How to Care for Regal Geraniums
The regal geranium is also known as the Martha Washington geranium and is a popular plant for both flower beds and windowsills. In warmer climates, it is best grown indoors as it is sensitive to heat and prefers cooler conditions. They will return each year in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness zones 10 and 11 and are annuals in other areas. The plants will reach a height of 2 feet if left untrimmed and will bloom year round under the right conditions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Keep the regal geranium in an area where it will receive a lot of sun each day. A south-facing window is an ideal location.
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When the top inch of the soil in the pot feels dry, water thoroughly. The soil needs to be checked twice a week and watered when needed.
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Feed in early spring with a fertilizer that is high in phosphorous. Do not fertilize immediately after transplanting. For more intense blooming, fertilize once a month during spring and summer.
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Keep the temperature around the plant between 60 and 65 degrees with slightly lower temperatures at night.
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Use sharp scissors to remove spent blooms and dying foliage regularly. This will encourage new growth and allow the plant to concentrate energy on only healthy growth.
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Tips & Warnings
Regal geraniums are easily propagated by cutting sections of stems from existing plants and placing them in a mixture of soil and peat moss. Roots will appear in six to eight weeks.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit geranium image by photografika from Fotolia.com
