Martha Washington Geranium: Elegant Cool-Weather Bloomers

Botanical Name: Pelargonium domesticum

Often called Regal Geraniums, these complex hybrids produce upright clusters of flat-petaled flowers in white, pink, red, maroon, salmon, and purple — often with boldly patterned upper petals. Dark-green, crinkled leaves and naturally branching stems make them attractive even out of bloom. They flower in late winter to early spring, but need a specific seasonal routine to rebloom reliably.

How to Trigger Rebloom

1. Summer rest: After flowering stops, cut back to 4-inch stems. Repot in fresh soil (same pot is fine — they bloom best slightly pot-bound). Water sparingly, stop fertilizing, keep in indirect light.
2. Cool autumn: Provide 2 months of cool nights (50°F/10°C) to set buds. Move outdoors in fall or place in a cool, bright basement/garage. Resume normal water and fertilizer during this period.
3. Result: Buds appear mid-winter; flowers in February–March.

Quick Reference: Martha Washington Geranium Care

• Origin: South Africa
• Height: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm)
• Light: Bright light
• Water: Water thoroughly, let surface dry between. Cut back after flowering but don't let roots dry completely.
• Humidity: Average room humidity
• Temperature: 60–75°F (16–24°C) winter–summer; 50°F (10°C) nights for 2 months in fall to trigger buds
• Soil: Peat-based soilless mix with good drainage
• Fertilizer: High-phosphorus liquid every 3 weeks fall–spring, diluted by half
• Propagation: Stem cuttings in spring, root in fresh mix