Geraniums are a favorite among gardeners for their colorful blooms and ease of care. If you live in a region with mild winters, they are excellent options for garden beds and containers outdoors. However, it's still possible to enjoy growing geraniums no matter what climate zone you live in. Here is a basic guide to growing geraniums in containers for maximum flexibility:
What Kind of Geranium Is Best?
Geraniums come in many varieties, some with unique traits. For example, some geraniums are known for their fragrant leaves producing subtle scents like lemon, chocolate and mint. Others are perennials grown for their bright and sturdy flowers. Whichever of these options you choose, you'll have success growing geraniums in containers regardless of the weather.
Brighter Is Better
Geraniums thrive in full sunlight. If you have them in outside containers, place them where they will get at least six hours of direct light during the day. If you bring them indoors, give them the sunniest spot possible. You might also consider supplementing their light needs with grow lights if you don't have enough windows or natural light at home.
Beware Over-Watering
Geraniums are sensitive to over-watering and root rot. To avoid watering your geraniums too much, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before you give them a drink. It's also crucial to use a container with adequate drainage so the soil does not remain soggy. Geraniums are more drought-tolerant, so it's always safest to wait an extra day to water if the soil still seems moist.
Help Them Bloom Indoors
If you're growing geraniums for their flowers, you'll want to give them the best conditions to bloom as much as possible. If you grow your geraniums inside, there are some simple things you can do to encourage flower production. One is to deadhead and pinch off faded blooms at the base of the flower stalk. Geraniums also bloom more successfully when slightly root-bound, so don't move them to a larger container too soon.
Geraniums are a wonderful plant to grow both outdoors and indoors. By keeping them in containers, you can give them the best possible environment, any place and any time of year.
About the Author
Cheryl Pendenza - Realtor®/Broker Associate
Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the table, Cheryl has a paralegal degree, banking background, and is a member of many professional, civic, and community organizations.
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"As a full-time REALTOR®, I am dedicated to providing my clients with a high level of service by building relationships, marketing, and negotiating on their behalf. As a homeowner, I realize how important homeownership is.
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Cheryl Pendenza, Broker Associate affiliated with RE/MAX Andrew Realty Services since 1999 is a local businesswoman and formidable negotiator who can help you achieve your real estate goals. Supporting family, community and local business is important to Cheryl and she can often be found at one of the local restaurants, shops, or galleries.
