How to Make Geraniums Bloom. Bright, colorful, and cheerful—Geraniums are like the life of the garden party. If you’re anything like me, you want those blooms to stick around all summer long. There’s just something magical about a garden filled with vibrant Geraniums. Keeping them blooming isn’t hard, but it does require a little know-how. Let’s break it all down.
Choosing the Right Geranium Variety
Picking the right Geranium is where it all starts. Geraniums come in so many colors that it is hard for me to pick the best ones.
Not all Geraniums are the same, and choosing the right variety gives you a head start toward a summer full of flowers. Zonal Geraniums are probably the most popular. They love the sun and are known for their bold, upright blooms. Ivy Geraniums, on the other hand, are great for hanging baskets or window boxes because of their trailing vines.
If you’re in a hot climate, look for heat-tolerant varieties. Living somewhere cooler? Try Geraniums that can thrive in slightly milder weather. Taking a second to match the variety to your garden’s conditions will make your life so much easier later on.
Optimizing Growing Conditions for Continuous Blooms
Once you’ve picked your Geraniums, the next step is giving them everything they need to thrive. Geraniums are tough plants, but they’re also a bit picky about where and how they grow.
Type of soil Geraniums want
Good soil is non-negotiable. Geraniums love rich, well-draining soil. If your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some compost or organic matter to improve it. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 6.5. Don’t overthink the science—most garden stores sell easy-to-use pH kits.
Planting in pots? Use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. You don’t want their roots sitting in soggy soil, or you’ll end up with unhappy plants fast.
Watering Without Overdoing It
Watering Geraniums is a balance. These plants hate being waterlogged, but they also won’t bloom if they’re too dry. The trick is to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Water deeply, but don’t drown them. If water pools on the surface or the leaves look limp and sad, you’re likely overdoing it.
Positioning for Good Sunlight
Geraniums adore the sun. However, the harsh mid-summer heat in the desert southwest causes them to wither. To put out their best blooms, they need about six to eight hours of sunlight daily during the spring and fall seasons. During the mid-summer heat, geraniums will do better with afternoon shade.
The Importance of Regular Deadheading
Deadheading is a fancy gardening term for snipping off spent flowers. When your Geraniums start fading, they send energy into forming seeds—energy better spent on new blooms.
To deadhead, just pinch off the faded flower clusters near the base. This not only makes the plant look better, but it also signals it to produce more flowers. Trust me, it’s oddly satisfying once you get the hang of it.
How to Prune Your Geraniums
Pruning your Geraniums keeps them looking tidy and stops them from getting leggy. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove any yellow leaves or spindly stems.
For bushier plants, pinch back the growing tips occasionally. This encourages side shoots, which means more stems with flowers. You’re basically telling the plant to spread its energy around and grow evenly.
Addressing Common Pests and Diseases
Even the hardiest Geraniums can face trouble from pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These tiny invaders suck the sap from plants and can stunt their growth.
Look closely at the leaves once in a while. If you spot pests, wash them off with a strong spray of water or try a garden-safe insecticidal soap.
Fungal diseases, like powdery mildew, can pop up if there isn’t enough airflow around the plants. To avoid this, don’t overcrowd your Geraniums and water early in the day so leaves dry out quickly.
Seasonal Adjustments for Long-Lasting Blooms
Keeping your Geraniums blooming even during the dog days of summer comes down to a few extra steps. As the summer progresses, notice how your plants are holding up and adapt your care routine if needed. Water about twice per week; a good soaking is beneficial. Wait until the soil dries before watering again.
Geraniums can be planted in the ground, However, you need to live in regions where it never freezes. One hard freeze will kill your geraniums outdoors. They can tolerate temperatures down to 32° Fahrenheit.
Fertilizing Through the Season
Geraniums love a little extra food. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks. Something like a 20-20-20 mix (equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) works great. Organic fertilizers work well on Geraniums. What is Fertilizer?
Mid-Season Troubleshooting and Solutions
If your Geraniums stop blooming mid-summer, don’t freak out. Sometimes, plants need a breather. Check for common issues like yellowing leaves—are you overwatering? Underwatering?
If blooms slow down, it might be time to give them a light pruning and another dose of fertilizer. This helps reset the plant and encourages it to start blooming again.
Also, keep an eye on surrounding weeds or competing plants in beds. Geraniums like a little space to themselves, and clearing out unwanted growth can give them the room to thrive.
According to the ASPCA, Geraniums are toxic to cats and dogs.
Conclusion
Getting Geraniums to bloom all summer isn’t about luck—it’s about giving them the right care. From choosing the perfect variety to providing sunlight, proper placement, water, and nutrition, each step plays a part in keeping these beauties vibrant for months.
Yes, it takes a little effort, but watching your garden come to life with Geraniums’ bright colors is more than worth it. There’s no feeling quite like seeing the results of your care flourish right in front of you. Now, get out there and let’s keep your Geraniums blooming ‘til the very last day of summer!
Greenhouse Manager, Master Gardener, and Webmaster.
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