When to Plant Geraniums Outside

Geraniums are popular flowering plants that can brighten up any garden or patio. As with most plants, planting geraniums at the right time is essential for ensuring they grow and bloom prolifically. In this article, we'll discuss when to plant geraniums outside to help you achieve the best results.

Choosing the Right Time to Plant Geraniums

One of the most important things to consider when determining when to plant geraniums outside is the weather. Geraniums thrive in warm temperate climates, so it's best to wait until after the last frost before planting them outside. Depending on your location, this could be as early as March or as late as May.

Preparing the Soil for Geraniums

Before planting geraniums outside, it's important to ensure the soil is healthy and fertile. Geraniums prefer well-draining soil that is high in organic matter. If your soil is heavy and compacted, add some compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and create a nutrient-rich environment for your plants to grow in.

Selecting the Right Location for Geraniums

Geraniums need plenty of sunlight to grow and bloom. When planting geraniums outside, choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If you're planting geraniums in containers, make sure to position them in a sunny spot.

Watering Geraniums

Geraniums require regular watering, especially during the hottest months of the year. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can cause root rot. If you're planting geraniums in containers, make sure to water them more frequently than those planted in the ground.

Feeding Geraniums

Geraniums are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization to grow and bloom. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, every two to three weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can burn the plant's roots.

Pruning Geraniums

Pruning geraniums is important for promoting bushy growth and encouraging more blooms. You can pinch back the tips of the plant's stems to encourage branching or remove spent flowers to promote new growth. Do not remove more than one-third of the plant's overall foliage at any one time, as this can stress the plant and inhibit growth.

Now that you know when to plant geraniums outside, you can create a beautiful and healthy garden filled with these lovely flowers. Just remember to select a sunny location, prepare the soil properly, water and fertilize regularly, and prune the plants as needed. Happy gardening!