Growing Geraniums

Posted by Jane | Added on : October 15, 2008 08:34am | Last edited: October 27, 2009 7:16pm | Viewed 2617 times | 0 Comments

A garden with geraniums is an instant hit with gardeners and visitors alike. Every gardener wants to grow these lovely flowers. They are so popular not only because they are attractive, but also because they are very easy to grow. Here are some tips to help you grow geraniums successfully.

Geraniums should be planted in the spring. Some geranium types do not survive well through the winter. It is best to plant them in spring after the frost has died down. Add fertilizer to your garden soil before planting. Also, add fertilizers every two weeks to promote good growth. Geraniums rely heavily on fertilizers.

Geraniums can be used as outdoor or indoor plants. Different types of geraniums have different requirements. Some types like Martha Washington are ideal for indoor planting because they grow well in shades. If you decide to plant geraniums outside, then place them in partly shaded locations. They should be sheltered from the harsh afternoon sunlight.

Geraniums are naturally disease tolerant. You may sometimes find your geraniums infested with whiteflies. Treat your plants with soap water and the problem should go away.

Do not over water these plants. They only need the soil to be moist all the time. Depending on the location you are in and the weather conditions, watering every few days should be more than sufficient. Over watering can lead to edema - colored patches on the underside of the leaves. Trim the flowers after they fade a little. This encourages longer bloom.

The most important thing in growing geraniums is choosing the one that is best for your garden. Once you make your choice, supply sufficient water, fertilizer and sunlight depending on the plant's needs and you should have beautiful geraniums blooms in your garden.