Annual Geraniums

About

Although these flowers are called Annual Geraniums, they are not actually geraniums. These plants are members of the Pelargonium genus. These plants were once a part of the Geranium genus, but in 1789 Pelargonium was designed, separating the two genera ( hardy geraniums and annual geraniums). The geranium name is still widely used as the common label for these annual plants. These tropical plants are native to South Africa but are typically grown only as annuals in the U.S. If you live in warm areas of the U.S., your Annual Geraniums could survive the winter months. How to Care for Annual Geraniums Water Annual Geraniums are relatively drought-tolerant plants and can often go completely dry for a day or two before watering. It is encouraged to wait a couple of days before watering to encourage more profuse blooming throughout their growing season. However, don't leave them dry for so long that they start dropping leaves and declining. Soil Annual Geraniums prefer rich, well-draining soil conditions. They also prefer slightly acidic soils- 5.8 to 6.5. If you are growing your annuals in containers, use well-draining, general-purpose potting soil. Avoid garden soil for your potted Annual Geraniums. Because Annual Geraniums are drought-tolerant, they can afford to have their soil dry out for a couple of days. Be sure not to allow their soil to dry out for much longer; it could harm their growth. Fertilizer Zonal Geraniums, like these, are not heavy feeders. However, they are usually grown in containers, and a light feeding with your fertilizer of choice is encouraged. You can do this every two to four weeks to ensure your Annual Geraniums stay vigorous their entire blooming season. If you are using these as perennials, avoid fertilizing in the winter during their growth dormancy. Light Annual Geraniums will grow in full sun or partially shaded areas of your garden. However, they bloom best when in full sun with some shady relief in the hottest hours of the day; usually,