Geraniums are beautiful fragrant plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors.
The flowers are long lasting and come in many different shades of pink, red, orange and white.
In this article I’ll share my tips for getting geraniums to flower and show you how to extend the bloom time so you can enjoy beautiful geranium flowers for many months.
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When do geranium plants bloom?
Geraniums (Pelargonium) bloom from spring right through until fall so you can enjoy the beautiful fragrant flowers for many months.
They’re ideal for containers, window boxes and hanging baskets.
You can also grow geraniums indoors as houseplants.
Why isn’t my geranium flowering?
Some of the most common reasons your geranium may not be blooming include:
Inadequate light
Geraniums planted outdoors will produce the most flowers in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
In cooler climates, geraniums will flower best with all day sunlight, while in warmer climates a spot with morning sun and some afternoon shade is best.
Too much hot afternoon sun can scorch the plants and reduce flowering.
Indoor geraniums will flower best in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of indirect light each day.
Too much water
Geraniums like moist but not overly wet soil.
If the soil is waterlogged, it can lead to root or stem rot which will reduce flowering and eventually cause the plant to die.
Give your geranium a deep water at least once a week and more often during the summer months.
Geraniums planted in hanging baskets and window boxes can dry out very quickly, especially if they’re located in a spot with full sun or strong winds.
Check your hanging baskets each day and move them to a partially shaded spot if possible during hot summer weather.
Temperature
Geraniums flower best when the temperature is between 70 and 85 ℉ (21 and 29 ℃).
Cool spring weather can delay blooming, so you may have to wait a few weeks until the weather warms up for the flowers to appear.
Hot summer temperatures can shorten the bloom time of geraniums, especially if the plants are outdoors in full sun.
Indoor geraniums can bloom year round but they should be situated away from heaters and air conditioners.
Removing the spent flowers
Regular deadheading can help to prolong the bloom time of geraniums and it also keeps the plants looking tidy.
Once the flowers begin to fade or turn brown it’s time to remove them.
Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the thin stem that supports the flower.
This will encourage the plant to keep producing more flowers instead of seeds.
Pruning
Mid-summer is a good time to give your geraniums a light prune, especially if the stems are growing long or “leggy.”
Prune the plants back by about one third to encourage new growth and lots of blooms the following year.
Fertilizing
Give your plants a feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage the plant to bloom abundantly.
Common questions
Are geranium flowers poisonous for cats and dogs?
Geraniums contain the essential oils linalool and geraniol, which are toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Ingesting any part of the plant can cause vomiting and skin irritation for pets so it’s best to keep geranium plants in a fenced off area or on a high shelf indoors where your pets can’t get to them.
Are geranium flowers edible?
Scented geranium flowers and leaves are safe for humans to eat and they make an interesting addition to salads.
You can also use geranium flowers to decorate cakes or use them as a garnish.
Can you dry geranium flowers?
Yes, you can dry geraniums by cutting the flower stalks and removing the leaves.
Tie them together in small bunches with string and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place.
The flowers should be dried out in about three weeks and you can spray them with hairspray to help preserve them. [1]
So there are my tips for getting geraniums to flower.
With the right care and conditions your geraniums will reward you with a beautiful display of flowers each year.
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Do you have any other tips to get geraniums to bloom? Let me know in the comments below.
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