How to Grow and Care for Geraniums in Containers
Intro: The common geranium flower blooms from mid-spring to early fall. Its 4- to 5-inch-wide flower clusters come in many colors – pink, purple, red or white. This gorgeous flower is a staple in balcony gardens and grows well in plant containers.
Scientific Name: Pelargonium x hortorum
Plant Type: Perennial flower
Light: Full sun
Water: Constantly wet soil will lead to root rot, so let the potting soil dry out in between waterings.
Propagation: The easiest, most reliable way to propagate the geranium plant is by taking cuttings from mother plants (or just purchasing some at your local garden center). Starting the geranium flower from seed is possible, but the seeds of many varieties may produce different colors than the parent plants. If you do want to start your geranium plants from seeds, begin indoors, and cover the seeds only very lightly with potting soil. Move the geraniums outside after the last frost.
Misc. Info: Geranium plants do well when root-bound, so they thrive in small plant containers. Overwinter them inside during the winter if you live in a cold climate. To overwinter geraniums, cut them back and keep them covered and in the dark in a cool spot, such as a basement, only watering them if they are wilting. After winter, keep them in indirect light for a few weeks and fertilize to “wake them up.” Then the geraniums can be placed outside in the balcony garden.
