Why growing geraniums brings me happiness

I cannot resist buying geraniums each year. When I think back to my childhood, I know why. Every year, for Mother’s Day, we would give my mother geraniums. Receiving those geraniums made my mom happy. So, for me, growing geraniums represent happiness.

If you are new to gardening or looking for an easy annual plant to grow, I recommend you try growing geraniums. Geraniums are tolerant of heat and drought. In addition, they are not fussy about soil. The most important care item is deadheading spent blooms. Deadheading is important if you want your plant to bloom consistently.

Types of geraniums

The common annual geranium is in the Pelargonium family. However, there is a ‘Geraniaceae’ family which includes hardy geraniums, known as cranesbills and Martha Washington geraniums. In this article, we will focus on geraniums in the Pelargonium family. Here are different types of Pelargonium geraniums.

• Zonal geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are the most common type in the home garden. These geraniums come in a multitude of colors. Plant zonal geraniums either in the ground or in containers. While I have planted zonal geraniums both ways, I prefer planting in containers.
• Ivy-leafed geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) have smaller leaves and flowers. Plant Ivy-leaf geranium in hanging baskets or window boxes. This type of geranium does not do well in temperatures above 85 degrees F. I can remember being fascinated with their beauty the first time I saw these plants. As the description implies, their leaves are shaped like ivy.
• Scented geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) are grown for the scents emitted by their leaves. This type of geranium does not have the showy flowers of the zonal or ivy-leaf. Some are grown for essential oils.

Caring for and growing geraniums

In USDA Gardening Zones 10-11, geraniums grow as perennials. In other zones, treat geraniums as annuals. However, you can overwinter geraniums (see below). When shopping for geraniums, check both sides of the leaves. Look for healthy leaves with no discoloration. In addition, pick geraniums that have lots of buds, not necessarily those that are full of open flowers.

Geranium characteristics:

Sun: Full sun 4-6 hours a day

Water: Medium (are drought tolerant)

Height: 1-3 feet

Spread: 1-3 feet

Bloom time: Flowers freely

Bloom color: Red, white, pink, purple, orange, salmon

Plant geraniums outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season with a 10-20-10 fertilizer. Or use a slow-release fertilizer when planting. Slow-release fertilizers last between 4-6 months. It’s important to deadhead flowers to ensure continuous blooms.

During the fall and winter, I live in Central Florida, USDA Zone 9a. To my pleasant surprise, zonal geraniums are the perfect plant for October through March. In Central Florida, geraniums are a winter annual.

When planting geraniums in containers, chose a large 10–15-inch container with drainage holes. Fill with lightweight potting soil. 

In all the years of growing geraniums, there are two pest problems I encountered.

• Japanese beetles – the beetles like to chew on the leaves and are a general nuisance. The best way to manage these beetles is to knock them off and into a bucket of soapy water.
• Bugworms – these are tiny caterpillar-type worms that will eat both the flower buds and the leaves. Treat with B.t. (Bacillus thuringiensis). When bugworms get into the buds they are more difficult to treat. My first clue to the infestation was seeing black fecal droppings on the deck where the containers were placed.

Overwintering geraniums

Here are three methods for overwintering geraniums:

• Take stem cuttings from your plant in late summer. Remove all but the top two leaves. Dip the stems in a planting hormone. Plant in a container that has been compacted with good quality potting soil. Water and place in a spot that is warm and gets good light. It will take about 8 weeks for roots to develop.
•  Bring geraniums indoors before the first frost. Prune back and place them in a sunny area. Water very little during the cool months. In the spring, when new growth begins to appear, do another hard pruning. Water and leave to grow.
• Dig plants up before the first frost. Hang upside down in a cool, moist area such as a basement. In the spring, after the danger of frost has passed, take the plants down. Prune back one-third and replant outdoors.

Here’s a link to a great video for overwintering geraniums.

Container ideas with geraniums

Windowbox ideas

Container designs

Additional Information

Here is a list of posts that you may also find interesting to read.

• How to grow cosmos flowers, the complete guide
• Six wonderful groundcovers to think about
• The joy of growing sunflowers in the garden
• Create cute and practical small flower arrangements
• A super easy way to grow and harvest basil indoors
• Madagascar periwinkle – a carefree annual flower
• Caring for poinsettia, the complete guide

References

• Iowa State University Extension
• University of Minnesota Extension
• Clemson Cooperative Extension