4 Easy Tips on Potted Geraniums

I have been growing geraniums for about 8 years now. I picked up a cheap little one at a farmer’s market when we lived in San Diego. It was pink and cute so I thought I would give it a try. Obviously, the sensational climate in Southern California prompted that tiny Geranium into growing about 10 times its size and flourishing with bright pink blooms year round. I kept it in a pot since we lived in an apartment, but I eventually had an entire balcony full of them. Even in our neighborhood there, Geraniums grew on the side of the streets and in open fields. Beautiful!

Fast forward to living back in Texas, the climate is not perfect at all. In fact, we have more hot or cold days, then mild. So, all my beloved potted Geraniums needed much more love and attention here in Texas, especially surviving the scorching hot summers. So, I have learned some tips and tricks over the years to growing healthy potted Geraniums.

I’ve noticed that the literature on gardening can get confusing if you don’t know the lingo. I took horticulture classes in college and was able to understand the technical terms, but it took awhile. But don’t worry, these tips are for anyone!

1. They hate too much water!

• It is best to let them completely dry out before you water again. Then water in the morning until soil is damp.

2. They love sun, at least 6 hours a day.

• Choose a spot that gets morning and early afternoon sun. If you live in an area that gets incredibly hot in the summer (like me!), make sure they are in a spot with good afternoon shade.

3. They love to be deadheaded and pruned.

• Always deadhead (just a gardening term for cut or pinch off) blooms that are on their last leg. I also prune leaves that look yellowish. The more you get rid of spent blooms, the bigger and more full it gets. If I don’t like the shape of mine, I will even go in and remove leaves that are catawampus (askew or crooked haha).

4. They do like a little bit of fertilizer every few weeks.

• I’m not a zealous fertilizer user for my potted plants, but I do like to add some in the spring months to get them off on the right foot. You can use natural like epsom salt ( 1 tsp per about 1 gallon water). Or just pick up some miracle grow. Add 1 tbsp per 1 gallon water, and add a bit when you water your plant every 2-3 weeks. I don’t normally fertilize in the really hot months so I can avoid burning the plant 🙂

Bonus Information: Winter inside by a window with sun with very little water unless they look like they need it. Geraniums get root rot very easily, so never over water. Use a large pot with room for drainage so they have room to grow!