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Geraniums are the most popular flowers that decorate the balconies and terraces of many homes. They are prized for their beauty and ease of care, but they still require proper attention to bring you joy through the autumn. Here are seven tricks to ensure your geraniums are healthy, vigorous, and constantly full of blooms.
1. Sunny locations
Geraniums need plenty of sunlight to fully develop and flower. Ideally they should be exposed to the sun for at least half the day. If you don’t have full sun all day, place them where they will receive sunlight for part of the day and can be in shade for the rest.
2. Don’t overcrowd them
When planting geraniums, make sure they have enough space. Too many plants in one container can lead to overcrowding and limit their growth. For example, if you have a balcony box 1 meter long, place no more than 3-4 plants in it. This ensures each plant will have enough room for healthy growth.
3. Nutrition
Proper nutrition is key to keeping geraniums in top condition and supporting abundant flowering. Use special nutrient solutions designed for geraniums that are rich in the necessary nutrients. These solutions usually contain a balanced ratio of nutrients that promote healthy growth and flowering.
4. Timely watering
In hot summer months it is important to water geraniums regularly. It’s best to water in the morning or evening so the plant doesn’t suffer from a shock due to rapid temperature changes. Maintaining regular watering will help prevent the plant from drying out and support its overall health.
5. Adequate drainage
Geraniums, like most plants, do not like to stand in water. Make sure pots or boxes have good drainage so excess water can flow away. If you find the drainage isn’t working properly, geraniums can easily rot. Using clay balls or gravel at the bottom of the pot can improve drainage capacity.
6. Encourage flowering
To encourage abundant flowering of geraniums, regularly remove spent blooms. This helps the plants focus their energy on producing new flowers instead of maintaining old ones. This simple step can significantly extend the period during which your geraniums are in full bloom.
7. Overwintering
Geraniums are hardy plants that can survive the winter period. When cold weather arrives, move them to a bright room where the temperature stays around 10 degrees Celsius. Water them less often, but regularly, and remove dry or yellowed parts. This will ensure your geraniums are ready for the new season.
Conclusion
Caring for geraniums can be simple if you follow these proven tricks. Provide them with the right amount of sunlight, space, nutrition, regular watering, and good drainage. Don’t forget to encourage flowering and overwinter correctly. With these tips your geraniums will bloom beautifully and decorate your terrace or balcony throughout the summer.
