With their colorful flowers, pleasant scent, and resilient nature, geraniums are among the most beloved ornamental plants for balconies and gardens. These easy-to-grow perennials thrive in a wide range of conditions and reward proper care with continuous blooms. So, how should geranium care be done? You’ll find all the answers about growing geraniums at home in this guide.
Geranium, also known as Pelargonium or Geranium, is a perennial herbaceous or semi-woody plant. Originally native to South Africa, it has become popular worldwide due to its easy maintenance and vibrant blooms. Geraniums are available in upright or trailing varieties and come in a wide array of colors.
Highly tolerant to heat and drought
Blooming season typically lasts from spring to mid-autumn
Available in pink, red, white, purple, and more
Can be grown in pots or directly in garden beds
Naturally repels insects and mosquitoes with its scent
Caring for geraniums at home is simple with the right soil, sunlight, watering, and container. Here are the key tips:
Choose breathable pots with drainage holes
Avoid water accumulation at the base
Use well-draining, nutrient-rich, and lightly acidic soil (peat and perlite blends work well)
One of the most common mistakes in geranium care is overwatering.
In spring and summer: water when the topsoil feels dry
In winter: reduce watering to once a week
Overwatering can cause root rot
Yes! Geranium flowers love the sun.
They need at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily
In low-light areas, blooming decreases
Keep them protected from strong winds
First blooms usually appear in early spring
With proper care, flowering continues through mid-autumn
Regular deadheading encourages new buds to form
Pruning is essential in geranium care:
Remove spent flowers regularly during blooming season
In late fall, cut back long or leggy stems by one-third
In early spring, prune again to shape the plant
Pruning promotes airflow and enhances flowering.
Wondering how to propagate geraniums? It’s very easy and effective:
The best method is stem cuttings
Take a healthy 10–15 cm cutting from the mother plant
Remove lower leaves and place it in moist soil
Keep it in a shaded, warm spot while rooting
New roots typically appear in 2–3 weeks
This method allows you to grow new geraniums year-round.
Choose a sunny, wind-protected area
Ensure the soil has good drainage
Space plants 30–40 cm apart
In colder climates, cover plants in winter with mulch or protective cloth
Outdoor geraniums tend to develop stronger roots and bloom more abundantly.
Geraniums are low-maintenance plants that bring life and color to any space. Whether in a balcony pot or garden bed, proper care ensures they live long and bloom beautifully.
In this article, we’ve covered what geraniums are, how to propagate geraniums, and all the answers about caring for geraniums at home. For more plant care tips and landscape solutions, don’t forget to follow Cem Botanik!
