Geranium plants are cherished by gardeners for their versatility, long lasting blooms, beauty, and ability to thrive in various conditions. With their vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage, these plants add a touch of elegance and charm to any garden and can be added to your borders, baskets or other containers around the garden making it a true garden superstar.
Why Grow Geranium Plants:
Abundance of Colours and Varieties:
Geraniums offer a wide range of colours and varieties to choose from, making them a popular choice among gardeners. Whether you prefer vibrant reds, soft pinks, cheerful oranges, or elegant whites, there is a geranium variety to suit your taste. From single-flowered to double-flowered, zonal to ivy-leaved, the diversity of geraniums allows for endless possibilities in garden design.
Long-Lasting Blooms:
Geraniums are known for their prolonged blooming period, providing an extended display of colourful flowers throughout the growing season. With proper care, they can bloom from spring to winter, bringing continuous beauty to your garden. Their ability to endure heat and tolerate drought makes them reliable performers in various climates.
Low Maintenance:
One of the many reasons gardeners adore geraniums is their low maintenance requirements. They are relatively easy to grow and are forgiving of occasional neglect. Geraniums thrive in well-drained soil and can tolerate both sun and partial shade. They are also resistant to most pests and diseases, making them a hassle-free choice for any garden.
Planting Geraniums:
Plant geraniums after the last frost date in your region when the soil has warmed up. This is usually in spring or early summer. Cooler temperatures can stunt their growth, so ensure that the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F (15°C) before planting.
Geraniums thrive in full sun to partial shade. They generally require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and abundant blooms. However, in hotter regions, providing some afternoon shade can help protect them from scorching heat.
Geraniums prefer well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Ensure that the soil is loose, fertile, and rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its texture and drainage.
When planting geraniums, provide adequate spacing between each plant to allow for proper air circulation and growth. Space them around 12 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Geraniums are not heavy feeders but can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertiliser such as our blooming fast fertiliser applied during the growing season but make sure not to over feed as this can result in excessive foliage growth with fewer blooms.
While geraniums are drought-tolerant, they still appreciate regular watering. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, and be cautious not to overwater, as excessive moisture can cause root problems. Mulching around the base of the plants with Strultch can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Whether you grow geraniums in plant pots, borders, or hanging baskets, their vibrant colours and easy-care nature make them an excellent choice for any garden.