Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Any fertile soil with excellent drainage.
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Position
Full sun to partial shade.
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Frost tolerant
None. Geraniums are easily damaged by frost.
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Feeding
Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting along with a generous helping of well-rotted compost. When growing geraniums in containers, use a coarse potting soil that drains well. Fertilize established geraniums monthly from midsummer to fall.
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Companions
Upright geraniums look best in groups, or as the central focal point in mixed containers.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 9" (25cm) with 1' 1" (35cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Only a few geranium varieties are available as seed, which tends to be slow to germinate. Most gardeners buy geraniums as inexpensive bedding plants, set out in spring as soon as danger of frost has passed. Many of the showiest varieties are propagated from rooted stem cuttings rather than seeds. Large varieties may need wider spacing, or you can grow them in 14-inch (35cm) diameter containers.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Individual geranium plants produce new flower clusters every three weeks when older blooms are snipped off. Trailing varieties are great for containers. Red, white and pink are the strongest geranium colors.
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Harvesting
Geraniums bloom longer and stronger when old blossom clusters are promptly removed.
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Troubleshooting
Geraniums that dry out often can be brought back to life with regular water and fertilizer. Excessive rain can cause geraniums to rot.
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