Taking Care Of Geranium Flowers
Taking Care Of Geranium flowers properly yields beautiful blooms all summer!
The common geranium, which is planted in garden beds, planters and even grown in doors is a member of the genus Pelargonium. Members of the genus Geranium are the wild geraniums that can be found growing wild but are also nice additions to a country garden and the herbaceous perennials.
The common geranium can be grown in beds or containers and will do well in either. The ivy leafed geranium is a natural for hanging planters. The Regal geranium does not do well outside and should be grown in a container that can be put outside on mild days and moved inside at night and during cold or hot weather.
Taking Care Of Geraniums is similar for plants in beds and containers. To plant geraniums outdoors, you must wait until all threat of frost has passed. Pick a spot that is sheltered from strong winds and gets at least 6 hours of sun a day. The soil should be well drained and mildly acidic (pH of 6.5 is ideal). Geraniums need fertilization for best growth and they thrive in beds that have a good supply of nitrogen. Before planting, apply a 5-10-5 fertilizer to the soil. After planting, you should fertilize every month with a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Mulch the area and water at least once a week.
How To Take Care Of Geraniums In Planters
Geraniums can be grown in planters on the porch, patio or garden. The ivy type geraniums are great for hanging baskets and window boxes. Make sure you use a container that is big enough for the plant or it will wilt (you may need to replant to prevent wilting as the plant grows). Use a soil that has enough aeration – either a commercial made mix or garden soil mixed with peat moss or perlite. Plant in a spot that is protected from strong wind and gets 6 hours sun a day. Make sure you water it frequently but do not let it sit in water.
Taking Care Of Indoor Geraniums
Having geraniums indoors is a nice way to bring your garden inside. Select a container that is big enough to allow for root growth and use a well aerated soil. The geranium will flower better if it is kept in a sunny spot and fertilized monthly while blooming (cut back to every 2 months during fall and winter). These plants like the temps to be in the mid 60’s during the day and mid 50’s at night
Geranium Disease
Black Leg – stem turns black and leaves fall off - treatment - Use fungicidal spray to help control spread, never take cutting from a diseased plant.
Leaf Spot – leaves become spotted and drop off - treatment - remove and discard infected leaves, avoid splashing water on plant when watering.
Gray Mold – plant shows spots that are grayish and moldy looking - treatment - remove infected plants, make sure there is good air flow between plants, treat with fungicidal spray.
Rust – plant has rusty looking spots and is turning yellow - treatment - treat with fungicidal spray.
Root Knot nematodes – stunted plant growth and knotted roots - treatment rotate plants every year, destroy infected plants – do not replant in an area that has had this problem.
Dropsy – happens on indoor plants where there are lesions on plants - treatment - water less frequently and put plant in a sunny spot.
Geranium Pests
Caterpillars - some caterpillars like to much on geraniums (perhaps they have heard of it’s medicinal properties?). These can be controlled with sprays.
Aphids - try controlling aphids with ladybugs or a special spray.
Whitefly - usually starts in the greenhouse but can spread to the garden on infested plants. Small white flys and black sooty goop can be seen on the leaves which will fall off after turning yellow. Can be controlled with sprays.
Mites - Causes leaves to curl and drop off – control with sprays.
Termites - Subterranean termites tunnel through the stems of geraniums causing them to turn yellow and die. Treat the soil with the appropriate termite treatment. Don’t let them get to your house!
Slugs - slugs love gardens but they also love beer. Leave a saucer out and you will catch more than your fair share of slugs!
More On Geraniums:
Healing Properties Of Geraniums
Explore the medicinal uses of this plant from healing skin to repelling insects to relieveing symptoms of PMS.
Geranium Care
How to plant and care for your Geraniums.
Geranium Pests And Disease
What's making your plant turn yellow? Find out what it could be and how to treat it.
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