Millennium Realty
Donna Coakley-Mcgowan, Millennium RealtyPhone: (774) 287-2060
Email: [email protected]

Growing Geraniums in Containers

by Donna Coakley-Mcgowan 08/10/2022

Geraniums are a favorite among gardeners for their colorful blooms and ease of care. If you live in a region with mild winters, they are excellent options for garden beds and containers outdoors. However, it's still possible to enjoy growing geraniums no matter what climate zone you live in. Here is a basic guide to growing geraniums in containers for maximum flexibility:

What Kind of Geranium Is Best?

Geraniums come in many varieties, some with unique traits. For example, some geraniums are known for their fragrant leaves producing subtle scents like lemon, chocolate and mint. Others are perennials grown for their bright and sturdy flowers. Whichever of these options you choose, you'll have success growing geraniums in containers regardless of the weather.

Brighter Is Better

Geraniums thrive in full sunlight. If you have them in outside containers, place them where they will get at least six hours of direct light during the day. If you bring them indoors, give them the sunniest spot possible. You might also consider supplementing their light needs with grow lights if you don't have enough windows or natural light at home.

Beware Over-Watering

Geraniums are sensitive to over-watering and root rot. To avoid watering your geraniums too much, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before you give them a drink. It's also crucial to use a container with adequate drainage so the soil does not remain soggy. Geraniums are more drought-tolerant, so it's always safest to wait an extra day to water if the soil still seems moist.

Help Them Bloom Indoors

If you're growing geraniums for their flowers, you'll want to give them the best conditions to bloom as much as possible. If you grow your geraniums inside, there are some simple things you can do to encourage flower production. One is to deadhead and pinch off faded blooms at the base of the flower stalk. Geraniums also bloom more successfully when slightly root-bound, so don't move them to a larger container too soon.

Geraniums are a wonderful plant to grow both outdoors and indoors. By keeping them in containers, you can give them the best possible environment, any place and any time of year.

About the Author
Author

Donna Coakley-Mcgowan

Licensed since 1983 Donna is a well known and well respected veteran of the local real estate market. Donna has made her mark as both a manager of a brokerage firm and as an agent. Ms. Coakley McGowan has participated in extensive training in residential real estate and specializes in both Buyer and Seller Agency.   

"I am extremely pleased to welcome an Associate of Donna’s caliber and expertise” said Judy Leonelli, Owner. "I have known Donna for many years and have admired her professionalism and talent for the pragmatic resolution to the difficulties that can arise during a transaction. When Donna is involved you know there will be a successful outcome.”  

Ms. Coakley McGowan has lived in Upton since 1995 and knows the area and all of its attributes. She currently serves the Town of Upton and the Regional School District as Chairperson of the School Committee.  She and her husband Mark and their two children reside in Upton.