We have grown fond of them as hanging geraniums, scented geraniums and upright zonal geraniums, because they bathe beds and balconies in a sea of summer blossoms. Without making undue demands on our wealth of gardening experience, geraniums bloom tirelessly from spring until the first frost. The following answers to frequently asked questions specify all relevant cultivation measures.

One of the most popular balcony plants: the geranium

Planting geraniums properly

The time window for planting in the bed opens at the beginning of May. Before you start, place the still potted pelargonium with the root ball in water until no more air bubbles rise. In the sunny spot, dig small planting pits 30-40 cm apart and enrich the excavation with compost and horn shavings (€32.93). Put the potted geranium in it while maintaining the previous planting depth, press the soil with your hands and water.

care tips

With the following care program you spur your geraniums on to a tireless blossom festival until the first frost:

  • Water moderately when the substrate has dried, without causing waterlogging
  • Fertilize with compost every 14 days in the bed
  • Fertilize balcony geraniums weekly from May to September
  • Continuously trim wilted flowers

Don't throw away your loveliest pelargonium at the end of the season, because it contains the floral power for several years of growth. In order for the hibernation to succeed, cut back your gem by two thirds before the first frost. Then repot the plant in a potting soil-sand mix. Water occasionally in a dark place at 5-10 degrees Celsius.

Which location is suitable?

Pelargonium is considered a prime example of a floral sun-worshipper. Therefore, treat your favorite summer flower to a sunny to semi-shady location, without stagnant heat of more than 30 degrees Celsius. The geranium likes to let a gentle breeze blow around the flowers and leaves. The lavish blooms are, of course, severely affected by the pounding rain.

What soil does the plant need?

In the bed, the pelargonium feels well in well-drained, humus-rich and nutrient-rich soil, which is often made of clay. For cultivation in tubs and balcony boxes, we recommend high-quality potting soil with a low peat content. If you like to mix it yourself, add 1 part compost and sand or lava granulate to 2 parts loamy soil.(13.99€)

When is flowering time?

From May to October/November, pelargonium delights us with its exuberant abundance of flowers. So that you don't run out of breath on this long way through the season, a weekly nutrient supply comes into focus. Since withered inflorescences hinder the underlying buds, clean them out promptly. In this way, the well-groomed appearance is retained and the blooms continue to increase.

Cut geranium properly

Periodically cut off wilted inflorescences throughout the summer. In this way you create space for new buds and spare your pelargonium the strenuous growth of seeds. If individual shoots are too long, they can easily be shortened. Of course, the geranium does not tolerate extensive pruning in the middle of the growth phase. If overwintering is planned, cut off the plant by two thirds just before the first frost. At least 2 eyes should stay on each shoot, from which the ornamental plant will sprout again in the next season.

watering geranium

Geraniums require a constant supply of fresh water, but don't like wet feet at all. Only water your pelargonium when you have found that the surface of the soil has dried out by finger testing. Avoid overhead irrigation, instead apply the water directly to the root ball early in the morning or in the evening.

Fertilize geranium properly

Pelargonium is grateful for a continuous supply of nutrients during the growth and flowering period. Bedding plants receive a portion of compost with horn shavings every 14 days from May to August. Spoil your geraniums in the tub and balcony box weekly with a commercial liquid fertilizer for flowering plants.

hibernate

Most of the non-hardy pelargonium in German hobby gardens is disposed of after a single summer season. In fact, the magnificent flower has the potential of perennial cultivation. To ensure that hibernation is successful, proceed as follows:

  • Before the first frost, cut off all shoots by two thirds and remove all leaves
  • Take the plants out of the soil, shake them off well and place them in clay pots with a mixture of potting soil and sand
  • Keep slightly moist in a dark location at 5-10 degrees Celsius and do not fertilize

In February/March, cut back the geraniums again to 10 cm, making each cut just above a bud. Now plant your winter guests in fresh substrate and keep them on the bright, warm window sill until mid-May.

propagate geranium

Pelargonium is best propagated by cuttings. In July and August or March, cut off strong, non-flowering shoots with a sharp knife. The cut begins just below a leaf node. Remove any buds and the leaves in the lower half. Place the cuttings 2-3 cm deep in small pots filled with special potting soil. In a semi-shady, warm place, keep the substrate constantly slightly moist while your pupils are busily rooting.

Geranium in the pot

The zonal geraniums, which grow stiffly and upright, are the primary focus in pots. Use a nutrient-rich, well-drained potting soil, optimized with sand or lava granules. Place some potsherds over the water drain as drainage. Since the water requirement increases proportionally to growth, it is best to check daily whether the substrate has dried. Pour only until the first drops run out of the bottom opening and empty the saucer after a few minutes. From May to September, give a commercial liquid fertilizer for flowering plants weekly. To keep wilted, fallen petals from detracting from the lush appearance, brush out faded petals every few days.

Is geranium poisonous?

The geranium is not poisonous for children and adults; at least in relation to intentional or unintentional consumption. However, skin contact with the plant sap can cause a rash and inflammation. We therefore recommend wearing gloves for all planting and care work. Pelargonium poses a deadly threat to small rodents such as rabbits, hamsters or guinea pigs. Keep your furry roommates away from the summer flower and never give the leaves as green fodder.

Beautiful varieties

  • Lemon Fancy: Pelargonium with an intense fragrance, pink flowers and a tightly upright, broad-bushy habit; 45-50cm
  • Romania: Abundantly flowering cultivar with single white flowers striped with pink; with a height of 20 cm ideal for flower boxes
  • Ville de Paris: Lush hanging geranium, whose cascades of red flowers draw everyone's attention; up to 100 cm in length
  • Marena: Evergreen zonal pelargonium with salmon pink flowers and a majestic silhouette; 30-50 cm high, 40-60 cm wide
  • Witchwood: Premium variety with bi-colored flowers of light pink and purple, suitable for overwintering; 40 cm

Category:

Indoor plants