Geranium Basics
Geraniums are a colorful and strongly scented plant life that makes a undecomposed indoor houseplant as well as a bright , hardy addition to an outside garden . you could choose among a extensive range of color , whether you choose exclusive or twofold flowers , and if you call for a creep geranium or an upright type of works .
Most geraniums opt a sunny location with at least eight hr of sun each day . They should be found in a nice garden spot that has well - drained , loose dirt . Heavy or Lucius Clay soils should be amended with peat , compost and mulch to help geraniums grow well .
Planting Geraniums
flora geraniums in the spring , but be certain all peril of frost has passed , as they wo n’t germinate or bloom until the soil temperature is above 60 grade Fahrenheit . geranium are commonly propagate through cuttings taken from old geranium plants . Start them indoors in a lax soilless mix like vermiculite or perlite , not transplanting outside until the geranium cuttings are well - rooted and substantial .
press cutting can be taken any time of class , but will steady down best in bounce and summer . If you ’re come out from seed , sow them indoors in potting mix with 16 - 20 hours of light , and a soil temperature of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit .
In strong , sunny areas , the heat and light may be useable naturally , but in more northerly areas , you belike will need to utilize unreal lighting and heating . you’re able to plant them outside when they are showing farewell .
Caring for Geraniums
Geraniums abide apace if over watered or over fertilized . Water them when the soil is dry to the touch , but not before . They will do well in dry dirt than in soil that ’s too wet . Whether indoors or outdoors , be indisputable the soil for geranium is well drain , and that any containers are too .
Fertilize once at planting , with a 10 - 10 - 10 fertiliser , at a rate of about two pounds per 100 square feet . you could add another app of fertilizer in midsummer if needed .
Water after fertilizing to help oneself it spread out into the soil . Another tip for geranium care is to check over the flowers regularly , pinching off any faded bloom or dry out - up leaves . This will help prevent pests and disease from flourishing in the plants .
Geranium Pests & Diseases
Insects are usually not a problem for geraniums , as their strong , bitter scent keeps most bugs from bothering them . In fact , geraniums are sometimes used as border plantings around gardens but for their bug - repellant ability . However , some diseases do attack geraniums under the right conditions .
antecedent rot can evolve from overwatering , while leafage drop begin to happen if geraniums are allow to go through cycles of wilt and heavy rainwater too often .
Botrytis fungus is a usual enemy of geraniums , but you could avoid it by removing bushed and fleet flowers and go out regularly , and specialized geranium fungicides are uncommitted to combat an infection if one starts .
With any disease , if it begin to regard your geraniums severely , rationalise back , hack off or dispatch any dead , dying and diseased area of the industrial plant to prevent the disease or fungus from spreading .
Want to learn more about growing geraniums?
break out these WWW sites chosen by us for more information on the subject :
Geraniums are highlighted inthis issueof Horticulture and Home Pest News from Iowa State University .
Oregon State University coversHow to Buy and Care for Geraniums
