Geraniums beautifully adorn our balconies and terraces with their vibrant colors and easy maintenance. Have you noticed how they instantly brighten up an outdoor space? But how can you fully enjoy their generous blooms from spring to autumn? Follow the guide!

Good reasons to choose geraniums on your balcony

If you are a gardening novice or simply want an easily cultivable plant, don’t hesitate to choose geraniums. Particularly resistant to heat, these plants adapt wonderfully to the often harsh summer conditions.

With their broad palette of bright colors and long blooming period, geraniums enhance your balcony or terrace with beautiful hues for several months at a time. From spring until the first chilly days of autumn, you can enjoy a flowering exterior that requires minimal upkeep.

Ideal conditions for successful geranium blooming

Your geraniums can offer you a much more generous bloom if you provide them with the right conditions:

Prioritize sunny exposure

Geraniums love the sun! To thrive, they need 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

So, aim for a south or west facing location, ensuring ample light for harmonious growth and abundant flowers.

Establish a regular watering routine

If you think geraniums can survive without any water, think again! While they can tolerate occasional drought, regular watering is essential. How can you tell when to water?

  • Check the surface of the soil regularly; if it feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.
  • In hot weather, consider watering every other day. During transitional seasons, two to three times a week should suffice.

Make sure that the pots have proper drainage, as too much water can quickly lead to root rot and fungal issues.

Choosing soil and fertilizer to stimulate blooming

To achieve beautiful blooms in your geraniums, select a light and well-draining substrate. A good mix includes combining universal potting soil with some coarse sand or perlite to prevent water stagnation.

For nutrition, apply a flower-specific fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus every two weeks in spring and summer. Conversely, avoid products high in nitrogen, as they encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning geraniums to encourage blooming

Did you know that light and regular pruning optimizes your plants’ blooming potential? Make it a habit to remove faded flowers and leaves to encourage the appearance of new flower buds while protecting your geraniums from diseases.

Also, after each winter, perform a more significant pruning. Remove all dry or damaged branches, as well as the tips of the shoots.

Monitor for pests to sustainably protect your geraniums

While they have good natural resistance, geraniums can still fall victim to common pests such as:

  • Aphids
  • Whiteflies
  • The formidable geranium moth, which destroys their leaves

Regularly inspect your plants to quickly catch any warning signs on the leaves and under the stems. If infestation occurs, act promptly with specific solutions or homemade remedies like black soap or garlic decoction.

Easily renew your geraniums through taking

After a few seasons, your geraniums may start to look a bit sparse and woody. To renew them, nothing is simpler than propagating cuttings!

Take cuttings of about 10 centimeters from healthy plants, remove the lower leaves, and replant them in a light, moist substrate. In just a few weeks, your new cuttings will take root and be ready to bloom.

Did you enjoy this article? What are your favorite tips and tricks for successful blooming of your geraniums? Would you like to share your experiences with these essential plants? If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!