Growing geraniums in pots is a fantastic way to bring color and cheer to any outdoor or indoor space.
These vibrant, hardy plants are easy to care for and thrive in containers.
They’re ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow geraniums like a pro.
From choosing the right pot and soil to watering and fertilizing techniques, get ready to make your geraniums flourish!
Choosing the Right Pot for Geraniums
The first step to growing healthy geraniums in pots is selecting the right container.
Geraniums need plenty of space for their roots to spread out, but they don’t like to be drowned in a large pot.
Look for a pot that’s about 10 to 12 inches in diameter for a single geranium plant.
If you’re planting multiple geraniums together, choose a pot that’s big enough to provide 6-8 inches of space between each plant.
The material of the pot matters, too.
Clay pots are a popular choice because they’re breathable, allowing for good airflow to the roots, which helps prevent root rot.
Plastic pots are lighter and can hold moisture longer, which can be helpful if you live in a hot, dry area.
Just make sure whatever pot you choose has drainage holes.
Good drainage is essential for geraniums, as they don’t like sitting in soggy soil.
Selecting the Best Soil
Geraniums thrive in loose, well-draining soil that allows their roots to breathe.
A potting mix designed for containers or flowers works well.
You can also make your own mix by combining equal parts potting soil, perlite, and peat moss.
Avoid using heavy garden soil in your pots, as it can become compacted and restrict root growth.
Adding a handful of sand or perlite to the soil mix can improve drainage.
Geraniums prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 6.5.
If you’re not sure about the soil pH, testing kits are available at most garden centers.
Balancing the soil pH will help your geraniums absorb nutrients better, leading to healthier growth and more blooms.
How to Plant Geraniums in Pots
Once you have the right pot and soil ready, it’s time to plant your geraniums.
Start by filling the pot about two-thirds full with your soil mix.
Gently remove the geranium from its original container, being careful not to damage the roots.
Place the plant in the pot, positioning it so that the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot.
This gives you enough space to water without spilling over the edges.
Fill in around the root ball with more soil, pressing it gently to remove any air pockets.
Water the plant thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil.
If you’re planting multiple geraniums in one container, make sure they’re spaced out to allow good air circulation.
Good spacing helps prevent fungal issues and encourages even growth.
Sunlight Requirements for Potted Geraniums
Geraniums love sunlight, and they need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.
Place your potted geraniums in a sunny spot, like a south-facing patio, porch, or windowsill.
If you’re growing geraniums indoors, a bright, sunny window is ideal.
Without enough sunlight, geraniums may grow leggy and produce fewer blooms.
If you notice your geraniums aren’t blooming as much, it could be a sign they need more light.
In particularly hot climates, a bit of afternoon shade can prevent the plants from getting scorched.
Adjust their location based on the weather to keep them happy.
Watering Your Geraniums
Watering is essential for potted geraniums, but they don’t like soggy soil.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil about an inch deep.
If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
When you water, give the soil a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes.
Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
During cooler months, geraniums will need less water.
Adjust your watering schedule based on the temperature and the amount of sunlight the plant is receiving.
Fertilizing Potted Geraniums
To keep your geraniums blooming and healthy, regular fertilization is key.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every two to four weeks during the growing season.
Look for a fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio, such as 10-10-10.
If you prefer organic options, compost tea or a diluted fish emulsion can work well.
Apply fertilizer after watering to avoid burning the roots.
During the winter, when the plants are growing more slowly, you can cut back on fertilizing.
Too much fertilizer in the colder months can lead to leggy growth without many flowers.
Pruning and Deadheading for Continuous Blooms
Pruning and deadheading are essential steps for keeping your geraniums looking their best.
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages the plant to produce more blooms.
Simply pinch or cut off dead flowers at the stem.
Regular pruning is also helpful for shaping the plant and promoting bushier growth.
If your geranium starts to look leggy, trim back some of the stems by a third.
This will encourage new growth and more blooms.
Avoid pruning too late in the season, as the plant will start to slow its growth as it prepares for winter.
Winter Care for Geraniums in Pots
Geraniums are not frost-tolerant, so if you live in a cold climate, you’ll need to bring them indoors for the winter.
Before the first frost, move your potted geraniums to a cool, sunny spot indoors, like a sunroom or a south-facing window.
Cut back on watering during the winter, as the plant will be in a dormant state and won’t need as much moisture.
If you don’t have space to bring the whole plant inside, you can take cuttings from your geraniums to start new plants in the spring.
Simply cut a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water until it roots.
Once the roots develop, you can plant it in a new pot with fresh soil.
Common Problems and Solutions
While geraniums are generally hardy, they can still encounter some issues.
Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, so be sure to let the soil dry out before watering again.
If you see brown edges on the leaves, it may be a sign of underwatering, so check the soil moisture.
Pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can sometimes attack geraniums.
A gentle spray of water or insecticidal soap can help keep these pests under control.
Fungal diseases can also be an issue, especially if the plants are too crowded or don’t have good air circulation.
Space the plants out and avoid getting water on the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal problems.
Repotting Your Geraniums
As your geraniums grow, they may eventually outgrow their pot.
If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant drying out too quickly, it may be time to repot.
Choose a pot that’s one size larger than the current one, and fill it with fresh potting mix.
Gently remove the geranium from its old pot, being careful not to damage the roots.
Place the plant in the new pot, fill in around it with soil, and water thoroughly.
Repotting is best done in the spring, as this gives the plant a full growing season to adjust to its new home.
Final Thoughts
Growing geraniums in pots is a rewarding way to add beauty and color to your space.
With the right pot, soil, and care, your geraniums will thrive and bloom throughout the season.
These hardy plants are adaptable and forgiving, making them perfect for gardeners of all levels.
Whether you’re growing them on a sunny windowsill or a bustling balcony, geraniums bring a splash of color that’s sure to brighten any space.
With a little practice, you’ll have your geraniums looking like they were grown by a pro!