pelargonium
Geraniums are easy to grow annuals that fit well in home gardens, container
gardens, flower beds, and even as house plants. 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.
Geraniums are native to semi arid regions of southern Africa.
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 house plants. Geraniums like lots of sun. So,
put them in a sunny window or room. They prefer temperatures below 70 degrees.
Plant Height: 12" - 15"
Flowers Bloom: Summer thru Fall.
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.
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.
Geranium plants grow well in heavier, clay soils. For optimum growth, use
a mixture of two parts clay, one part sand, and one part and humus.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.
Just before blooming, stop adding nitrogen. Too much nitrogen in the soil,
can result in all leaves and no flowers. Cool nights will also promote blooms.
Allow the soil to dry between watering. Over watering results in yellowing
of leaves.
Tip: To promote continuous blooming, pinch or cut off the blooms after
they die.
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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