How to Grow Martha Washington Geraniums
Martha Washington geraniums are typically grown as houseplants; they do not do well outside. Often grown as annuals, they bloom throughout late winter and spring and will continue to bloom through summer if indoor temperatures remain cool enough. They become available at nurseries and florists during winter and add color to the coldest season of the year. The abundant flowers come in shades of pink, violet or red and often have white markings as well. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Transplant the geraniums into individual containers. Fill 6- to 8-inch diameter pots with a soil mix consisting of 1 part peat moss, 1 part compost and 1 part perlite. Plant the geraniums at the same soil depth they were in the nursery pots.
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Place the geranium seedlings in a south- or west-facing window where they will receive bright light. Place the plants under artificial lights if daylight isn't available for 16 hours a day.
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Water the geraniums when the soil begins to dry out. Water the plant until water runs from the drainage holes, then empty the pot's drip tray.
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Keep the temperature in the room between 65 and 70 degrees F, especially when the plants are blooming. Move the geraniums to a 55 degree location at night, such as an enclosed porch, garage or basement.
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Fertilize every two weeks with a liquid houseplant fertilizer. Water before or during fertilization to avoid burning the plant's roots. Fertilize from March through October.
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Tips & Warnings
Martha Washington geraniums purchased from a florist are likely already in an individual pot. Check that the pot has proper drainage holes and remove any decorative foil.
Geraniums can be started from seed, but they are slow germinators that require a lot of early care. Nursery plants are more common.
Remove spent flowers and dead leaves to prevent disease and improve the plant's appearance.
Flowers will not form if temperatures are above 60 degrees F.
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Comments
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"Flowers will not form if temperatures are above 60 degrees F." This is not true; I work at a plant nursery, and all of our Martha Washingtons stay in the greenhouse where temps have been as high as 85*, and they are covered with blooms.
