How to Plant Geraniums: A StepbyStep Gardening Guide
How to Plant Geraniums?
To plant geraniums, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Plant them in April-May and ensure they receive full sun exposure.
Use a peat-free multi-purpose compost with added slow-release fertilizer when planting in containers.
Water well in summer and deadhead to encourage more flowers.
Geraniums can be grown as annuals or overwintered in a frost-free location.
In spring, apply a general liquid feed and increase watering before planting them back out.
Key Points:
- Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil for planting geraniums
- Plant them in April-May and ensure they receive full sun exposure
- Use peat-free multi-purpose compost with slow-release fertilizer for container planting
- Water well in summer and deadhead to encourage more flowers
- Geraniums can be grown as annuals or overwintered in a frost-free location
- Apply general liquid feed in spring and increase watering before planting them back out.
Did You Know?
1. Geraniums are not actually geraniums! The plant that is commonly known as a geranium is actually called Pelargonium, while true geraniums belong to a different genus altogether.
2. In ancient times, geraniums were believed to have magical properties and were used in treatments for various ailments such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, and even as a remedy for snake bites.
3. Geraniums are natural mosquito repellents. The strong scent of their leaves acts as a deterrent to mosquitoes, making them a popular plant choice for outdoor seating areas.
4. The common geranium flower doesn’t produce any nectar, which means it is not attractive to bees. However, certain species of geraniums produce secretions known as “extrafloral nectaries” on their sepals, which are visited by ants that provide protection against herbivores.
5. Geraniums have been used in perfumery for centuries. Their oil is extracted from the leaves and flowers, and it is widely used in the perfume industry due to its distinct floral fragrance. The scent of geranium oil is known to have calming and uplifting properties.
Introduction To Geraniums
Geraniums are delightful plants that add beauty and fragrance to any garden. With their vibrant blooms and fragrant leaves, geraniums are a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. These plants, known scientifically as Pelargonium, are often sold as herbs due to their edible leaves. However, they offer much more than just culinary benefits.
Geraniums are perennials that can be grown in conservatories, providing year-round beauty to indoor spaces. Their flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, bronze, and white, creating a stunning display throughout the summer months. To ensure successful growth and blooming, proper planting and care techniques need to be followed.
Key points:
- Geraniums add beauty and fragrance to gardens.
- They are popular among both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Geraniums are known for their vibrant blooms and fragrant leaves.
- They are often sold as herbs due to their edible leaves.
- Geraniums are perennials and can be grown in conservatories.
- They offer year-round beauty to indoor spaces.
- Their flowers come in a variety of colors.
- Proper planting and care techniques are essential for successful growth and blooming.
“Geraniums are delightful plants that add beauty and fragrance to any garden.”
Planting Geraniums In April-May
The best time to plant geraniums is in the spring, specifically in the months of April and May. This timing allows the plants to establish their roots before the hot summer months. Geraniums thrive in full sun exposure, so choose a location in your garden that receives ample sunlight. It is important to note that geraniums are half hardy or tender plants, susceptible to frost damage. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure all risk of frost has passed before planting them in the ground.
Additionally, geraniums have versatile soil preferences and can tolerate acidic, chalky, alkaline, well-drained, light, and sandy soil. However, it is essential to provide them with moist, but well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
To plant geraniums, dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the plant. Place the geranium in the hole, ensuring that the crown of the plant is level with or slightly above the soil surface. Gently backfill the hole with soil, firming it around the root ball to provide stability. Water the newly planted geranium thoroughly to settle the soil and help the roots establish contact with the surrounding soil. Regular watering will be necessary to keep the soil consistently moist during the initial stage of growth.
Care And Maintenance Of Geraniums
Once geraniums are planted, regular care and maintenance are needed to ensure healthy growth and prolific blooming. Pruning is a crucial aspect of geranium care, and it should be done in October, just before the onset of winter. Cut back the stems to about one-third of their height, removing any dead or damaged foliage. This pruning will help the plant conserve energy and prepare for the dormant period.
Another important maintenance task is deadheading, which refers to the removal of faded flowers. Deadheading not only enhances the appearance of the plant but also encourages the development of new blooms. It is recommended to regularly deadhead geraniums, especially during the summer months, to maintain a continuous display of flowers.
Geraniums have varying growing conditions depending on the specific variety. Some geraniums may require additional support, such as stakes or trellises, to prevent sprawling or damage from heavy rain and wind. Regular weeding and mulching around the plants will help suppress weed growth and retain moisture in the soil.
Overwintering Geraniums
As mentioned earlier, geraniums are half hardy or tender plants, meaning they are not frost-resistant. Therefore, proper care is essential to protect them during the winter months.
One option is to treat geraniums as annuals and compost them at the end of summer. However, if you wish to overwinter your geraniums and enjoy their beauty for another year, it is crucial to take necessary precautions.
In autumn, before the first frost, lift the geraniums from the garden soil or large pots they are growing in. Transfer them to smaller pots, using fresh potting soil. It is advisable to remove any damaged leaves and faded flowers and cut the plants back by one-third to reduce their size and aid in the overwintering process.
Place the potted geraniums in a frost-free but brightly lit location, such as a greenhouse or a sunny windowsill. Throughout the winter, water the plants lightly to keep the soil slightly moist.
In spring, as the risk of frost diminishes, increase watering and apply a general liquid feed to stimulate new growth. Once all danger of frost has passed, you can plant the geraniums back in the garden or larger pots.
Different Varieties Of Geraniums
Geraniums are a diverse group of plants with a wide range of varieties, each offering unique characteristics and color combinations. Two standout varieties that deserve special attention are Geranium ‘Attar of Roses’ and Geranium ‘Splendide’.
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Geranium ‘Attar of Roses’ is well-known for its pale pink flowers and the delightful scent of its foliage, which strongly resembles that of roses. The fragrance is released when the leaves are gently rubbed or brushed, adding an enchanting aroma to any garden. This variety brings a touch of romance and elegance wherever it is planted.
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Geranium ‘Splendide’ is a species pelargonium that features captivating bi-colored flowers arranged in loose clusters. The combination of white and red blooms creates a visually striking statement. The velvety gray-green foliage of this variety further enhances its charm.
Aside from these mentioned varieties, there is a wide selection of geraniums available, each boasting its own distinct characteristics, colors, and fragrances. Exploring these options and selecting those that align with your personal taste will allow you to create a diverse and captivating geranium collection.
- Key characteristics:
- Geranium ‘Attar of Roses’: pale pink flowers, strongly rose-scented foliage
- Geranium ‘Splendide’: bi-colored flowers (white and red), velvety gray-green foliage
“Geraniums offer a diverse range of varieties, each possessing unique characteristics and color combinations.”
- Bullet Points:
- Geranium ‘Attar of Roses’:
- Pale pink flowers
- Strongly rose-scented foliage
- Geranium ‘Splendide’:
- Bi-colored flowers (white and red)
- Velvety gray-green foliage
Growing Geraniums In Containers And Flower Beds
Geraniums are a versatile and beautiful plant that can be grown in various settings. They are not only suitable for traditional garden beds, but also thrive in containers, hanging baskets, and flower beds.
Growing geraniums in containers offers flexibility in terms of placement. They can be easily moved to different locations based on sunlight requirements or aesthetic preferences. When planting geraniums in containers, it is advisable to use a peat-free multi-purpose compost with added slow-release fertilizer. This ensures the plants receive adequate nutrients throughout the growing season.
Regular watering is crucial when growing geraniums in containers as they tend to dry out more quickly than those planted directly in garden soil. Additionally, deadheading (removing spent blooms) is equally important for container-grown geraniums to encourage continuous blooming.
In flower beds, geraniums can serve as colorful ground cover or accent plants among other perennials. Their vibrant blooms and foliage create eye-catching displays, adding visual interest to any garden. When planting geraniums in flower beds, ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. Regular watering during dry spells and deadheading will promote healthy growth and extend the blooming period.
In summary, by understanding the planting requirements, proper care and maintenance, and the various varieties available, you can create a stunning display of geraniums throughout the summer months. Whether grown in containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds, geraniums will reward you with their vibrant blooms and fragrant leaves. They have the potential to elevate the aesthetic appeal of any garden or indoor space, bringing joy and delight to both gardeners and admirers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you plant potted geraniums?
To plant potted geraniums, start by selecting a peat-free multi-purpose compost enriched with slow-release fertilizers. Place the geraniums in containers, ensuring they have adequate drainage holes. Consider planting them alongside other vibrant summer bedding plants for a visually stunning display. These hardy plants can withstand being closely planted with other tender species as long as they receive proper care and regular watering.
What month is best to plant geraniums?
The ideal month to plant geraniums would be in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed. This is because both annual and perennial geraniums thrive in warmth, and planting them after frost ensures the soil is warm enough for their growth. Additionally, if you live in a region with mild winters, planting perennial geraniums in the fall or early spring could also be a suitable option.
Where is the best place to plant geraniums?
The optimal place to plant geraniums is in an area that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. While they are originally native to tropical regions and are perennials there, in temperate climates they are typically grown as annuals due to their inability to survive freezing temperatures. Therefore, finding a location with direct sunlight and soil that drains well is essential for these lovely plants to thrive.
Do geraniums like sun or shade?
Geraniums have distinct preferences for sunlight depending on their type. Annual geraniums thrive when exposed to full sun, except for the ivy geranium, which fares better in light shade. Meanwhile, perennial geraniums adapt to either sun or shade, as their preferred conditions vary based on the specific variety. Nevertheless, providing protection from intense sunlight during the hottest hours of the day benefits both annual and perennial geraniums.