How to grow geraniums and make them bloom and overflow the pot?

Geranium is famous for its gorgeous flowers and rich variety of colors, and is a plant with great ornamental value. It has many single-color varieties, each color is further divided into several different varieties, and the flowers are large, giving people a strong visual impact. If properly cared for, geraniums can bloom year-round. So how do you grow geraniums so that they bloom and overflow the pot?

1. Temperature requirements

Geraniums are sensitive to low temperatures. If the ambient temperature drops below 5 degrees, the plants may have yellow leaves or even frost damage. To ensure the growth and flowering of geraniums, suitable temperatures are essential and should be maintained above 15 degrees. If the temperature is too low, the growth of geraniums will be inhibited and may even cause the death of the plants.

2. Fertilization method

As a flowering plant, geranium has a higher demand for phosphorus, which helps promote the formation of flower buds. However, although the single use of fertilizers such as potassium dihydrogen phosphate can promote flowering, long-term application may lead to stunted plant growth and yellowing of leaves. Therefore, it is recommended to use fertilizers with high phosphorus content and balanced other nutrients, such as Huaduoduo No. 2 and other multi-element fertilizers. The recommended frequency of fertilization is two to three times a month. Pay attention to the dilution concentration and avoid excessive fertilization.

3. Lighting conditions

Geranium is a light-loving plant, and sufficient light is essential whether in the growth or flowering stage. Making sure your geranium receives plenty of sunlight year-round will promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. When there is insufficient light, the plant is prone to having problems with thin branches and difficulty flowering.

4. Prune frequently to promote branching

In the early growth stage of geranium, when the plant reaches a height of 8 to 10 cm, pinching and topping are carried out, which helps promote the sprouting of side branches and makes the flower shape of the plant fuller and more symmetrical. Remember, the more branches, the greater the likelihood of blooms. In this way, you can easily achieve a large amount of flowering at one time, making the pot overflowing with flowers. In order to maintain continuous flowering, the remaining flowers should be cut off in time after the flowers wither, and yellow and dead leaves should be removed regularly. This will help reduce unnecessary nutrient consumption, promote the growth of new branches, and achieve secondary flowering. At the same time, any diseased or dead branches should be cut off immediately once found to prevent them from consuming too many nutrients.

5. Replenish nutrients in time after pruning

Geraniums should be given nutrients immediately after each pruning or flower wilting to help them resume growth quickly. Especially after flowering, the plant is in a relatively exhausted state due to the large consumption of nutrients. At this time, applying nitrogen fertilizer can promote its recovery. When the flower buds are formed, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers 2 to 3 times. This will help the flowers to be bright in color and large in shape, achieve continuous flowering, and easily achieve the effect of blooming the pot.

The above points are basic requirements when caring for geraniums. By following these principles, geraniums can continue to grow and bloom in a home environment. In addition, reducing watering appropriately and maintaining good ventilation during the high temperatures in summer will help geraniums safely survive the hot season.