Are geraniums annuals or perennials?
Garden geraniums are considered annuals throughout all but the warmest areas of North America. That said, you can force them to be perennials by providing the plants with shelter for the winter. Known as “over-wintering,” this process involves digging up garden perennials and moving them into a cool, yet sheltered environment for the winter. Potted geraniums can simply be moved indoors during the winter. The key to proper blooming in the spring involves exposing the plants to cool temperatures of around 55 degrees F while protecting them from cold nights and frosts.
Can you grow geraniums from seed?
While it is possible to grow some types of geraniums from seed, for hundreds of years, stem cuttings have been the popular way to propagate geraniums. Most geraniums grow easily from stem cuttings in vermiculite or sterile soil. New seed-grown cultivars allow for the starting of new plants indoors. Multibloom, Cameo and Maverick all perform well from seed. Growing geraniums from seed requires a head start. Sow geranium seeds indoors in mid-January in a warm, sunny spot.
Growing geraniums indoors vs outdoors
Geranium care outdoors and geranium care indoors are very similar. Both require plenty of sunlight, careful watering and light levels of fertilization. Growing geraniums outdoors requires a bit more attention to soil drainage and moisture levels. The drainage holes in indoor containers helps to keep moisture regulated.
You can easily grow geraniums in pots and move them between the inside and outside of your home, particularly useful if you live in an area with harsh winters. As fall fades into winter and temperatures begin to drop, simply bring your pots inside to protect your pretty plants.
As mentioned, geraniums thrive indoors, and can actually grow all year round as beautiful houseplants. Geranium care in pots is very similar to that of garden care. However, they do require cool temperatures in the spring to begin setting buds. Moving your plants to a cool space within the house should help with blooming.
What plants grow well with geraniums?
Geraniums are beneficial companion plants. Because they repel many insects and pests, they’re a traditional companion for roses. You can also plant them with other plants that often become pest targets, such as corn, grapes and cabbage.
Are geraniums good for hanging baskets?
With full mounds of colorful flowers, geranium hanging baskets are an excellent choice. Hang baskets where they’re sheltered from the wind and receive plenty of sunlight. If you are hanging geraniums indoors, a southern facing window is ideal.
How do you put geraniums away for winter?
Geraniums are not fickle at all – with a few simple steps, you can help them survive the winter so you can enjoy them year-round. If your plants are already in pots, just bring them indoors.
If you’ve planted them in your garden or beds, be sure to bring them in before the first frost. Gently dig them up and pot them in 8 inch pots using a lightweight potting soil. You can take this time to propagate your plants by cutting them in half. Plant the new roots to double the enjoyment. Bring them inside and place near a sunny window.