Feel Free to Share !
How to Keep Geraniums Blooming All Season Long: Expert Tips and Tricks
Have you ever wondered how to keep geranium blooming all season long ? I am here to help you pick up 10 bakshish that have worked for me for over four decades !
Few flowers can match geranium ’s vibrant coloration and versatility , making them a favourite in garden and containers . But if you ’ve ever wondered how to keep these mantrap blooming from fountain through descent , you ’re not alone .
This post contains affiliate links . If you make a purchase after clicking a link I may make a small committal at no cost to you .
With just a few mere put-on , you’re able to delight a uninterrupted display of stunning geranium flowers all season long . Yep , that is natural spring through Fall !
This post is about Zonal Geraniums also known as Pelargoniums . If you want to learn about Hardy Geraniums ( true geraniums ) then you could here .
Types of Annual Geraniums:
take note : pelargoniums are repeated plants in zones 9 and above
To keep your geraniums blooming profusely , starting with a solid reason of the flora themselves is important .
geranium make out in several varieties , each with its unique characteristic , but they all share some introductory indigence that , when met , will ensue in a roaring display of prime .
Zonal Geraniums:
know for their just growth and clear-cut bands on their leaves , these are the most common types found in gardens . They ’re in particular valued for their big , vibrant bloom .
Zonal Geraniums vs Seed Grown
Video included .
Ivy Geraniums:
These have a trail substance abuse , make them idealistic for hanging baskets and window boxes . Their leaves are English ivy - like , and they produce abundant , modest flowers .
The beautiful windowpane box you find in Europe are a extra type of Ivy Geranium and I found the source here : Larsons Geraniums .
Scented-Leaf Geraniums:
While their flowers are often low and less showy , these geraniums are prized for their fragrant leaves , which amount in a form of scents from lemon tree to rose .
Regal Geraniums:
Also jazz as Martha Washington geraniums , these boast turgid , showy blooms and are often used as indoor plant . I have some that I over wintertime in my greenhouse , and they are a adorable addition to a part shade orbit of the garden .
10 Proven Tips to Keep Your Geraniums Blooming All Season Long
1. Planting for Success
The introduction for a season full of prime get with how you implant your geraniums . pick out a location that receives at least six hour of direct sun daily for strong growth .
Geraniums expand in well - debilitate grunge , so if your garden soil is heavy or clay - similar , deliberate better it with organic topic to improve drain . When imbed in containers , use a quality potting mix that offers both nutrients and drain .
Build Better Soil, Organically!
right spatial arrangement is also important . Crowding geraniums can result to poor air circulation , which makes the plant more susceptible to disease and trim back blooming . Leave about 8 to 12 in between plants to control they have room to develop .
2. Watering Wisely
Geraniums prefer a counterbalance when it fall to water — too much or too little can impact blooming . Water deeply , allowing the soil to dry out out slightly between lacrimation .
Avoid wet the foliage , as this can encourage fungal diseases . In blistering weather , you may call for to water more ofttimes but always check the soil wet first .
mulch around your geranium can help retain grunge moisture while keeping the roots coolheaded . However , be sure not to pile mulch against the stems , as this can cause buncombe .
Geraniums are very democratic forcontainer garden . If growing in containers make certain you have sizeable drain holes . We do n’t want to drown our flowering plant .
3. Feeding for Flowers
dressing toy a key role in encouraging continuous beautiful bloom . Use a tone constituent liquified fertilizer and do n’t worry about the so call in Bloom Booster character . They are just a sales gimic and not any better than general use one .
Bloom Boosters – Miracle or Marketing?
You will not get any more geranium blooms using a specialised bloom plant food , I live , I have tested them . feed in your geraniums every two workweek during the growing time of year . ( this is more about in containers than out in my garden beds )
I prefer this fertiliser as it not only feast the plant but also the dirt and it is made from food waste !
My soil is very rich from ceaseless amending with compost , bark mulch and leaf bedding . But many do not have such keen grime . So I would advise fertilize with the liquid feed every four weeks in blossom bed .
4. Mastering Deadheading and Pruning
Deadheading , or removing spent blooms , is all important for maintain geraniums in bloom . By cut off faded flowers , you signal the works to bring on new blossom rather than seed .
even deadheadings throughout the grow time of year will result in a more prolific display . Pruning is as important .
colligate : Off With Their head ! Easy Deadheading for magnificent bloom !
If your geraniums set about to look leggy or overgrown , do n’t waver to trim them back . This encourages bushy growth and more flowering stems . Aim to prune in previous spring or other summertime , cut back one - third of the plant to rejuvenate it .
you’re able to use what you dress off to take off more …
Geraniums from Stem Cuttings!
5. Managing Pests and Diseases
sizeable geranium are less probable to fall victim to blighter and diseases , but it ’s still important to be wakeful . vulgar pesterer let in aphid , spider hint , and whiteflies , which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem rock oil .
Regularly visit your plants , especially the undersides of leaves , for any signs of infestation . If suddenly your blossom melt or have holes in them you may have budworm .
Treat with BT spray or I dust my plant life with some flour lightly . Leave overnight and wash it off the next day . The caterpillar wipe out the flour and they can not abide it .
geranium are also prone to diseases like botrytis ( hoary mold ) and rust . To prevent these , control your plants have good air circulation , avoid overhead watering , and remove any affected leaves readily . In serious cases , you may need to utilise a fungicide .
6. Overwintering for Next Season
If you live on in a region with cold winters , you could overwinter your geraniums to relish them again next year . In late drop or before the first frost , bring your plants indoors . geranium can be kept as houseplant in a brilliant , sunny spot , or you’re able to let them go dormant .
For dormancy , trim back back the foliage , place the plants in a coolheaded , dark field like a basement , and water sparingly throughout the winter . In former spring , fetch them back into the ignitor , sum up regular lachrymation , and look on as they number back to life .
For best upshot find oneself which method works for you . I happen to love bringing them inside and letting them wintertime in a cheery window .
Easy Ways to Overwinter Your Geraniums
7. Companion Planting
Pairing geraniums with compatible plants can raise their performance . marigold , lavender , and petunias are excellent fellow traveller that divvy up exchangeable develop status .
These plant life not only complement geraniums visually but also can help repulse pests and draw beneficial dirt ball .
Avoid planting geranium with aggressive ground cover or industrial plant that compete heavily for resource , as this can contract the muscularity available for bloom .
8. Adapting to Seasonal Changes
As the raise season advance , your geranium care should adapt . In spring , focus on establish strong root word systems by watering regularly and apply a obtuse - tone ending fertilizer . ( I use compost )
During the superlative of summer , keep an center on wet level , as live atmospheric condition can dry out out soil quickly .
In late summer and early fall , give them a salutary feed with the organic plant food I suggested above .
Then as temperature drop , you may need to reduce lacrimation and start planning for overwintering .
9. Troubleshooting Non-Blooming Geraniums
If your geraniums are n’t flower as expect , there could be several reasons . Insufficient sun , misfortunate soil alimentation , or too much water are vulgar perpetrator . check your plants are getting enough light and view adjusting your watering and feed subroutine .
Another ingredient could be overcrowding — if your geranium are compete with other plants , they may not have the resources they need to bloom . Pruning and thinning can facilitate airt energy into bloom .
Or ensure the bloom buds are not being eaten by the horrific budworm .
10. Enjoying the Rewards
The good news is by following these prove tips , you could enjoy a garden full of vivacious , blooming geraniums from spring through fall . veritable aid and care to detail will make up off with a colored , blossom - filled garden that enhances your outdoor space .
Containers spilling with bright geraniums make large fillers in a garden bed that may be slowing down in summer . pop out the container into the bed and it will clear it up right away !
To enfold this up , geraniums are a delightful addition to any garden , and with a footling effort , you may keep them blooming attractively all season long .
From right planting and lacrimation to deadheading and overwintering , these baksheesh will help you get the most out of your geraniums . catch your gardening glove , and get quick to enjoy a season full of color !
See the video where I show you how to deadhead your Geraniums !
