Who doesn't love zonal geraniums? With their large, bright flowers and their attractive foliage, they are always a summer favorite for gardeners all over the world. With new colors and leaf variations coming out every year, there is a spot in every garden for these beautiful plants. Though the reds are the most popular, there are also pink, white, and lavender flowers that can be had. Variegated leaves can add an even more striking presence.
Zonal geraniums are relatively simple to grow once you know the particulars, and you'll love having their cheery flowers in your garden year after year.
Sun, Soil, and Basic Care for Your Geraniums
Most zonal geraniums flower best in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If your summer temperatures reach over 90 degrees, you should plant our zonal geraniums in partial shade, or at least shaded from the hottest afternoon sun. While they will not bloom quite as well in partial shade, most varieties still grow vigorously and put forth satisfactory blooms.
Zonal geraniums love rich, well drained soil, especially with added compost. In pots, you should use a good container potting mix that holds water well. A mix with plenty of peat moss is good, but avoid a mix with too much vermiculite. A good homemade mixture is equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and composted manure.
Zonal geranium leaves seem to die and turn brown for no reason. Since they are susceptible to fungal disease, this can be a problem in humid climates. Deadheading and removing dead leaves will keep them looking their best, and keep them blooming all season.
Fertilizing and Watering Your Geraniums
Zonal geraniums are heavy feeders that need to be fed every two weeks with a balanced, water soluble fertilizer. You can also use time-release fertilizer that lasts the entire season. Feeding container-grown plants regularly is very important for best blooming.
The most important consideration in watering zonal geraniums is that they must be watered thoroughly, but allowed to dry out between waterings. They don't like wet feet, but must be kept watered regularly during very hot summer weather. To check for soil moisture in container grown plants, stick your finger down to the second knuckle. If it's dry, you need to water.
Overwintering Zonal Geraniums
You can move your zonal geraniums indoors for the winter, or take cuttings, which root easily. You can keep them dormant over the winter as well by taking them out of their pots, cutting them back by two thirds, removing the soil from the roots, and hanging them upside down in a cool, dry basement or cellar, and spraying their roots occasionally to keep them from getting too dry.
Try zonal geraniums in your flower garden this year, and you will know why gardeners around the world wait in anticipation each year for them to appear in garden centers.
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