Quick Guide to Growing Geraniums

This quick guide to growing geraniums includes tips on when and how to plant geraniums as well as problems to watch out for.

Geraniums are a hardy and versatile addition to your garden. They thrive in almost any climate and come in a variety of colors and sizes. You can usually obtain established plants in late spring; if you plant them correctly, you will have brilliant flowers into late autumn.

When to Plant

Geraniums should be planted after any danger of frost has passed. If you plant them too soon, the cold will cause the leaves to turn red and the plant to grow very little. Waiting until late May is usually best.

How to Plant

Choose a spot that has adequate sunlight and good drainage. Geraniums are pretty adaptable when it comes to the soil as long as it is aerated and porous. However, if you have heavy clay-like soil, you should add organic matter such as compost, manure, peat moss, grass, or leaves each time you plant.

When you transfer the plant to the garden, gently loosen the roots with your fingers, and make sure to set them in the soil as deep or slightly more shallow than they were in the pot. Stem rot may develop if you plant them too deep. After they are planted, push gently on the soil around the stem and water.

If you choose to use a fertilizer, follow the directions on the package. Watering after the application is wise as it pushes the fertilizer to the roots and keeps the plant from burning.

Problems to Watch Out For

Pest problems are minimal, but be sure to keep dying stalks clipped to reduce botrytis. Bacterial blight, or wilting with no cause, can be an issue. If they have adequate water and are sagging, they are likely infected. Pull them immediately so it doesn’t spread to the rest of the plants.