Geranium Growing Guide

Pelargonium 

Geranium

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any fertile soil with excellent drainage.

Position

Full sun to partial shade.

Frost tolerant

None. Geraniums (pelargonium) are easily damaged by frost.

Feeding

Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting along with a generous helping of well-rotted compost. When growing geraniums in containers, use a coarse compost that drains well. Fertilise established geraniums monthly from midsummer to autumn.

Companions

Upright geraniums look best in groups, or as the central focal point in mixed containers.

Spacing

Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 25cm (9") with 35cm (1' 1") row gap (minimum)

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 35cm (14-inch) diameter containers.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

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 colours.

Harvesting

Geraniums bloom longer and stronger when old blossom clusters are promptly removed.

Troubleshooting

Geraniums that dry out often can be brought back to life with regular water and fertiliser. Excessive rain can cause geraniums to rot.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Geranium