Geraniums
Geraniums are one of the most popular and commonly used bedding out plants.
Geraniums are available in a wide range of colors from red, scarlet, pink, coral, salmon, peach, orange, lavender, to white.
Geraniums are used in a many areas in the yard, including flower beds, pots, planters, and hanging baskets.
Types:
- Zonal - Pelargonium hortorum.
Aptly named because of green zones on leaves.
- Martha Washington - Pelargonium domesticum.
Plant has fancy flowers.
- Ivy - Pelargonium peltatum.
Trailing plant is suitable for hanging baskets.
Care and Culture
Most Geraniums prefer full sunlight in a west or south location, needing approximately 6 hrs. of sun each day. Martha Washington Geraniums prefer partial shade in a north or east orientation. For watering, keep the soil moist until the roots are established, after which Geraniums are considered to be semi- drought tolerant. Fertilize every week or two during the growing season with a complete fertilizer such as 20-30-20 (N-P-K).
Overwintering:
Geraniums may be kept from year to year, as they are technically perennials grown as an annuals. There are 3 methods of overwintering Geraniums:
- It may be treated like an indoor house plant, giving it as much light as possible in a south or west window. If the plant gets stretched out or spindly in winter, prune it back by pinching off the large, lanky leaves and long stems.
- The second method involves lifting the plant out of the pot, shaking off as much soil as possible, and storing it in a cool, dark box. Keep the roots covered with a moist cloth which maintains the plant's life at a bare minimum.
- Another method is also shaking the soil off the root system and then storing the plant upside down in a garage or other area where the temperature hovers just above freezing.
With the last 2 methods plant in pots in early March and water with a high Phosphorus fertilizer to initiate root growth. With all of the above 3 methods, plant the Geraniums outside at the end of May when the danger of frost is over.