geranium
Geranium 'Sweet Heidy'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Stem Propagation,Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 8
Flowers:
Blue-purple with white center surrounded by pink Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Water your Geranium 'Sweet Heidy' plant deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly. Allow the soil to dry out to a depth of about 1 inch before re-watering. Be sure to empty any excess water from your plant's dish after you have finished watering. This plant is more tolerant of drought than most Geraniums, so if you ever find that your plant is wilting, do not water it. In fact, it's best to underwater your Geranium 'Sweet Heidy' to promote blooms.
sunlight
Geranium 'Sweet Heidy' is a sun-loving plant that needs at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order for it to flourish. When the plant is newly planted, it should only be exposed to partial sun for the first few weeks, slowly increasing the amount of time in sunlight each day until it's ready for the full 6 hours of sunlight. Once in full sun, Geranium 'Sweet Heidy' should receive full sun during the morning and early afternoon hours, and then have some shade protection during the hottest part of the day. In areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial for the plant.
pruning
Geranium 'Sweet Heidy' should be pruned regularly during the growing season, especially when it starts looking leggy or overgrown. Pruning should start once the first small blooms appear and continue approximately every 6 weeks as needed. Additionally, any dead or dying foliage should also be removed when it is spotted. Cutting back the stems by 1-third will help create a bushy plant and encourage new flower growth. In late fall (October or November depending on the location), a hard prune can be done to cut the plants back by about 1-third of their height. This helps promote new growth in the spring and keeps the plant smaller when it is not growing actively.
FAQ
Do Geraniums bloom all year round?
No, geraniums do not bloom all year round. They tend to be more of a seasonal plant; typically blooming in the warmer spring and summer months before dying off in the cooler fall and winter. Depending on what type of geranium you have, they may or may not survive the winter months. If they do survive, they may not have any blooms until the next spring.
Can geraniums be propagated by seeds?
Yes, geraniums can be propagated by seeds. Geraniums have small, hard seeds that need to be stratified (cold-treated) in order to germinate. To do this, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for at least 24 hours before being placed in the refrigerator for 10 days. After this, they can be rinsed and sowed in germinating medium or seed starting mix. Depending on the variety and the temperatures, geranium seeds can take between 2 to 6 weeks to germinate.
Could geraniums grow in hydroponics?
Yes, geraniums are a great plant to grow with hydroponics. Geraniums need plenty of air to breathe and adequate water and nutrients, which can all be provided in a hydroponic system. Since they require well-drained soil, they would benefit from the aeration and moist environment of a hydroponic setup. Moreover, as they prefer warm temperatures, they would likely thrive under the warmth of hydroponic lights. To make sure they are adequately fertilized, you should use a hydroponic fertilizer that is specifically designed for geraniums.
Should geraniums be placed in a windy location?
No, geraniums should not be placed in a windy location. Windy locations can cause the delicate leaves of a geranium to dry out, leading to discoloration, drying and yellowing of leaves. Additionally, the wind can cause the fragile stems to snap, leading to weakened and unhealthy plants. To avoid this, geraniums should be planted in an area sheltered from strong winds and gusts, where they can get some air flow but not be exposed to strong, destructive winds.
Is the geranium annual or a perennial?
The geranium is both an annual and a perennial, depending on the type. Annual geraniums last one year and die after flowering. Perennial geraniums are more cold hardy and can survive for more than one growing season. Perennial geraniums need to be divided and replanted every few years to keep them healthy.
Can geraniums survive in cold temperatures?
No, geraniums are not able to survive in cold temperatures and are generally sensitive to cold weather. In fact, they typically start to die off below 40°F and any temperatures below 32°F can be fatal. If temperatures dip too low, it is important to move geraniums indoors to protect them from the cold.
Can geraniums be grown indoors?
Yes, geraniums can be grown indoors. They are a very popular and easy to maintain houseplant. They prefer bright but indirect light, so a south-facing window is best, but away from direct sunlight. They need well-draining, moist soil and should be watered once or twice a week, taking care not to overwater. Geraniums can be propagated easily by taking cuttings, and they will reward your care with a great display of vibrant blooms.
Should geraniums be grown in plastic or clay pots?
Geraniums should be grown in clay pots or ceramic pots. Clay pots provide better drainage for the plant and help to keep the soil aerated, which is important for geraniums. Plastic pots tend to retain more moisture, which can cause root rot in geraniums and cause them to die. Plastic pots can also get very hot in the summer, causing the plant to get too much sun exposure and become damaged. Because of this, it's safest to grow geraniums in a clay or ceramic pot.
