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Tips for Growing Geraniums
Although they can weather a light frost, geraniums love to bask in
warm-weather. Growing geraniums need:
Light: Most types flower best in full sun, which means at least six hours of
direct sun a day. If you live in a hot region with regular summer temperature
over 90 degrees F (32 degrees C), plant your geraniums in a partly shaded spot.
Many geraniums do quite well in part shade, but they won't flower as
prolifically.
Soil: Geraniums like rich soil that is well drained. Compost added to your
soil will give them an added boost. Plant container geraniums into pots filled
with container potting mix.
Fertilizer: When growing geraniums, remember that they are heavy feeders.
Give them fertilizer every two weeks or once a month at the very least. Use a
balanced, water-soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20, or feed them at planting
time with a time-release fertilizer that lasts all season. Regular fertilizing
is especially important for container-grown plants.
Water: Be sure to water the plants regularly when it doesn't rain. Check
containers daily during hot summer weather. The best way to do this is to use a
water meter or poke a finger into the soil. If it's dry two inches down or
more, it's time to water.
Grooming: Keep your plants looking their best by deadheading them and
removing dried or discolored leaves. Your geraniums will reward you by looking
great all season.
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