When Can I Plant Geraniums?

If perennials with bright blooms attract you, then the easy-to-grow geranium may be right up your alley. Geraniums flower in early to mid spring and continue blooming in some areas until late October or early November. Plants range from 6 inches to 4 feet tall when full grown, depending on the variety. After planting geraniums, minimal maintenance helps them thrive for several years.

Location

• U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 offer the necessary conditions for geranium growth. Geraniums grow best in a location that receives partial to full sunlight. In areas with high humidity, partial shade prevents the blooms from fading. Choose a location where the soil does not hold water, but maintains moisture for the best results.

Planting

• Plant geraniums in the spring after the last frost. Soak the roots of the geranium for two hours before planting. Loosen the soil about 12 to 15 inches with a tiller or garden fork. Add a layer of compost to the soil and work it in. Plant the geranium in a hole two times the diameter of the pot. For instance, if the pot measures 6 inches, dig a circular hole 12 inches wide. Backfill the hole with the dirt and press it down firmly. Space the plants between 6 and 24 inches apart.

Maintenance

• Trim dead blooms from the geranium as they occur. When rainfall is less than 1 inch per week during the summer, the National Gardening Association website recommends watering the geraniums. Place additional compost around the geraniums each spring and cover it with 2 inches of mulch. This helps the soil maintain moisture and prevents weed growth.

Fertilizing

• A single application of fertilizer maintains geraniums for an entire growing season. Geraniums grow faster and larger by adding a 5-5-5 liquid fertilizer in early spring. A granular fertilizer — that releases slowly — offers an alternative to liquid. Additionally, a top dressing of bone meal over the plants provides nutrients organically.