In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Geranium plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Geraniums are commonly grown in gardens as they are easy to maintain and have great use in the garden as an attractive plant that provides ground coverage.
Geraniums plants are half hardy or hardy perennials that range in height from 10 cm to 60 cm (4 to 24 inches).
The foliage of the Geranium consists deeply cut lobed leaves, and they bloom from spring through to summer with naturally circular pink or purple flowers.
There are many other Geranium varieties with a multitude of colors available for use in the garden.
Visit this page of GardenersHQ for a full guide on how to grow Geranium sanguineum.
The above Geranium photographs: Geranium thunbergii by TANAKA Juuyoh, and Geranium Stéphanie by Alexandre Dulaunoy.
Some common names for members of the Geranium plant genus include Cranesbill, Mourning widow, and Geranium.
Geranium maculatum, the Spotted cranesbill by chipmunk_1, CC
Geranium 'Rozanne' photograph by F. D. Richards, CC.
Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot Geranium / Cranes-bill) photograph by 阿橋 HQ, CC.
Geranium sanguineum, the Bloody Cranesbill photograph by F. D. Richards, CC.
When growing Geraniums from seed they can be sown in spring or autumn. In both cases sow the seeds into flats and lightly cover.
If sowing Geranium seeds in autumn, then place the flat in a shady part of the garden, cover with glass and keep moist.
Transplant the Geranium seedlings to their final location just after the last frost of spring.
If sowing out in the spring, then first place the flats into a plastic bag and put in the fridge for three weeks. Following this time sink the flat into a shady part of the garden, cover with glass and keep moist.
When young Geranium plants appear transplant them to their final location. It can take from a couple of days to three months for Geranium plants to germinate.
They can grow in either sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden, and should be spaced at between 20 and 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) apart.
Ideally the soil that teh Geranium plant grows in should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7) and moist.
Geranium Care: It is easy to care for geraniums; they prefer a moist soil when it gets hot — so water regularly in the summer.
Once the first bloom has finished cut back the plant; this should result in a second bloom.
In cold areas, provide a mulch for the winter. If you require more plants then propagate by division in spring or autumn.
The Geranium genus, also known as Cranesbill, has about 422 species.
Yes, Geranium species are great for gardens, offering a variety of flower colors and shapes, along with often aromatic foliage.
Geranium 'Rozanne' is a popular cultivar known for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
Some Geranium species, such as Geranium macrorrhizum, are known for their aromatic leaves.
Geranium prefers a sunny to partly shaded location with well-drained soil.
Currently, Geranium is not recognized as invasive in the USA.
Geranium can be removed by digging out the plant, ensuring you remove as much of the root system as possible.
The Geranium genus, commonly known as Cranesbill, belongs to the Geraniaceae family. Native to temperate regions worldwide, these hardy perennials are appreciated for their attractive foliage and five-petaled flowers.
Plant Geranium in spring or autumn, in a location with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. These low-maintenance plants require only occasional watering and some may benefit from regular deadheading.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Geranium plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Geraniaceae growing guides: How to grow Geranium sanguineum, Lilium plant, and Pelargonium plants.