Geraniums are a favorite among gardeners for their colorful blooms and ease of care. If you live in a region with mild winters, they are excellent options for garden beds and containers outdoors. However, it's still possible to enjoy growing geraniums no matter what climate zone you live in. Here is a basic guide to growing geraniums in containers for maximum flexibility:
Geraniums come in many varieties, some with unique traits. For example, some geraniums are known for their fragrant leaves producing subtle scents like lemon, chocolate and mint. Others are perennials grown for their bright and sturdy flowers. Whichever of these options you choose, you'll have success growing geraniums in containers regardless of the weather.
Geraniums thrive in full sunlight. If you have them in outside containers, place them where they will get at least six hours of direct light during the day. If you bring them indoors, give them the sunniest spot possible. You might also consider supplementing their light needs with grow lights if you don't have enough windows or natural light at home.
Geraniums are sensitive to over-watering and root rot. To avoid watering your geraniums too much, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before you give them a drink. It's also crucial to use a container with adequate drainage so the soil does not remain soggy. Geraniums are more drought-tolerant, so it's always safest to wait an extra day to water if the soil still seems moist.
If you're growing geraniums for their flowers, you'll want to give them the best conditions to bloom as much as possible. If you grow your geraniums inside, there are some simple things you can do to encourage flower production. One is to deadhead and pinch off faded blooms at the base of the flower stalk. Geraniums also bloom more successfully when slightly root-bound, so don't move them to a larger container too soon.
Geraniums are a wonderful plant to grow both outdoors and indoors. By keeping them in containers, you can give them the best possible environment, any place and any time of year.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
