How to Care for Potted Geraniums

Geraniums can be easily grown in containers.

Geraniums are not only one of the most popular varieties of flowers, but also one of the most diverse. There is a geranium for everyone. Geraniums come in a range of colors, from white to fuchsia to salmon, and can grow upright or in vining formations. They have a multitude of scents including lemon, peppermint and even pineapple. With a little care, any type of geranium can be grown in a garden or container.

Things You'll Need

• Containers, pots or buckets
• Potting soil mix with peat and vermiculite
• Watering can or hose
• 10-10-10 granular fertilizer
• 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer

Instructions

1. Choose a container with drainage holes on the bottom or sides. Make sure it's large enough to hold the geranium plant. Ivy geraniums work well in hanging containers while other varieties can be placed in standard pots. Fill the container two-thirds full with a lightweight potting mix that contains peat and vermiculite. Mix in a 10-10-10 granular fertilizer according to the product's directions. Place the geranium in the container. Fill the rest of the pot with soil.

2. Place the potted geraniums in a location that receives at least six hours of sun per day. If your yard does not get full sun, move the containers to ensure that the geraniums receive enough light. On very hot summer days, place the geraniums in a spot that gets partial shade in the afternoon. Geranium blooms will be less attractive if they are not grown in enough sun.

3. Water the potted geraniums. Test the soil for dryness by inserting a finger 2 inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, water the geraniums deeply until water pours out of the bottom of the container. Do not place a saucer under the container.

4. Fertilize the potted geraniums every three weeks. Add 2 tsp. of water soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer to 1 gallon of water. Water the geraniums with this solution. Do not over-fertilize the geraniums or they will bloom poorly.

5. Remove any dead flowers and leaves from the potted geraniums. This will prevent botrytis fungus that can attack geraniums. Spray geraniums with a fungicide spray according to the product's directions if necessary. Check the geraniums for budworms or tiny caterpillars each day. Remove the eggs and worms by hand to prevent damage to the geraniums.

6. Bring the potted geraniums indoors before the first frost. Cut them back to 6 inches tall and place them in a sunny room. Keep them indoors until spring arrives. If geraniums are planted in good quality potting soil, they will not need to be fertilized for two to three months. Water indoor geraniums only when the soil feels dry.

References

• Oregon State University Extension: How to Buy and Care For Geraniums
• University of Minnesota Extension: Outdoor-Indoor Geranium Culture

Resources

• Bench Farms: Geranium Varieties