Species geranium
lavender colored flower with five petals with pink stamens and gray-green sepal

geranium

Geranium antipodeum 'Chocolate Candy'

Geranium antipodeum 'Chocolate Candy' is an amazing plant species with stunning dark chocolate coloured foliage and soft pink flowers. Its soft, needle-like leaves are perfect for adding texture and depth to any border or container. The adding of white flowers in the center is remarkable and gives an extra aesthetic. Its unique colouration and small size make it an ideal choice for any garden. It is also low-maintenance and fairly drought tolerant, making it an easy introduction to gardening. It is an excellent choice for any gardener looking for a striking, unique addition to their garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 7

Flowers:

Pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

purple,brown,black

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Geranium (Geranium antipodeum 'Chocolate Candy') plants in soil moderately. Water until the soil is damp, not too wet, and not too dry. Water at least once a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out in between waterings. If the plant’s container has good drainage, it can be watered more frequently with smaller amounts of water. During the summer months, when conditions are warmer and the plant is actively growing, increasing the amount of water given to the plant may be necessary.

sunlight

Geranium antipodeum 'Chocolate Candy' requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day, ideally during the morning hours when the sun is less intense. If provided with the right conditions, Geranium antipodeum 'Chocolate Candy' can bloom from the late spring to the fall season. The plant should be kept in an area with some shade to protect it from the midday sun. Similarly, during the summer months, partial shade can help protect the plant from heat stress.

pruning

Pruning Geranium antipodeum 'Chocolate Candy' plants is best done in the spring or early summer. You should prune the plants back to 2-thirds of their original size. Cut off any dead or weak stems, removing them down to the base of the plant. Also pinch off the top 2-thirds of any stem that has gone beyond its desired height. This will encourage a bushier growth habit. Prune in a way that preserves the overall shape and balance of the plant. It is important to leave enough foliage to ensure vigorous growth and plenty of flowers.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Geranium antipodeum 'Chocolate Candy' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Geranium antipodeum 'Chocolate Candy' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

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.