Geranium belongs to a species of annual, biennial and perennial plants that are also known as cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions and along the mountains of the eastern Mediterranean region. Geranium plants bloom with red, pink, orange, purple and white flowers. They are typically grown both as annuals and as perennials.
Essentials
Soil composition and ph levels for Geranium plants
Soil composition and pH levels are important factors to consider when growing geraniums. The ideal soil composition for geraniums is sandy loam with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
The ideal pH range for geraniums allows them to absorb nutrients efficiently and prevents problems such as root rot and leaf yellowing. Geraniums also require well-drained soil to prevent problems such as waterlogging and fungal diseases.
Soil that is too dense or poorly drained can cause the roots to rot, leading to plant death. To ensure proper drainage, mix organic matter such as peat moss or compost into the soil before planting geraniums.
Watering Geranium plants
🌹 Water deeply, and then allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
🌹 Water in the morning so the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.
🌹 Do not overwater – this can lead to root rot.
🌹 Water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves.
🌹 If the leaves start to turn yellow, this is a sign of overwatering.
Do Geranium plants yield flowers?
Geranium plants are grown mainly for their flowers in a wide range of colours. They are often used in gardens and as houseplants. They present a pretty sight as they bloom with flowers of red, they can also be pink, white, or purple colours. Geranium flowers have five petals and grow to be about three inches in diameter. They typically bloom from May to September.
Do Geranium plants produce fruit?
Geraniums are flowering plants that belong to the genus of Pelargonium and they do not produce fruit. There are over 200 species of Geranium, and they are native to South Africa and Madagascar.
Geraniums are grown for their beautiful flowers, which come in a wide range of colors including white, pink, purple, and red. The flowers of some species of Geranium are also fragrant. While Geraniums do not produce fruits, they do produce seeds that can be used for propagation purposes.
Propagation of Geranium plants
Propagation of Geraniums can be done in several ways. One way is to take a cutting from the plant, using a sharp knife or pruning shears. The cutting should be about four inches long, and it should include a section of stem with leaves attached.
Geraniums can be grown in a hanging basket or in a garden bed. Take stem cuttings in late summer or early fall. Choose a jar filled with water enough to reach the first leaf of the stem cutting.
Simply stick your cutting in a pot of warm, damp, sterile potting soil. Water thoroughly and place the pot in a bright location out of direct sunlight. Don’t cover the pot, as geranium plant cuttings are prone to rotting. Water the pot whenever the soil feels dry.
The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be placed in a pot filled with moistened potting mix.
The pot should be covered with plastic to create a greenhouse effect, and it should be placed in a warm, sunny location. Water the cutting regularly, and new roots should develop within four to six weeks.
Once the roots are established, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoors. Another way to propagate Geraniums is by division. This can be done in spring or fall.
Water regularly, and new plants will develop within four to six weeks. Propagating Geraniums is a relatively easy process that can provide you with many new plants for your garden.
Pests and diseases in Geraniums
Pests and diseases in Geraniums can include aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
Diseases in Geraniums can include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. These diseases can cause the leaves to yellow or brown, the stems to rot, and the flowers to drop off.
Pesticides can kill the pests that are causing the damage, while fungicides can control the spread of diseases. Pests and diseases in Geraniums can also be controlled by maintaining a clean environment around the plants. This means removing debris from the ground around the plants and keeping the area free of weeds.
Pests that cause damage to Geranium plants can also be controlled by increasing the air circulation around the plants. This can be done by spacing the plants out so that they are not touching each other.
They can also be controlled by providing the plants with adequate water and fertilizer. This will help to keep the plants healthy and prevent them from being stressed.
Pests and diseases can also be controlled through careful monitoring and treatment. If you see any signs of pests or diseases on your plants, you should contact a professional for assistance.
Irritation to pets from Geranium plants
If ingested, the leaves of the plant may result in vomiting and diarrhea. If splashed in the eyes, it may result in conjunctivitis. Irritation to the skin may occur only if it is handled too frequently.
To avoid irritation from Geraniums, keep the plant out of reach of children and wash hands thoroughly after handling. These symptoms are typically mild and last for a short period of time. However, if irritation persists, please consult a physician.
Varieties of Geraniums
Geraniums, or cranesbills, are familiar and perennial inclusions in herbaceous borders. With a great many of the more than 260 species in cultivation, the choice is sometimes bewildering for the gardener.
There are, mainly, two types of plants that are called geraniums: true geraniums which are part of the Geranium genus and plants which are the Pelargonium genus. Both are part of the Geraniaceae family and are related if not identical. Both of these plants are often confused with one another.
Varieties of Geraniums:
🌹 Pelargonium hortorum – Commonly known as garden geraniums, these are the most popular type of geranium. They are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red.
Garden geraniums are bred for their ability to thrive in a wide range of climates and soil types.
🌹 Pelargonium × domesticum – This hybrid is commonly known as zonal geraniums or garden geraniums. Zonal geraniums are characterized by their distinctive markings, which radiate out from the center of the leaf like the zones on a map.
They are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. Like garden geraniums, they are bred for their ability to thrive in a wide range of climates and soil types.
🌹 Pelargonium peltatum – Also known as ivy geraniums, these varieties have trailing stems that can reach up to 3 feet in length.
Ivy geraniums are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. They are bred for their ability to thrive in shady conditions and well-drained soils.
🌹 Pelargonium endressii – This variety is commonly known as black Bengal geraniums or scented-leaf geraniums.
They are characterized by their dark green leaves, which have a strong lemon scent. The flowers are typically white or pale pink.
Black Bengal geraniums are bred for their ability to thrive in shady conditions and well-drained soils.
Growing Geranium plants in containers and pots
Growing Geraniums in containers and pots is easy and rewarding. Here are a few tips to get you started:
🌹 Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes.
🌹 Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.
🌹 Water the soil thoroughly before planting.
🌹 Place the geranium plant in the center of the container and backfill it with soil.
🌹 Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
🌹 When the weather turns colder, move the container indoors to a bright location.
Caring for Geranium plants
Here are some tips for caring for geraniums:
🌹 Water regularly, giving the plants about an inch of water per week.
🌹 Fertilize monthly with a half-strength fertilizer.
🌹 Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
🌹 Move the plants indoors in late fall to overwinter them. Geraniums will go dormant over the winter, so don’t worry if they stop blooming. Just water them sparingly and they should come back to life in the spring.
Companion plants for Geraniums
There are a number of Companion plants for Geraniums. Some of the most popular include impatiens, petunias, and marigolds. Each of these plants has its own unique benefits that can help to support and enhance the growth of Geraniums.
For example, impatiens help to provide extra moisture and shade, while petunias add color and vibrancy. Marigolds, on the other hand, help to keep pests away from Geraniums.
Companion planting is an essential part of growing healthy and vibrant Geraniums, so be sure to choose plants that will complement and support the growth of your Geraniums.
Planting and spacing of Geraniums
🌹 Plant geraniums in an area that receives full sun.
🌹 Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart.
🌹 Plant geraniums so the crown is level with the soil surface.
🌹 Firm the soil around the plant and water thoroughly.
Best time for planting Geraniums
The best time to plant geraniums is in the spring after the last frost has occurred. Geraniums need full sun and well-drained soil. Both annual and perennial geraniums thrive in warmth, so wait to plant in spring until after all danger of frost has passed.
You can also plant perennial geraniums in the fall, as soon as the summer heat breaks. In regions with mild winters, try planting perennial geraniums from late fall to early spring.
Benefits of Geraniums
People often plant geraniums for their decorative value alone. Indeed, these flowers add a splash of color to any garden. But geraniums offer several benefits beyond their looks.
Geraniums are easy to grow and care for, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. They also require little water, meaning they can survive even in dry conditions.
The geranium essential oil has been used to treat health conditions for centuries. There is scientific data indicating that it may be beneficial for a number of conditions, such as anxiety, depression, infection, and pain management. It’s thought to have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, geraniums are resistant to both pests and diseases. As a result, they can thrive even in areas where other plants struggle to survive. For all these reasons, geraniums make an excellent addition to any garden.
How long do Geraniums take to grow?
The period taken for growing Geranium depends on the variety of geranium that you would like to grow. You can expect geraniums to germinate anywhere from 7-21 days after sowing. Most varieties normally bloom in 8-10 weeks after being planted. Miniature varieties may bloom a little sooner. If cared for properly, geraniums can live for several years.
The average life expectancy of a geranium is about two years, and although they will last much longer than that, they tend to get woody and the blooms diminish. Luckily, propagation is easy with geraniums. Simply take four-inch stem tip cuttings with at least two pairs of healthy leaves.
How often should you water geraniums?
Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, but don’t let the plants sit in water. Allow your geraniums’ soil to dry out between waterings. If the soil is still moist from a precious watering or rainfall, delay watering your geraniums. In extreme heat, the soil may dry out in one day.
Over-watered geraniums develop yellowed leaves and drooping, wilted blossoms. You can tell the difference between an over-watered and under-watered geranium by checking the soil. Stick your finger into the soil one or two days after watering. If the soil is still wet, your geranium is probably overwatered.
How much sun do geraniums need?
Most annual geraniums need a spot in full sun, except for the ivy geranium, which grows best in light shade. Perennial geraniums, on the other hand, grow in either sun or shade, depending on the type.
If your plants are not getting enough light, they will start to stretch and the leaves will turn yellow. To prevent this from happening, make sure to plant your geraniums in an area that receives direct sunlight which is at 6 hours a day.
How often should you fertilize geraniums?
Geraniums planted in sandy soil require more frequent fertilization than geraniums planted in more organic-type soil. In planting beds and pots, mix a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Make a second application according to the label instructions. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.5.
Many gardeners feed geraniums with a liquid fertilizer every 14 to 20 days, starting four weeks after planting. Feed every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. However, excessive fertilizer can result in decreased flowering. Fine-tune your fertilization program based on your soil type and the overall health of your geraniums.
How to overwinter geraniums?
Remove all of the soil from the plant’s roots. Place one or two plants in a large paper sack and store them in a cool (45- to 50-degree F), dry location. Or hang the plants upside down in a cool, dry location. The foliage and the shoot tips will eventually die.
In March, remove all shrivelled, dead material and prune back to firm, green, live stem tissue. After pruning, pot the plants and water them thoroughly. Place the potted geraniums in a sunny window or under artificial lighting. Geraniums that are pruned and potted in March should develop into attractive plants that can be planted outdoors after the last frost.
How to grow Geranium plants from cuttings?
🌹Take a cutting from a healthy plant, using a sharp knife or garden shears.
🌹Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving two or three leaves at the top.
🌹Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
🌹Fill a planting pot with a well-draining potting mix.
🌹Make a small hole in the potting mix with your finger.
🌹Insert the cut end of the stem into the hole.
🌹Pack the potting mix around the stem, and water lightly.
🌹Place the pot in a spot that receives bright, indirect light.
🌹Wait for the cutting to produce new growth, which usually takes four to six weeks. Transplant into larger pots or into your garden bed once new growth appears.
How to collect Geranium seeds?
To collect geranium seeds, wait until the flowers have withered and died back. Then, cut the seed heads off the plant and allow them to dry in a warm, dry place.
Once the seed heads are completely dry, rub them between your hands to release the seeds. Collect them by carefully cupping your hands around a pair of ripe seedheads and cutting with scissors. Pulling runs the risk of triggering the plant to ping away its’ seeds. Then place the seedheads in a paper bag and leave them to ping away by themselves for a week or so. Store the seeds in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to plant them.
How to plant Geranium plants in the ground?
Geraniums can be grown in garden soil of any type but will benefit from a neutral or alkaline soil. Grow in a position of full sun in containers, hanging baskets or flower beds.
This is how to plant Geranium plants in the ground:
🌹 Firstly, choose a spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
🌹 Next, dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
🌹 Then, place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil.
🌹 Finally, water thoroughly and mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
How to care for Geranium plants during winter?
Geraniums are a beautiful and popular addition to any garden. Though they’re often thought of as summer flowers, with proper care, geraniums can thrive even in the middle of winter. Here are a few tips on how to keep your geraniums healthy during the cold months:
🌹 Bring potted plants indoors or place them in a protected area such as a garage or shed.
🌹 Water regularly, but don’t allow the soil to become soggy. Geraniums prefer well-drained soil.
🌹 Cut back on fertilizer, as too much can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
🌹 Provide plenty of light. During the shorter days of winter, you may need to supplement natural sunlight with artificial lighting such as grow lights.
| Geranium | |
| Water | Moist soil, but not wet |
| Soil ph | 6-6.5 |
| Sunlight hours | Atleast 6 hours per day |
| Pests and Diseases | Root rot, leaf spot, blight, root , stem rot, gray mold, rust |
| Temperature | 60-75 deg F |
| Soil composition | Loose, well draining soil, with plenty of organic matter |
