{"id":5300,"date":"2021-04-15T21:03:52","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T21:03:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/?p=5300"},"modified":"2021-04-16T14:40:33","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T14:40:33","slug":"growing-geraniums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.geranium.com\/blog\/growing-geraniums\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Plant and Grow Geraniums"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Spring has officially sprung! Begin planning your garden now so you\u2019re ready for when the frost is gone for good. If you’ve never thought of planting geraniums, consider adding them to your garden this year, as they\u2019re beautiful with low maintenance. The classic geranium loves hot weather, holds up well in dry conditions and brightens the garden with a variety of colours. No wonder it\u2019s been a favourite in gardens for years! With this guide, we can help you from the beginning of your planting season through to the winter.<\/p>\n

Annuals vs. Perennials <\/strong><\/span>
\nDid you know there are both annual and perennial geraniums <\/a>?
\nIf you enjoy a bright burst of colour all summer, then an annual geranium is for you. Annuals are considerably less expensive than perennials and don\u2019t limit you to the same flowers every year. These plants require several hours of sun but are generally resistant to drought and grow in varying colours and heights.<\/p>\n

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Annual Geraniums: Set out young plants in spring or fall, and divide crowded clumps after bloom<\/p><\/div>\n

The perennial<\/a> geranium is often considered a true, or hardy, plant and is very different from an annual. They grow back every season for several years making them low maintenance once planted. Perennials thrive in sun or partial shade, come in a variety of colours and can grow up to 60 cm tall.<\/p>\n

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The Perennial Geranium flourishes in full sun or very light shade<\/p><\/div>\n

Choosing Your Geranium<\/strong><\/span>
\nWhen choosing your geranium, consider your yard and environment. If your garden doesn\u2019t get a lot of sun, a perennial Cranesbill<\/a> may be a better choice as they can grow in partial shade. Colour choices include white, pinks, blues and vivid purples.
\nThe annual trailing ivy geranium and annual common geranium thrive in the sun and have a long growing season. Ivy geraniums<\/a> grow well in hanging baskets and mixed planters while common geraniums are more suitable as a bedding plant.<\/p>\n

When choosing your geranium, the leaves, colour and size can tell you the health of the plant. A healthy geranium will have sturdy stems and no leaf discolouration. Obvious signs of pests and plant damage are ones to avoid.<\/p>\n

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The Cranesbill Geranium is a true garden classic and perennial favourite<\/p><\/div>\n

Planting \u2013 In Gardens and Containers<\/strong><\/span>
\nGeraniums are easy to take care of<\/a> and adapt to the seasons and their surroundings. When planting in a garden, set the flower in porous soil to provide good drainage. Apply a rich, soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks and water the base of the plant when the soil is dry. The best time to plant your geranium is after the last frost of winter. And don\u2019t forget to space them out at least 18 inches apart to avoid overcrowding.
\nIf planting in a container<\/a> , there will be restriction in root growth. We recommend a well-enriched soil. Containers can dry out quicker, so we encourage you to keep an eye on the soil and water your geraniums when the surface soil is dry.<\/p>\n

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The Geranium is the ideal plant for your containers<\/p><\/div>\n

Caring for Geraniums<\/strong><\/span>
\nDon\u2019t overwater! Geraniums thrive when they are allowed time to dry between watering. Fertilize during active growing months with a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks.
\nIf planting in a pot<\/a>, use a soil-less potting mixture instead of dirt. Ensure there are drainage holes in the pot to avoid root rot, and do not use a saucer beneath the pot unless filled with pebbles.<\/p>\n

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Ensure there are drainage holes in the pot<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Pruning<\/strong><\/span>
\nTo promote bushiness, pinch your geranium stems in early spring. Once the geranium is a few inches tall, snip or pinch one-quarter to one-half an inch off the end of each stem. This will force the geranium to sprout two new stems off the original, leading to a fuller plant.
\nPrune<\/a> your geraniums in the late fall or just before you bring them indoors. Remove all the dead, brown leaves and blooms. If the geranium stem still feels firm, it\u2019s healthy.<\/p>\n

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DIY Network<\/a> has a step-by-step guide on pruning geraniums<\/p><\/div>\n

Home D\u00e9cor Ideas<\/strong><\/span>
\nNow that you have beautiful geraniums, consider cutting a few to bring indoors!
\nThere are several different ways you can use geraniums to decorate your home:<\/p>\n