Or, add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix when you plant the geraniums in the pot - it feeds them all season. Summer Tips for Geraniums. Stop fertilizing and limit water to once a week, keeping the plants on the dry side, while they are in the house. Growing geraniums outdoors requires a bit more attention to soil drainage and moisture levels. ", soil over the winter. Depending on your zone, this might be anywhere from August to late October. But if you don’t know how to care for geraniums properly, you can run into plenty of mysterious problems. Pick and dry their fragrant leaves as a welcome addition to potpourri. World traveler, professional writer and consummate gardener, Spengler earned a BA from U.C. Work organic compost into high-quality container potting soil that contains ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Care of Geraniums Whether indoors or out, geranium care is pretty basic. What does make a difference is the size: the larger the pot, the bigger the plant can grow. Use a well-draining potting mixture (not heavy, clayey soil) when planting in containers. Put geranium containers in a cemented-over backyard area, if you have one. You can pot your overwintered geraniums up indoors to give them a jumpstart, or if you live in warmer zones, you can pot them up outside. It's possible it may survive, the cold has made it go into a "hibernation" type of state, don't water it now but don't let it dry out completely either, add a small amount of water if you have to. Use a large pot with room for drainage so they have room to grow! When spring brings the warmer weather it should start to grow again. In addition to watering, which should be done deeply and once the soil begins to feel dry indoors or at least weekly outdoors (though potted plants may need daily watering in hot weather), fertilizing is usually necessary. Easy-going, versatile plants, they add a splash of vibrant color throughout the summer season in pots, hanging baskets and window boxes in Mediterranean climates. Potted geraniums will become tall and spindly if you overwinter them in warm, poorly lit areas. Can You Grow Blueberries As a Houseplant? Can it be saved? Although geraniums do require moisture, they will likely rot if the potting mix stays wet for too long. C: Ivy (Hedera canariensis ‘Variegata’) — 1. Check the soil before filling the drainage hole in … Geraniums do not like to sit in soggy, compacted soil. Can I bring my geraniums in for the winter and replant them in the spring? Preparation Choose a pot with holes in the bottom. What Are the Soil Requirements for Geraniums? Importance of Feeding Geraniums. When you see new shoots, spray it with water and begin wetting up the compost. Buy fertilizer that dissolves in water for easier application. I go through the plants and toss out the ones that are totally brown and brittle. Over-wintered geraniums prefer temperatures that are in the 60- to 75-degree Fahrenheit range. Whether planted in pots, planters and hanging baskets, or directly in flower beds, it’s easy to keep geraniums blooming big and bright all summer long with a few simple care and maintenance tips. Water geraniums early in the day, if possible, to avoid standing water on leaves overnight, which often leads to disease. You can then ‘store’ your geraniums in winter. Good Geranium care is vital for long-lasting summer color of this popular bedding plant. The flowers of both true geraniums and pelargonium geraniums are edible, but do not eat them if you sprayed anything toxic on the plants. Experiment with ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum). Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 154,287 times. This article has been viewed 154,287 times. Her plant is brown and dry now. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. D: English ivy (Hedera helix) — 1. Last Updated: November 4, 2020 Name – Geranium or Pelargonium Family – Geraniaceae Type – perennial. Plant the geranium in the container at the same level it was in the container you purchased it in. Providing the right soil is probably one of the most important foundations of geranium care. Geraniums get root rot very easily, so never over water. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Geranium roots will rot if they sit in water for an … Water your potted geraniums until the excess runs out the drainage holes, then allow the potting soil to dry before watering again. Should I cut them back or fertilize them? ", "The pictures and step-by-step were most helpful.". For maximum bloom, place the plants in an area where they will get 4-6 hours of sunlight. As spring arrives, move your potted geraniums outside gradually, adding a little more time each day to allow them to acclimate to cooler air. The material from which the pots are constructed have no effect on the plant, though some people prefer terra cotta to plastic because it looks prettier. Geraniums grow easily indoors in containers with proper care and environmental conditions. Different cultivars do well in sun or shade. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. She currently divides her life between San Francisco and southwestern France. Tuck geraniums into fertile, well-drained soil. After all, it’s your geranium that must grow in it, and nobody wants a sick, miserable looking geranium in a pretty pot! Geraniums love sunlight, so find a spot that gets 5–6 hours of direct sun a day, preferably sheltered from afternoon sun. In containers, water more regularly, especially in summer, to keep the compost evenly moist but not overly wet or waterlogged. It is a resistant plant, that can even handle high temperatures, and is very easy to care for. Family Activities Reunions ... Light-color flowers are especially dramatic when planted in dark containers. Geraniums have long been a favorite of gardeners looking for bright, long-lasting summertime blooms. are often container plants and, although also perennials, require more care in cold temperatures. When a geranium plant is placed in a pot with soil or in a flower bed, there are high chances that the soil will lack essential nutrients in the right amounts. Clay soils are okay, but dig in plenty of compost, and mound the soil before planting to improve drainage. Combine them with other annuals like Lobelias, Bacopa, Millionbells or pansies for a great summer display. At the same time, trim stems by one-third to encourage branching. From this point, care for the new bloomer as you would a mature geranium, and then pot outdoors in the spring. Choose locations getting direct sun for most geraniums. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Add some bone meal to your dirt, maybe a 1/2 teaspoon sprinkled around the plant and worked into the soil, then water. The odds are that the lush, potted geraniums brightening your patio are not true geraniums (Geranium spp. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. For maximum bloom, place the plants in an area where they will get 4-6 hours of sunlight. Video of the Day Volume 0% Place plants in pots with drainage holes to avoid root rot. The flowers mask the cement and flourish from the extra warmth of reflected sun. Storing dormant plants is one of the oldest and most time-honored practices of overwintering geraniums, and it’s fairly simply to do. Both require plenty of sunlight, careful watering and light levels of fertilization. Place plants in pots with drainage holes to avoid root rot. Put each geranium plant in a pot that is at least 6 to 8” (15.2 to 20.3 cm) in diameter. One of the most common flower in gardens and balconies is the geranium, which gives life to any corner with its colours. All geraniums need afternoon shade if your area regularly sees summer temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Deadheading your plants helps them produce new flowers more rapidly. Root zone watering with drip irrigation or soaker hoses eliminates the danger of splashing water on leaves or flowers. Hardy geraniums die back in autumn and regrow in spring. Pinching your geranium plant (removing the main stem) will force it to grow 2 new stems just below the pinch point. Here are some gardening tips on how to care for Geraniums so that they will flower all summer long. A: Geranium (Pelargonium ‘Americana White’) — 1. It worked. You can, however, overwinter your geraniums and replant them every spring. As mentioned, geraniums thrive indoors, and can actually grow all year round as beautiful houseplants. Every third watering, add Epsom salts - magnesium sulfate - to the plant water - 1 teaspoon per 1 gallon - to provide magnesium. Just didn't want to throw the plant out now that winter is approaching. Air circulation is another. I go through the plants … Height – 8 inches (20 cm) to 3 feet (1 meter) Exposure – full sun Soil – ordinary, enriched with soil mix Flowering – April to October. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day. Their soil needs to be well drained. Grow hardy geraniums in moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade. All bloom very well. Common geraniums grow upright in pots while ivy geraniums cascade from hanging baskets or planters. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. Store the Entire Plant in Your Basement. Store the Entire Plant in Your Basement . Approved. Geraniums do not like to sit in soggy, compacted soil. Take care not to damage too much of its existing rootball. Regal geraniums prefer a … How to Care for Fall Mum Plants in Containers. These flowering plants can be grown outdoors in containers or flower beds or indoors all year round. Before the first frost, cut back plants to half of their original size and inspect them for signs of insects or disease. (Take off all of the faded flower stems and yellowing leaves). Good Geranium care is vital for long-lasting summer color of this popular bedding plant. Scented-leaved geraniums are generally purchased as small nursery plants. What can I do? % of people told us that this article helped them. Cut back your geraniums by about two-thirds if and when the weather drops below 45 F. Move the pots indoors to a sunny, south-facing window that gets at least four hours a day of direct sun. This happens even with new leaves. My friend's geranium was in a window and the weather turned cold. Geranium care. Overwintering Geraniums. In containers, water more regularly, especially in summer, to keep the compost evenly moist but not overly wet or … ", "Really helpful in easy to understand terminology, with good supporting pictures. This fast-growing, trailing geranium grows year-round in Mediterranean climates. When and how you do this depends on the time of year and whether your geraniums have been grown from cuttings or just been overwintered indoors. I’ll walk you through the options and provide winter care tips. A second option is to overwinter the entire plant. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms. If your geraniums are already in pots, spread organic compost lightly on the soil surface and work in, taking care not to dig up the plant's roots. To prevent this, water only when the top inch of the potting mix is dry, and make sure that moisture can easily drain away through holes in the pot. Like anything, geranium care is easy – when you know how. They need at least six hours of sun daily. Choose locations getting direct sun for most geraniums. Care and Feeding When purchasing geraniums/pelargoniums, check the root base to see if it has been propagated by using a foam “plug.” This “plug” allows growers to get plants to market quickly - but will eventually kill the plant if it isn’t removed. Plastic pots are better than clay - although if you really like the look of clay, try potting your geranium in a smaller plastic pot that fits inside the clay pot you want to use. Water your geraniums once a week, or when the surface soil becomes dry. You’ll start by digging up the geraniums in your … If your unheated room doesn’t have a sunny window, you will have to provide at least 6 hours of artificial light every day. True geraniums are cold-hardy and drought tolerant. This keeps the plant dormant for the winter and also helps it to store energy for spring. Good drainage is essential to geraniums so choose containers with adequate drainage holes. You can pot your overwintered geraniums up indoors to give them a jumpstart, or if you live in warmer zones, you can pot them up outside. Use this compost/soil mixture to fill pots for your geraniums. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. How to care for pelargoniums. Fill the container in the well-prepared potting soil. One of the most common flower in gardens and balconies is the geranium, which gives life to any corner with its colours.It is a resistant plant, that can even handle high temperatures, and is very easy to care for. It grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Just like many other plants, geranium require several nutrients in order to thrive. You can combine different species and varieties of geraniums to achieve a spectacular results and fill your home with colour. Although generally drought tolerant, pelargoniums growing in the ground may need a thorough watering once a week or so, especially during prolonged dry periods. Despite what you may have heard, geraniums are heavy feeders, that crave the right nutrients in order to thrive. Then, dig up healthy plants and transplant into containers. Pinch off dead and discolored leaves. In planting beds, add organic matter to improve soil drainage and fertility. This article has been viewed 154,287 times. If you have trees in pots, this shows how to overwinter a potted tree to keep it safe for the winter. Next, I take the plants out of the paper bag(s) and cut them down to just a couple of inches. Potted geraniums can be spotted in just about every neighborhood in the spring. Most need afternoon shade in hot climates. Next, I take the plants out of the paper bag(s) and cut them down to just a couple of inches. Do the pots have to be terra cotta, or are plastic pots ok? Learn more... Geraniums are perennials that require special care in the winter because they cannot survive hard frosts. Santa Cruz, a law degree from Berkeley's Boalt Hall, and an MA and MFA from San Francisco State. Geraniums can survive long periods of dry soil much better than … Geranium | Genus: Pelargonium. What can I do? Geranium care These perennial houseplants require high-quality Potting Mix, which contains perlite. Also, repot them in clean pots and keep them in a cool room. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The Geraniaceae family of plants includes Geranium (430 species), Pelargonium (280 species) and Erodium (80 species). Use a potting mix made for containerized plants instead of garden soil. Mulching annually with leaf mould or well-rotted compost or horse manure will keep plants growing well for several years. They do like a little bit of fertilizer every few weeks. There are several ways to overwinter your geraniums, but we find the best way is to plant them into boxes or pots in a multi-purpose compost. Use a well-draining potting mixture (not heavy, clayey soil) when planting in containers. You can then ‘store’ your geraniums in winter. My geraniums that I kept from last year using proper steps are not blooming this year. Feeding geraniums with the right geranium fertilizers requires some knowledge about this plant’s specific requirements. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. The leaves on my geranium are turning yellow from the edges, until the entire leaf is yellow. "Telling how much to cut back the plants, how much water, and when to water. Geranium is an enchantment in the garden and on the deck all summer long.. Main Geranium facts. Although generally drought tolerant, pelargoniums growing in the ground may need a thorough watering once a week or so, especially during prolonged dry periods. May be even repot it once it starts flourishing using some fresh compost. You’ll want to look for some with a bit of green in the stem. Geraniums prefer a slightly acidic soil. Use pots or boxes in a … Few flowers look as good in a pot as these do. Garden centers nowadays offer a variety of pots to match all personal tastes, but if you really care for your geraniums, you must find a pot that your geranium will like rather than picking one that you find appealing. How do I care for geraniums in pots over the winter? ); the nursery plants sold as geraniums are actually of the genus Pelargonium. The drainage holes in indoor containers helps to keep moisture regulated. Geraniums are relatively drought-tolerant and will survive a fair amount of neglect but should be watered before the roots are allowed to dry out completely. Watch for the geranium to bloom in late spring; it continues to bloom until frost. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Although commonly called geranium, this well-known potted plant is actually a Pelargonium. Snip off the faded flowers of potted geraniums. They need at least six hours of sun daily. Good drainage is essential to geraniums so choose containers with adequate drainage holes. Water the pot thoroughly and place in a cool but well lit part of your house. They were too big to bring, "No specifics. Geraniums also grow well in pots filled with premium potting mix. How do I overwinter a geranium that is in a massive tub and it can’t be moved indoors? Here are some gardening tips on how to care for Geraniums so that they will flower all summer long. Place your potted geranium in a location in your home that is bright and sunny, but not too warm. Geranium care outdoors and geranium care indoors are very similar. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Mr. Smarty Plants: Care of Potted Geraniums, Flower Gardening Made Easy: Growing Geraniums, Fine Gardening: Pelargonium "Roger's Delight", Sunset: 20 Colorful Plants for Shade Gardens: Geranium Cranesbill, Fine Gardening: Soil in Containers Should Be a Good Mix, University of California Marin Master Gardeners: Ivy Geraniums—Pelargonium peltatum, University of California Marin Master Gardeners: A New House -- A New Garden. Why are my geranium leaves turning yellow at the tips and eventually dying? Geranium care in pots is very similar to that of garden care. I have some plants that I have wintered, "The main points helping me were the cutting back, cool & well lit storage area, and soaking & drying of, "I now know what to do with a whole stack of geraniums instead of putting them in compost bin. Water plants in the morning instead of evening to reduce disease. After a perennial geranium has spent the season in bloom and begins to die back, you’ll want to prune it. I’m not a zealous fertilizer user for my potted … {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Care-for-Geraniums-in-Winter-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Geraniums-in-Winter-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Care-for-Geraniums-in-Winter-Step-1.jpg\/aid2229846-v4-728px-Care-for-Geraniums-in-Winter-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"