Geraniums are classic flowering plants that have been garden favorites for generations. Known for their bright colors and shapely flower clusters, these beauties bloom continuously when cared for properly. With the right growing conditions, these flowers can thrive both in gardens or potted inside. There are many types of geraniums to explore, from the common zonal geranium to more exotic ivy and scented varieties. Read on to learn tips for successfully growing geraniums at home in your own yard or even in containers.
What are Geraniums?
Geraniums are tender perennial plants that are enjoyed for their clusters of flowers and attractive foliage. There are over 200 species of geraniums, which are also called cranesbills. The most popular varieties for gardens and containers include:
- Zonal geraniums: The classic geraniums prized for their rounded flower heads and zones of color on the leaves. They grow upright and can reach 12-18 inches tall.
- Ivy geraniums: Trailing geraniums with lacy, ivy-like foliage and petite flowers. Ivy geraniums are ideal for hanging baskets.
- Scented geraniums: Grown for their fragrant leaves rather than flowers. Foliage releases aromas of mint, lemon, rose, and more depending on variety.
- Martha Washington geraniums: Frilly, ruffled blooms that resemble hydrangeas or peonies. Grow low and spreading.
- Regal geraniums: A separate genus (Pelargonium) known for vivid colors and veined foliage. Require cool climates.
- Angel geraniums: Hybrids with variegated foliage and large blooms in shades of pink, red, white.
Geranium flowers come in shades of red, pink, white, purple, salmon, and bi-colors. The star-shaped flower heads feature five separate petals. Plants range in height from compact 8-inch varieties to taller types reaching 24 inches.
Geraniums are prized for their long bloom season, which can last from spring until fall frost in temperate climates. Deadheading spent blooms encourages continual flowering. With proper overwintering methods, geraniums can survive for many years in gardens.
Growing Geraniums at home: Tips
Geraniums thrive in full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Follow these tips for successfully growing geraniums at home:
- Select a planting site with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is ideal to prevent afternoon wilting.
- Prepare garden beds or containers with organic compost to improve drainage and nutrients. An even mix of compost and regular potting soil is ideal.
- Space geranium plants 12-15 inches apart to prevent overcrowding. Allow ample room for air circulation.
- Water thoroughly whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Check soil moisture daily. Avoid saturated soil.
- Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season from spring through fall.
- In midsummer heat, provide light shade such as a canopy during the hottest part of the afternoon to prevent wilt.
- Pinch off spent blooms promptly to encourage reblooming. Also prune any leggy stems back to a leaf node.
- Move containerized geraniums indoors before first fall frost. Place in a sunny window and reduce watering for overwintering.
With attentive care, geraniums will reward you with nonstop color in garden beds, window boxes, hanging baskets and patio pots from season to season.
Pruning and Deadheading Geraniums
Regular pruning and deadheading keeps geraniums looking their best. Here’s when and how to properly prune and deadhead geraniums:
- Deadhead by removing spent blooms as soon as they fade. Pinch or snip off the flower stalk right above the uppermost leaves using gardening shears.
- Prune leggy stems in early summer to shape plants. Make cuts just above a leaf joint using clean, sharp pruning shears.
- In late summer, cut each plant back by one third to one half its size to renew growth. This encourages fresh fall blooms.
- When overwintering geraniums indoors, prune away any dead or diseased material. Cut remaining stems back substantially.
- In spring, prune geraniums again before bringing them outside. Remove small inward-facing branches and shape the plant.
Take a light touch when pruning geraniums. Avoid shearing the plants into tight balls, which can reduce flowering. Remove only spent blooms and dying stems.
Propagating Geraniums
Geraniums are easily propagated from cuttings to create new plants:
- Take 3-4 inch cuttings from healthy stems in late summer. Select side shoots if possible.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to promote root growth.
- Plant the cuttings a couple inches deep in small pots with seed starting mix or potting soil.
- Keep the soil consistently moist and provide warmth and bright light until new growth emerges in a few weeks.
- After roots establish, transplant successfully rooted cuttings into larger containers or garden beds.
Another method is dividing overgrown geranium clumps in early spring. Carefully separate sections with roots using a shovel or knife. Replant divisions and water well.
Geranium seeds can also be started indoors in late winter. Plant seeds in pots and keep warm (70 degrees F) until sprouted. Transplant seedlings outside after frost danger passes. Purchase packaged seeds or save seed from existing plants.
Recommended Geranium Varieties
With hundreds of varieties, there are countless geraniums to try growing. Here are some top picks:
Zonals:
- ‘Rocky Mountain’ – vivid reddish-orange with dark zones
- ‘Kimberly’ – bright pink blooms with white centers
- ‘Maverick Red’ – classic bold red flowers on compact plants
- ‘Patriot Bright Red’ – enormous rounded heads of scarlet
Ivy:
- ‘Beach’ – trailing habit with red-orange blooms
- ‘Butterfly’ – pale pink and white bicolor blooms
- ‘Golden Fantasy’ – chartreuse foliage with pink flowers
- ‘Pink Wonder’ – bright pink double blooms; heat tolerant
Scented:
- ‘Attar of Roses’ – small pink flowers and rose-scented leaves
- ‘Lemon Rose’ – rosy pink blooms; lemon and rose fragrance
- ‘Nutmeg’ – spicy aroma; grayish leaves with white margins
- ‘Peppermint’ – bright green, ruffled leaves emit minty scent
Martha Washington:
- ‘Spirit’ – large pink and white bicolored blooms; compact
- ‘Red Heart’ – red flowers with ruffled white edges; spreading
- ‘Tango Dark Red’ – deep scarlet double blooms; heat tolerant
Geranium Display Ideas
Creative displays allow you to enjoy geraniums on patios, in landscape beds, and indoors:
Gardens and Landscaping
- Edge garden beds and walkways with low-growing varieties like Martha Washington.
- Grow ivy geraniums alongside walls, fences, or arbors to encourage trailing.
- Plant in rock gardens, mixed borders, cottage gardens, and more.
- Group colorful varieties together for high contrast.
- Use geraniums as filler around roses, peonies, and larger perennials.
Containers
- Combine different geranium colors, heights, and styles in pots and window boxes.
- Use ivy geraniums in hanging baskets to cascade gracefully.
- Anchor upright zonals in center of containers, surrounded by trailing plants.
- Elevate pots with risers to prevent wilting in hot spots.
Indoors
- Place containerized geraniums in sunny windowsills for cheery indoor bloom.
- Display smaller pots on console tables, mantels, shelves and more.
- Arrange cut stems from garden plants in vases for indoor enjoyment.
- Grow miniature scented geraniums on kitchen windowsills. Rub leaves to release aroma.
Troubleshooting Common Geranium Problems
When provided with proper growing conditions, geraniums are relatively trouble-free. But they can develop a few issues. Here are some common geranium problems and solutions:
Wilting or Drooping Leaves
If geranium leaves start to wilt or droop, it usually indicates a watering issue. Leaves will wilt if the plant becomes too dry. But overwatering can also cause roots to rot and leaves to yellow and droop. Check soil frequently and water only when the top few inches become dry. Improve drainage if water is pooling. Move plants out of hot midday sun to prevent extreme wilting.
Leaf Spots and Discoloration
Brown, black, or yellow spotting on leaves can be caused by bacterial or fungal diseases like botrytis, verticillium wilt, and bacterial leaf spot. Improve air circulation between plants. Avoid wetting foliage when watering. Remove and destroy severely affected leaves. Treat with organic anti-fungal sprays as needed.
Flowers Not Blooming
If geraniums stop blooming, it often means they need to be pruned back. Trimming leggy stems encourages new growth and flowering. Cut each stem back by one third its size. Make sure plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight and fertilize regularly to promote blooms. Pinch off spent flowers.
Leggy Growth
When geranium stems become elongated and sparse, with few leaves or flowers, the plants are stretching for light. Move to a brighter location or provide supplemental grow lights. Prune back stems by half their size to remove leggy growth. Keep pruned regularly to maintain a compact shape.
Pests
Common geranium pests include aphids, whiteflies, slugs, and spider mites. Check for insects on the undersides of leaves and stems. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove slugs by hand and use iron phosphate baits. Prevent spider mites by avoiding dust buildup on leaves.
By identifying issues promptly and making appropriate adjustments, you can keep your geraniums happy and flowering beautifully.
Overwintering Geraniums
In cold climates, geraniums must be moved indoors before frost each winter. Here are tips for overwintering geraniums:
- Dig up garden plants before first fall frost. Shake off excess soil.
- Trim back stems by one third their length. Remove dead leaves and flowers.
- Repot into containers slightly smaller than original pots. Use fresh potting mix.
- Place in a sunny indoor spot. Water only when soil is partly dry. Discontinue fertilizer.
- Maintain temperatures above 55°F. Keep somewhat dry to discourage new growth.
- Check plants weekly. Prune away dead stems or leaves. Watch for pests like whiteflies.
- In spring, prune back geraniums by half their size. Wait until after last frost to transplant back outside.
- Gradually introduce to sunlight and increase watering. Resume fertilizing when new growth appears.
With proper overwintering care, geraniums can survive many years, rewarding you with their vibrant blossoms season after season.
Growing Geraniums at home: Indoors
In addition to overwintering geraniums inside, you can enjoy their blooms as houseplants year-round by following these indoor growing tips:
- Select compact, low-growing varieties that are suited to container growth.
- Use porous potting mix and containers with drainage holes. Water only when partly dry.
- Place in a sunny south or west facing window. Provide at least 6 hours of sun daily.
- Keep indoor temperatures between 65-75°F for optimal growth. Protect from cold drafts.
- Humidity is important! Mist leaves daily or use a pebble tray. Avoid dry air.
- Turn plants periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure.
- Prune and deadhead regularly to encourage blooming and maintain shape.
- Feed monthly with indoor plant fertilizer at half strength during growth periods.
- Check for pests like whiteflies, aphids, fungus gnats. Isolate affected plants and treat.
With bright light and attentive care, potted geraniums can flower abundantly indoors to provide cheerful color even in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about growing geraniums at home:
How much sun do geraniums need?
Geraniums require full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal. A bit of afternoon shade can prevent wilting.
What type of soil do geraniums prefer?
Geraniums grow best in moderately fertile, well-draining soil. Enrich garden beds or potting mix with compost. Soil pH should be 5.5 to 6.5.
When should you plant geraniums outside?
Geraniums can be planted outside after the last spring frost date once daytime temps reach 60-70°F. Plant in garden beds or containers.
How often should you water geraniums?
Water geraniums when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid extremes of overly dry or saturated soil. Check soil moisture daily.
Should geraniums be pruned?
Yes, pruning geraniums encourages more flowering. Pinch off dead blooms and cut back leggy stems by one third their size throughout the growing season.
How do you overwinter geraniums?
In fall, dig up plants and trim back stems. Repot in fresh indoor mix and move to a sunny indoor location. Keep somewhat dry and dormant until spring.
Do geraniums like coffee grounds?
Yes! Used coffee grounds provide nitrogen and acidify soil, which geraniums prefer. Work into garden beds or sprinkle on containers.
What companion plants go well with geraniums?
Good companions for geraniums include petunias, impatiens, nicotiana, flowering kale, lobelia, alyssum, trailing scaevola.
How do you propagate geraniums?
Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings in summer, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and stick in potting mix. Keep cuttings moist until roots form.
Can you grow geraniums from seed?
Yes, geranium seeds can be started indoors in late winter. Keep warm and moist until sprouted, then transplant seedlings after frost danger passes.
Geraniums are one of the most beloved, versatile flowering plants for gardens, containers and indoors. With their long bloom period and relatively easy care needs, it’s no wonder geraniums have been cherished for generations. Use these tips to successfully grow geraniums so you can enjoy their vibrant blossoms and scented foliage.
