How to Grow Geraniums in Hothouses

Geraniums are a genus of spring flowering perennial plants of which there are many species, hybrids and cultivars. Geraniums are widely cultivated in hothouse and greenhouse conditions for sale in the florist and nursery trade. They are also grown indoors by the home gardener in cool climates where many species cannot successfully overwinter.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

• Light sterile potting mix
• Complete balanced water soluble fertilizer
• Water

1. Plant hothouse grown geraniums in a loose and light quality sterile potting soil with perlite and vermiculite or in a soilless mix. Refrain from compacting the soil and maintain a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.8 to 6.2.
2. Water geraniums to maintain evenly moist potting medium. Do not allow the soil to dry out but do not keep the soil soaking wet at all times as this will lead to rot. Water deeply until at least some water flows out through the medium.
3. Feed hothouse grown geraniums regularly with a complete, balanced formula water soluble fertilizer. Apply diluted with water according to product label directions once per week or once per month is using a slow release formulation.
4. Provide relatively warm ambient temperatures consistently in your hothouse. Maintain overnight temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees F and daytime temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees F to optimize growth and flower production.
5. Provide bright sunlight or the equivalent in broad spectrum artificial light for at least 8 hours and up to 15 hours per day, each day.