Geraniums are great plants for container gardens, and with some basic know-how, you can grow them well in pots of all sizes. Growing geraniums this way gives you more options for your garden space – you can place them on patios, balconies, or even move them around as needed.
These flowers do well in containers as long as you pay attention to a few key growing needs. Whether you’re new to gardening or have been growing plants for years, these tips will help your potted geraniums stay happy and full of blooms throughout the season.
Choose the Right Pot
First things first, you need to pick a pot that suits your geraniums. Go for pots that have good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling.
You don’t want your geraniums to get waterlogged! A pot that’s 12 inches in diameter is usually a good starting point because it gives your plants plenty of room to grow.
Use High-Quality Potting Soil
Not all soils are created equal! Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix to keep your geraniums happy.
If you want to give them an extra boost, look for soil that has slow-release fertilizer mixed in. This will give your plants a steady supply of nutrients.
Water Wisely
Watering is key to growing healthy geraniums in pots. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet.
A good rule of thumb is to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal issues.
Provide Plenty of Sunlight
Geraniums love the sun, so make sure to place your pots in a spot where they can soak up 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. If you notice them getting leggy or not blooming, they might need a bit more sun.
Feed Your Geraniums
Feed your geraniums every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This helps them grow strong and produce lots of flowers.
Just be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can burn the roots and harm your plants.
Prune Regularly
Pruning is essential to keep your geraniums looking their best. Pinch off spent blooms to encourage new ones to grow.
You should also trim back any leggy stems to keep the plant bushy and full.
Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you spot any, treat them right away with insecticidal soap.
Doing this will keep your geraniums healthy and happy.
Bring Them Indoors for Winter
If you live in a place with cold winters, geraniums won’t survive outside. Bring your pots indoors before the first frost.
Place them in a sunny spot and reduce watering until spring arrives.