Geraniums are one of the most reliable ways to add long-lasting color to Texas landscapes, patios, and containers. While they’re often treated like simple annuals, geraniums can thrive for months. The key is understanding how to plant, maintain, and adjust care through our changing Texas climate.
How to Plant Geraniums
Geraniums dazzle in any flowerbed or container. The first step for planting and maintaining healthy blooms is a well-draining soil. Geraniums need full sunlight. Make sure to plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight, but doesn’t receive full afternoon sun.
When planting in containers, use Calloway’s Premium Container Potting Soil, it is a top-of-the-line soil that is specially formulated for potted plants. It contains a high-quality blend of organic materials, water-saving crystals, expanded shale, coconut coir, and a slow release fertilizer that feeds for up to 6 months. Calloway’s Premium Potting Soil provides moisture retention to foster healthy root growth for thriving plants.
In flowerbeds, Calloway’s Premium Tree & Shrub Garden Soil is a must-have. Rich, ready-to-use, and full of organic matter, it improves drainage while holding the moisture plants need. For new plantings, mixing this soil into the planting hole gives Geraniums a strong start, while topping off established beds refreshes tired soil and delivers nutrients where plants need them most. It’s an easy way to build healthier soil and set your garden up for long-term success.
How to Care for Geraniums
When your Geraniums are freshly planted in your flowerbeds and containers, a key step in starting your garden off on the right note is watering. Watering your new plants in thoroughly and deeply will allow your plant’s roots to get the moisture they need to grow strong and healthy. For best results, let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, as they don’t like constantly wet roots.
For container gardens, make sure the bottom of your container has drainage. When planting in containers, it is important to water in thoroughly and allow the water to drain through the container. Water again when the soil feels dry. For flowerbeds, water weekly, as needed. Avoid overhead watering, as it can lead to pests and disease. Focus on deep watering at the base near the soil for healthy blooms. When you properly care for your Geraniums, they will flourish! When potted, Geraniums can outgrow their container. Move to a larger piece of pottery when needed.
Pruning spent blooms is important for encouraging new growth and will allow for additional blooms. Remove the flower stem all the way to its base. Pruning will allow your plant’s energy to focus on growing stronger and producing more blooms.
Feed your Geraniums and other spring color and enjoy vibrant, lasting color with Calloway’s Premium Flower Food. Our new and improved formula was created with your gardening success in mind. It’s a fantastic food for all blooming flowers like Geraniums, Begonias, Cyclamen, Pansies, Petunias, Periwinkle, and more. Our 12-4-8 specialized formula contains nitrogen, Fx Iron®, and other key ingredients to help your flower bloom with big, bold color! Fx Iron® is an environmentally friendly source of iron. It helps keep your flowers blooming without staining concrete surfaces. Use on new plants, established beds, and hanging baskets. Use as directed on the label!
Seasonal Tips
If your Geraniums become leggy, a light pinching will encourage a fuller bushier plant. As we move into the warmer days of summer, adjust your watering and water early in the morning to reduce evaporation. For Geraniums in containers, make sure to give them afternoon shade to continue to keep them in active growth mode and continue to bloom.
Shop with Ease
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we are here to help you get ready to celebrate the beauty of spring! Visit us today and explore our stunning collection of vibrant blooms, stately trees and shrubs, stylish pottery, lush indoor plants, and so much more! Shop any of our 28 neighborhood stores, where we have served our loyal customers for over 35 years.
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Geraniums prefer 6-8 hours of sun, ideally morning light. They can be planted in containers or right into your flowerbeds.
Geraniums are drought-tolerant but prefer regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering.
Yes, removing the old blooms keeps plants compact and encourages continuous flowering.
Feed every 30 days with Calloway’s Premium Flower Food. Our 12-4-8 specialized formula contains nitrogen, Fx Iron®, phosphate, and other key ingredients to help your flower bloom with big, bold color!
Geraniums are not freeze hardy. A light frost may damage them, so be sure to have a N-Sulate Frost Protection Blanket on hand in case of a sudden cold spell.
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