How to Use Geraniums in Containers

When it comes to flowering plants, geraniums are the most popular among home gardeners, according to North Carolina State University. Their flowers come in a wide range of colors, including blue, red and purple. The university states that they make for excellent houseplants. When growing geraniums in a container, provide the plants with the optimal growing conditions for a lush plant and lots of vibrant blossoms.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

• Pot, 1/2 or 1 gallon size, clay or plastic
• Coffee filter
• Sterile potting soil
• Geranium cuttings
• Liquid fertilizer

1. Place a coffee filter on the bottom of the pot. This helps excess water to drain without allowing the potting soil to spill out.
2. Fill the pot to within 1 to 2 inches of its brim with sterile potting soil, available from all garden stores and nurseries. Alternatively, create your own potting soil by mixing equal portions of garden loam, perlite or vermiculite, and peat moss or aged compost.
3. Cut a 3- to 4-inch piece off the growing tip of an existing geranium plant. Snip off any leaves on the bottom inch of the cutting, measured from the cut end. Bury the bottom inch of the cutting in the potting soil.
4. Place the pot in a sunny window that faces east or north, and water it twice a day or as needed to keep the top 3 inches of soil moist. The cutting will take root and start exhibiting new growth within four weeks, according to the University of Rhode Island.
5. Move the pot into a sunny area that receives full sun for a minimum of eight hours a day, according to the University of Minnesota. If your region doesn’t get enough sun, the university suggests hanging fluorescent tube lighting 1 foot above the plant and running it to make up for any lacking sun.
6. Fertilize the geranium plant with any 15-30-15 or 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer applied according to the specific rate advised on the package, recommends the University of Rhode Island.
7. Pinch the geraniums back to keep them growing as full and lush as possible. Wait for your cutting to grow as tall as you want it, then snip off the vertical growing tip to force it to expand its width.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain a temperature around the plants of a maximum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a minimum of 55 F, suggests the University of Minnesota.