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How to get geraniums to flower?

18 years ago

A question I should have added is we have one geranium which has only a couple of flowers and another has plenty, is there any way of helping them flower? They are side by side in pots. Also which name is politically correct? Geraniums or Pelagoniums?

Thanks Lesley

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sean07

12 years ago

My geraniums stopped flowering, as soon as they get new buds they dry up & fall off? I water once a week with miracle gro bloom booster. Some of the leaves are dark in color others are light green.Just no flowers.

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Comments (10)

trancegemini_wa
18 years ago
I usually dont have any problem with them as long they get enough sunshine, but some of the pelargoniums flower more freely than others Ive found.

as far as the name goes, there are geraniums and also pelargoniums, theyre closely related but two different plants. most of the ones we grow are pelargoniums from south africa, whereas geraniums are more tolerant of cold climates which the pelargoniums wont cope with. I *think* and im sure someone will correct me, that the proper geraniums come from colder climates in europe?
meggs
18 years ago
Geraniums grow in Australia as well as do pelargoniums in colder climates in Europe. In Northern Europe they keep pelargoniums in glass houses in winter, however, in summer they plant them out. Most windowboxes in Germany are planted with all kinds of pelargoniums. Summers in Europe can be also very hot the only thing they are pretty short. Greniums, on the other hand grow in shade, need more water and the flowers are in shades of purple. The main known and grown geranium is cranesbill.
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They're real sun lovers. Do you have them in full sun? I know that mine planted in the shadier areas of my garden don't bloom as profusely. Also, by coincidence I just read somewhere, can't remember where, that overfeeding pelargoniums (annual geranium)can result in lots of foliage but no blooms. Pam
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Your grandmother has the right idea for her locality..cold, northern Iowa. Us northern folks get the wrong idea about southern locales; New Mexico suggests warm weather when approaching January....in California January is the month they plant so naturally..... You can keep your geranium going with the amount of sun you have as long as possible...but as soon as it wilts, cut it back to about 4", remove any old leaves and bloom, any weak or damaged stems or branches; re-plant in a fresh pot with fresh potting soil or potting mix. Put something in the pot between the soil and the drainage holes. Put it in the best sunny window you can...south or west is best and water to drainage. No more water until the new leaves form, then water only as the plant needs it. Do not fertilize until well along in foliage. Normally, up north we bring our geraniums out by the Ides of March..(15th) and do the same thing. We suspect New Mexico will have better sun pretty soon. Its all up to the sun....its still low but getting better every day. Turn the plant every day or so to ensure all parts get equal sun. When you water, always water to drainage, then dump the excess in the saucer. Let it dry down somewhat between waterings. Within 2 weeks you will have a fresh measure of leaves and more each day. It will bloom later when the sun is better.
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It's understandable to want flowers asap but from a good gardening point of view you don't really want those new plants to put energy into blossoming until they have built up a good strong root system. It is sensible to remove any flower buds which do form until the plant has reached a reasonable size, has a strong root system and a good branching structure (not just multiple leaves). This can be achieved by pinching out.
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Old_West_Aussie
18 years ago
I had some gerberas that refused to flower, I gave them to my next door neighbour and they flowered non stop. Same soil, same conditions. I can still enjoy the blooms over the fence...

Bazza
bookpert
18 years ago
Geraniums grow wild in Europe, sometimes in rugged condiitons. Based on this I believe they don't need much fertilisers but I agree they do need sun.Having said that I established some cuttings late summer, gave them some fertiliser a few mths later & I noticed some buds recently. I suppose once the weather warms up, it wont get any more feed. Good luck.
Jan_Willem_John
18 years ago
I use some liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks.
JWB
{{gwi:2114323}}
mistymorn
18 years ago
I water mine about once a month, and never fertilise them and they bloom like crazy.
Work that one out, it must be the Sun up here...MM.
Sparaxis
18 years ago
Old plants like to be cut back severely. It is probably best to establish new plants from cuttings every few years. They are a colder climate plant but do not like the frost. I believe they do not need much fertiliser.
Amir Eghbal
8 years ago
I grew some freed seed and there are no signs of flowering yet. Not sure what to do. I put some messages on growing from seed section but no response. Some people say fertilize it, some say don't.
Louise Stroup
5 years ago
The geraniums I have were a gift and will try to keep them going but only have 3-4hours afternoon sun so may be fighting loosing battle. Grew them very successfully before moved with little work but in pretty much full filtered sun. Guess they were happy with that. Think?

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