How to Care For Your Geraniums

How to Care For Your Geraniums

Geraniums are classic garden staples with sturdy foliage and long-lasting blooms that shine from spring through fall. Their vibrant flowers hold up beautifully all season, and they pair well with almost any other plant, making them perfect for both garden beds and containers. Easy to grow and endlessly versatile, geraniums bring reliable color and charm to any outdoor space.

Common or Zonal Geraniums

Named for the distinct “zones” or markings on their leaves, these are the most popular type of geranium. They can be propagated in two ways:

  • Cuttings – Plants grown from cuttings tend to bloom early, grow tall, and produce large, double flower heads with rich, vibrant colors.

  • Seeds – Seed-grown geraniums bloom later in the season and are prized for their heat tolerance. They thrive through late summer and early fall, just as many other garden plants begin to fade.

Geranium Varieties

Ivy Geranium named for its trailing habit and ivy shaped leaves. It has delicate flowers in a range of colors. They are good in hanging baskets or at the edge of a container. They prefer a shadier, cooler location.

Scented Leaf Geranium grown primarily for their fragrant leaves. They may be grown successfully in the garden or hanging baskets or containers. They can be dried for potpourri for sachets or decorative containers.

Martha Washington Geraniums This geranium is popular for its large, colorful flowers. It is available with single or double blooms which are often bicolored with decorative stripes. They grow best under cool conditions.

Geranium Care Tips

Geraniums are easy to grow and rewarding when given the right conditions. Follow these simple tips to keep them blooming strong all season:

  • Light: Geraniums love sun! Aim for at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In hot climates, a little afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
  • Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Geraniums don’t like soggy roots, so good drainage is essential.
  • Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix or loosen garden soil with compost. Avoid heavy, clay-like soil that holds too much moisture.
  • Fertilizer: Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage continuous blooms. Reduce feeding in the fall.
  • Pruning: Regularly pinch back leggy stems and remove faded flowers to keep plants compact and blooming.
  • Temperature: Geraniums prefer mild conditions. Protect them from frost and bring pots indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below 45°F.

With steady sunlight, moderate watering, and a little grooming, geraniums will reward you with vibrant blooms and sturdy growth from spring through fall.

Troubleshooting Common Geranium Problems

Even the hardiest geraniums can run into a few issues. Here’s how to spot and solve the most common ones:

  • Yellowing Leaves: Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and make sure pots or beds drain well.
  • Leggy Growth: Not enough sunlight. Move plants to a brighter location or pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
  • Few or No Blooms: Geraniums bloom best with regular feeding and full sun. Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks and deadhead spent flowers to promote new buds.
  • Wilting or Root Rot: Too much water or compacted soil can suffocate roots. Check drainage and reduce watering frequency.
  • Pests (Aphids, Whiteflies, or Spider Mites): Rinse foliage with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap as needed. Keep leaves clean and avoid overcrowding to prevent infestations.

With a little attention to sunlight, watering, and airflow, geraniums will quickly bounce back and reward you with healthy foliage and nonstop color.

Geraniums are hardy, dependable plants that thrive in both garden beds and containers. Their sturdy foliage and continuous blooms make them a standout choice for adding lasting color throughout the season. With the right combination of sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent care, geraniums will remain one of the most versatile and rewarding plants for any garden design.