Guide to growing Geranium

Geraniums are commonly grown in gardens as they are easy to maintain and have great use in the garden as an attractive plant that provides ground coverage.

Geraniums are half hardy or hardy perennials that range in height from 10cm to 60cm.

The foliage of geraniums is deeply cut lobed leaves and they bloom from spring through to summer with naturally circular pink or purple flowers (though there are many other Geranium varieties available for use in the garden).

Some common names for members of the Geranium genus include Cranesbill, Mourning widow and Geranium.

How to grow Geraniums

When growing Geraniums from seed they can be sown in spring or autumn. In both cases sow the seeds into flats and lightly cover. If sowing Geranium seeds in autumn then place the flat in a shady part of the garden, cover with glass and keep moist. Transplant the Geranium seedlings to their final location just after the last frost of spring.

If sowing Geranium seeds in the spring, then place the flats into a plastic bag and put in the fridge for three weeks. Following this time sink the flat into a shady part of the garden , cover with glass and keep moist. When young Geranium plants appear transplant them to their final location. It can take from a couple of days to three months for Geranium plants to germinate.

Geraniums can grow in either sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden and should be spaced at between 20 and 30cm apart. Ideally the soil that Geranium grows in should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7), and moist.

Caring for geraniums

It is easy to care for geraniums, they prefer a moist soil when it gets hot so water regularly in the summer. Once the first bloom has finished cut back the plant; this should result in a second bloom. In cold areas mulch for the winter. If you require more plants then propagate geranium by division in spring or autumn.