10 Best Tips to Keep Geraniums Blooming All Season

Feel Free to Share!

How to Keep Geraniums Blooming All Season Long: Expert Tips and Tricks

Have you ever wondered how to keep geraniums blooming all season long? I am here to help you discover 10 tips that have worked for me for over four decades!

Few flowers can match geranium’s vibrant colors and versatility, making them a favorite in gardens and containers. But if you’ve ever wondered how to keep these beauties blooming from spring through fall, you’re not alone.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link I may make a small commission at no cost to you.

With just a few simple tricks, you can enjoy a continuous display of stunning geranium flowers all season long. Yep, that is Spring through Fall!

This post is about Zonal Geraniums also known as Pelargoniums. If you want to learn about Hardy Geraniums (true geraniums) then you can here.

Types of Annual Geraniums:

Note: pelargoniums are perennial plants in zones 9 and above

To keep your geraniums blooming profusely, starting with a solid understanding of the plants themselves is important.

Geraniums come in several varieties, each with its unique characteristics, but they all share some basic needs that, when met, will result in a flourishing display of flowers.

Zonal Geraniums:

Known for their upright growth and distinct bands on their leaves, these are the most common types found in gardens. They’re particularly valued for their large, vibrant blooms.

Ivy Geraniums:

These have a trailing habit, making them ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes. Their leaves are ivy-like, and they produce abundant, smaller flowers.

The beautiful window boxes you find in Europe are a special type of Ivy Geranium and I found the source here: Larsons Geraniums.

Scented-Leaf Geraniums:

While their flowers are often smaller and less showy, these geraniums are prized for their fragrant leaves, which come in a variety of scents from lemon to rose.

Regal Geraniums:

Also known as Martha Washington geraniums, these boast large, showy blooms and are often used as indoor plants. I have some that I over winter in my greenhouse, and they are a lovely addition to a part shade area of the garden.

10 Proven Tips to Keep Your Geraniums Blooming All Season Long

1. Planting for Success

The foundation for a season full of blooms begins with how you plant your geraniums. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for strong growth.

Geraniums thrive in well-draining soil, so if your garden soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with organic matter to improve drainage. When planting in containers, use a quality potting mix that offers both nutrients and drainage.

Proper spacing is also important. Crowding geraniums can lead to poor air circulation, which makes the plants more susceptible to disease and reduces blooming. Leave about 8 to 12 inches between plants to ensure they have room to grow.

2. Watering Wisely

Geraniums prefer a balance when it comes to water—too much or too little can impact blooming. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can encourage fungal diseases. In hot weather, you may need to water more frequently but always check the soil moisture first.

Mulching around your geraniums can help retain soil moisture while keeping the roots cool. However, be sure not to pile mulch against the stems, as this can cause rot. 

Geraniums are very popular for container gardens. If growing in containers make sure you have ample drainage holes. We don’t want to drown our flowering plants. 

3. Feeding for Flowers

Fertilization plays a key role in encouraging continuous beautiful blooms. Use a quality organic liquid fertilizer and don’t worry about the so called Bloom Booster types. They are just a sales gimic and not any better than general purpose ones. 

You will not get any more geranium blooms using a specialized blooming fertilizer, I know, I have tested them. Feed your geraniums every two weeks during the growing season. (this is more about in containers than out in my garden beds)

I prefer this fertilizer as it not only feeds the plants but also the soil and it is made from food waste!

My soil is very rich from constant amending with compost, bark mulch and leaf litter. But many do not have such great soil. So I would advise fertilizing with the liquid feed every four weeks in flower beds.

4. Mastering Deadheading and Pruning

Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, is essential for keeping geraniums in bloom. By cutting off faded flowers, you signal the plant to produce new blooms rather than seed.

Regular deadheadings throughout the growing season will result in a more prolific display. Pruning is equally important.

Related: Off With Their Heads! Easy Deadheading for Glorious Blooms!

If your geraniums begin to look leggy or overgrown, don’t hesitate to trim them back. This encourages bushier growth and more flowering stems. Aim to prune in late spring or early summer, cutting back one-third of the plant to rejuvenate it.

You can use what you trim off to start more…

5. Managing Pests and Diseases

Healthy geraniums are less likely to fall victim to pests and diseases, but it’s still important to be vigilant. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Regularly inspect your plants, especially the undersides of leaves, for any signs of infestation. If suddenly your flowers disappear or have holes in them you may have budworm.

Treat with BT spray or I dust my plant with some flour lightly. Leave overnight and wash it off the next day. The caterpillars eat the flour and they cannot digest it.

Geraniums are also prone to diseases like botrytis (gray mold) and rust. To prevent these, ensure your plants have good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove any affected leaves promptly. In severe cases, you may need to use a fungicide.

6. Overwintering for Next Season

If you live in a region with cold winters, you can overwinter your geraniums to enjoy them again next year. In late Fall or before the first frost, bring your plants indoors. Geraniums can be kept as houseplants in a bright, sunny spot, or you can let them go dormant.

For dormancy, trim back the foliage, place the plants in a cool, dark area like a basement, and water sparingly throughout the winter. In early spring, bring them back into the light, resume regular watering, and watch as they come back to life.

For best results find which method works for you. I happen to love bringing them inside and letting them winter in a sunny window. 

7. Companion Planting

Pairing geraniums with compatible plants can enhance their performance. Marigolds, lavender, and petunias are excellent companions that share similar growing conditions.

These plants not only complement geraniums visually but also can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

Avoid planting geraniums with aggressive groundcovers or plants that compete heavily for resources, as this can reduce the energy available for blooming.

8. Adapting to Seasonal Changes

As the growing season progresses, your geranium care should adapt. In spring, focus on establishing strong root systems by watering regularly and applying a slow-release fertilizer. (I use compost)

During the peak of summer, keep an eye on moisture levels, as hot weather can dry out soil quickly.

In late summer and early fall, give them a good feed with the organic fertilizer I suggested above.

Then as temperatures drop, you may need to reduce watering and start planning for overwintering.

9. Troubleshooting Non-Blooming Geraniums

If your geraniums aren’t blooming as expected, there could be several reasons. Insufficient sunlight, poor soil nutrition, or too much water are common culprits. Ensure your plants are getting enough light and consider adjusting your watering and feeding routine.

Another factor could be overcrowding—if your geraniums are competing with other plants, they may not have the resources they need to flower. Pruning and thinning can help redirect energy into blooming.

Or make sure the flower buds are not being eaten by the dreaded budworm.

10. Enjoying the Rewards

The good news is by following these proven tips, you can enjoy a garden full of vibrant, blooming geraniums from spring through fall. Regular care and attention to detail will pay off with a colorful, flower-filled garden that enhances your outdoor space.

Containers spilling with bright geraniums make great fillers in a garden bed that may be slowing down in summer. Pop the container into the bed and it will brighten it up immediately!

To wrap this up, geraniums are a delightful addition to any garden, and with a little effort, you can keep them blooming beautifully all season long.

From proper planting and watering to deadheading and overwintering, these tips will help you get the most out of your geraniums. Grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to enjoy a season full of color!

Feel Free to Share!