Geraniums are admired for their cheerful, brightly colored blooms that can fill any garden space with life To keep geraniums flowering profusely all season long, providing them with the right plant food is crucial Not all fertilizers are created equal when it comes to maximizing geranium blooms. Read on to learn about the ideal nutrients geraniums need and the best fertilizers to keep them thriving.
What Nutrients Do Geraniums Need for Optimal Growth?
Geraniums require a balanced feeding of essential macronutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) – for vigorous growth and abundant blooming.
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Nitrogen promotes healthy foliage growth. Too much causes excessive leaf growth with fewer flowers.
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Phosphorus aids geraniums in forming strong root systems and flower buds.
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Potassium (potash) contributes to overall plant vigor and disease resistance
An ideal fertilizer for geraniums contains relatively equal or slightly higher levels of phosphorus to nitrogen to fuel prolific blooms on hardy plants. Aim for an NPK ratio in the range of 10-10-10 to 10-30-10.
Micronutrients like magnesium, sulfur, iron and manganese are also beneficial in smaller doses. Avoid heavy nitrogen formulations used for leafy growth.
When to Feed Geraniums for Best Results
Feeding geraniums properly timed with their growth cycle is key for success
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Begin fertilizing when new growth emerges after winter dormancy or when planting new seedlings.
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Fertilize regularly every 2-3 weeks during active growth and blooming in spring and summer.
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Increase frequency to weekly feedings in pots/containers.
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Reduce feeding frequency after flower buds set to avoid excess foliage growth.
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Stop fertilizing entirely once cooler weather arrives in fall.
Best Fertilizers for Geraniums
Liquid or Water-Soluble Fertilizers
Liquid plant foods are fast-acting and easily absorbed through both roots and leaves. Look for balanced, 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 formulations. Popular options include:
- Miracle-Gro Liquid All Purpose Plant Food
- Alaska Morbloom 0-10-10 Blossom Booster
- Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster 10-30-20
Slow-Release Granular Fertilizers
These provide a steady feeding over 2-3 months. Sprinkle lightly around plants. Try:
- Osmocote Smart-Release Flower & Vegetable Plant Food
- Espoma Organic Flower-tone 3-4-2
Organic Fertilizers
Derived from natural sources like bone meal, kelp, and compost. Gentle but effective for blooms. Examples:
- Jobe’s Organics Flower & Vegetable Plant Food
- Dr. Earth Life Flower Fertilizer
Foliar Sprays
Liquid concentrates sprayed directly on leaves for quick nutrient absorption:
- Neptune’s Harvest Organic Hydroplex Liquid Plant Food
- FoxFarm Big Bloom Liquid Plant Food
Other Tips for Prolific Geranium Flowers
In addition to optimal feeding, follow these tips for maximum geranium blooms:
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Prune spent flower heads promptly to encourage new buds.
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Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering.
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Give plants full sun exposure for at least 5 hours daily.
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Use quality potting mix if growing geraniums in containers.
Feeding geraniums the right balance of nutrients on a consistent schedule will reward you with vivid flowers summer through fall. Experiment to find which fertilizers your plants respond to best!
Liquid fertiliser works quickly and precisely
Roots only absorb nutrients dissolved in water.
Just like the ones you give with liquid fertiliser!
Maybe the sun is shining extra brightly this year and the geraniums are growing like crazy. Or it’s raining a lot and the rain is washing out nutrients. In both cases, liquid fertiliser meets your plants’ high nutrient requirements quickly and precisely.
Jump to this section if you are interested in why it’s worth buying special liquid geranium fertiliser.
Fertilising geraniums with liquid fertiliser – how does it work?
- Fill a watering can with water.
- It is important to use a dosing aid to get the right amount of fertilizer.
- Pour the liquid geranium fertiliser into the water.
- Stir the mixture with a stick.
- Put the solution right on top of the compost in the planter or window box. It’s best not to do this in direct midday sun. Make sure that nothing falls off or gets on the flowers or leaves.
Depending on the product, add flowering plant or liquid geranium fertilizer to the water once a week or every 14 days, as directed on the package.
If the pot’s soil is so dry that it pulls away from the sides, wet it with plain water first, and then feed it. This will not damage the roots. The fertiliser will also be better absorbed.
Best Fertilizer for Geraniums | Feed Your Plant With Right Fertilizers
FAQ
What’s the best plant food for geraniums?
Is Miracle-Gro good for geraniums?
What is the secret to beautiful geraniums?
What to feed geraniums in pots?
What is the best fertilizer for geraniums?
This water-soluble fertilizer is perfect for promoting the health and growth of your geraniums. The fertilizer analysis is 15-15-15, an even mixture of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. It’s a perfect blend for neutral pH loving plants like geraniums. The micronutrients in this fertilizer help minimize toxic elements that can affect geraniums.
What can I feed geraniums?
If your soil is on the acidic side, you can sweeten the soil with lime, crushed oyster shells, or wood ash. To encourage growth and flowering, you can feed geraniums with a slow-release fertilizer or liquid potassium fertilizer.
How often should you feed geraniums?
Feed the geraniums once every 1 to 2 weeks. This water-soluble mix is instant release so the plant receives the nutrients immediately. The best combination for geraniums to thrive is water, sunlight, and proper nutrition. For geraniums in the garden, mix 1 tablespoon of the fertilizer with 1 gallon of water.
Can geraniums eat slow release fertilizer?
COMPO Slow Release Fertilizer is another convenient option in feeding your geraniums. Slow-release fertilizers ease the task of feeding your Geraniums while ensuring consistent feeding, that’s why some busy gardeners prefer it to water-soluble variants.