Species geranium
purple flowers with pink filaments, blue anthers and green leaves

geranium

Geranium spp. and/ or cvs.

Also Known As - cranesbill
Geraniums (Geranium spp. and/or cvs.) are the hardy and colorful flowering plants that grace gardens and window sills. They come in a wide range of sizes, colors and price points, making them accessible to any budget. Geraniums require direct sunlight for most of the day for optimal flowering and bloom in clusters of vibrant, five-petalled blooms. Although many are sold as annuals, many species are perennials with winter hardiness, and can be used to brighten roadsides, gardens and landscape beds. Geraniums require some simple maintenance such as regular watering, deadheading and fertilizer to keep them blooming.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5

Flowers:

Showy, Violet, Pink Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

watering

Geranium plants should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Watering frequency will depend on the specific species and climate, but they generally need to be watered 1-2 times per week. Water until it drains out of the bottom of the pot, and then allow the soil to dry out somewhat before watering again. Make sure to avoid overwatering by letting the water drain out of the bottom and never leaving the pot sitting in water.

sunlight

Geraniums, a diverse group of plants, generally need 4 to 6 hours of full sun exposure per day. During the hottest summer months, it’s best to provide morning sun and some protection from afternoon sun to help conserve water and keep plants from getting scorched. If your climate allows, a south- or west-facing window is ideal for providing plenty of light.

pruning

Most geraniums are pruned back in late winter or early spring to encourage healthy new growth and blooming. Pruning should generally involve removing a few of the oldest, largest stems at the base of the plant, cutting them back to a few inches above the soil line. Deadheading the wilted blooms as they fade throughout the season can also promote new blooms.

Season

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

s The best time to start harvesting fruits from Geranium spp. and/or cvs. is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Geraniums typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Geraniums typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

s The best time to start harvesting fruits from Geranium spp. and/or cvs. is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

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.