Geranium Pelargonium

We brought a Geranium indoors to overwinter, and it's thrived so much that we've been able to propagate five new plants from it! It's amazing how, if you place a geranium cutting in water, it can soon start to bloom.

Geranium Care Tips: Keep Your Blooms Vibrant All Season Long

Geraniums make perfect gifts and are a favorite for their bright, colorful blooms and easy care. Whether you’re growing them indoors or outdoors, here’s how to keep your geraniums looking their best all season long:

Light: Geraniums love full sunlight! Place them in a spot where they can get 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, a south-facing window is ideal for providing the bright light they need to bloom.

Watering: Geraniums like their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, but be sure not to overwater. Standing water can lead to root rot, so ensure your pot has proper drainage.

Temperature: Geraniums thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They don’t handle frost well, so if you’re growing them outside, bring them indoors if temperatures dip too low.

Humidity: Geraniums are pretty tolerant of average household humidity levels. However, if the air is too dry, you can mist the leaves occasionally to help them thrive, especially during the winter months when indoor air tends to be drier.

Soil: Use well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. A mix designed for houseplants or container plants will do the trick. Good drainage is key to keeping geraniums happy and preventing root rot.

Fertilizing: Feed your geraniums with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during their growing season (spring and summer). Cutting back on fertilizer in the fall and winter helps them rest.

Pruning: To keep your geraniums looking neat and encourage more blooms, trim back any leggy stems and remove spent flowers. This will promote fresh growth and keep the plant looking tidy.

Deadheading: Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms. This simple step keeps your plant looking its best and helps prolong its blooming period.

Repotting: Geraniums typically need repotting every 1-2 years. If you notice the plant becoming root-bound, it’s time to move it to a slightly larger pot. Make sure the new pot has good drainage.