Geraniums: Growing Colorful Scented Plants Indoors and Out

Learn how to plant, grow, and care for the geraniums that add bright pops of color to your garden.

Geraniums are longtime Almanac gardener favorites. Easy to grow, colorful, many add lovely scent to the home. Though outdoor plants, they overwinter indoors or bloom all year inside with enough light.

Planting

• When buying, check color and size. Healthy leaves: no discoloration on/below; sturdy stems, not straggly. Avoid obvious pest signs.
• Pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot. No saucer unless filled with pebbles.
• Use soilless potting mix (not dirt) for containers.
• For maximum bloom: 4–6 hours daily sunlight.

Care

• Allow to dry between waterings, then water thoroughly.
• Winter: water much less, but don't let roots dry out.
• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming.
• Pinch stems for bushiness and to prevent legginess.
• Active growing months: fertilize every 2 weeks with water-soluble fertilizer at half strength. No winter fertilizing.
• Repot as needed in spring to refresh.

Pests and Diseases

Common issues: low light or too much/too little water. Yellow leaves = watering issue; even out watering and move to brighter spot.

Recommended Varieties

• Common/Zonal Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) – Thrive in containers and outdoors.
• Ivy-Leaf Geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) – Popular for hanging baskets, window boxes, containers.

Wit & Wisdom

• Minor cuts: apply crushed geranium leaves to stop bleeding.
• Flower language: scarlet geranium = silliness. Explore more flower meanings.
• Geraniums are toxic to Japanese beetles—no worry about those pests!