Do Geraniums Need Full Sun? [Sunlight Requirements]

Do geraniums need full sun? Can you plant Geraniums indoor? These were the questions that came to my mind when I thought of planting geraniums for the first time.

Garden geraniums, which belong to the genus Pelargonium, are among the most beautiful flowers that you can have around your house. There are around 300 different species of geraniums to choose from, and they’re all gorgeous.

The big question before you plant any of them is; do geraniums need full sun? Can you plant Geraniums indoor?

Geraniums are native to the tropical parts of South Africa; thus, they need plenty of sunlight to thrive. Four to six hours of full sun are often sufficient to get a blooming geranium. In the absence of direct sunlight, six to eight hours of indirect filtered light is necessary.

This is the basic lighting requirement for geraniums. However, there are other factors to consider.

For example, winterization, dealing with excessive heat, and planting geraniums indoors. Read on to know all the facts!

Why Do Geraniums Need Full Sun?

Plants often crave environments similar to what they had in their native lands. Being a tropical flowering plant; geranium is happiest when it has plenty of sunlight. This is best replicated in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

In these mellow to warm climates, geraniums can be perennials rather than annuals. Meaning, that they can bloom all year round.

The effect of the full sun on geraniums is undeniable. These plants put out a lot of lush greenery and outstanding flower heads. All this requires a significant amount of energy that they get from photosynthesis and strong vital soil. 

In the absence of full sun exposure, geraniums often look wilted and might start yellowing. Their flowers become less frequent, and when they do come out, the flower heads are often less densely packed.

Do Geraniums Prefer Shade?

The common varieties of geraniums like Martha Washington, scented geraniums, and zonal geraniums, all need full sun. That’s why a lot of gardeners and homeowners might assume that all geraniums feel the same way about sunlight. This isn’t very accurate.

Interestingly, some geranium varieties prefer shaded locations. Examples include Cranesbill geraniums, Samobor, Lily Lovell, and Bevan’s Variety.

It is best to plant geraniums under trees or in backyards where they get some shade. They’re also perfect for planting indoors.

How Many Hours Of Sun Do Geraniums Need?

Typically, geraniums seem to be healthiest when they get four to six hours of full sun per day. During the spring and fall, these plants can take a bit more sun.

As for the summer, the morning hours are often better than the harsh midday sun. In hotter zones, the geraniums might need some extra shading around noon. And some locations, it’s recommended to move the plants indoors to avoid burning the leaves.

In contrast, the winter sun is far softer, thus, the geraniums would need to spend more time in the light. An optimal exposure extends to around six to eight hours of direct sun.

The correct placement of the geranium flower bed, or indoor pots, makes all the difference. Facing east, west, or a median orientation dictate whether the geraniums would get full or slanted sun.

It would also differ in whether most of the sunlight is in the early hours of the day or in the afternoon. Facing east is the preferred orientation, but still, this wouldn’t cause any problems, as long as the geraniums get enough sunlight.

How Much Sun Does A Geranium Need?

Generally, a Geranium need around 4-6 hours of sun but it depends on the type of geranium you have. The annual geranium require more than this.

Let’s have a look at what does a geranium need for proper growth.

• The Perennial geraniums need direct sunlight (4-6 hours) daily.
• Annual geranium need more direct sunlight than a perennial geranium (6-7 hours).
• If you are using geranium as indoor plant, it will need around 8-9 hours of indirect sunlight.
• During summer, too much sunlight can kill your geranium plant whereas in winter, availability of little sunlight will starve it to death.

Since, too much sunlight and too little sunlight, both don’t work for a healthy growth of geranium plant, it is always advised to place this plant in a place where it receives sunlight during morning and shade during afternoon.

What’s the Best Location to Plant Geraniums?

Geraniums are often planted in flower beds in the sunniest spots of the garden. Most gardeners know that these plants thrive under full sun, so they pick the brightest locations for geraniums. To get the best results, the year-round climate should also be taken into consideration.

Up north, where the temperatures drop steeply to below zero most of the winter, the geraniums would suffer a lot. It’s recommended to place them in pots where they can be moved inside the house or into a greenhouse. Winterization is necessary for various types of plants.

Contrary to that, in the southern states, the heat can become quite unforgiving during the summer. Thus, a relatively shaded location in the garden would be preferable. 

You can still plant a lovely pot of geraniums on your porch, deck, or right beside the entrance to your house. A hanging planter, or basket, of geraniums on the terrace, is also a wonderful decorative idea. The beautiful vibrantly colored flowers brighten up anywhere they’re placed.

The important thing is to make sure that these plants get four to six hours of direct sunlight or six to eight hours of indirect filtered light.

Can Geraniums Be Planted Indoors?

Geraniums are hardy plants that aren’t too picky when it comes to their lighting needs and general care. They do love direct sunlight, and this is how they give the finest blooms. However, if you place them beside a well-lighted window, they’d still thrive.

There are also some geraniums varieties that were cultivated for places with less sunlight. They bloom just as nicely in filtered light, and they can easily survive indoors.

Grow lights are another great option for having geraniums inside the house. Setting these alternative lights to a suitable intensity and correct duration should keep the geraniums happy indoors. 

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Final Thoughts

Geraniums are among the loveliest flowers you can have in your garden or around your house. Don’t shy away from exposing them to the full sun, as these plants revel in the warmth and light.

Whether you have a flower bed or a pot on your deck, make sure they get enough of the full sun. that’s the best way to let them synthesize enough energy to bloom into rich flower heads.

Once geraniums grow in favorable conditions, they burst into eye-catching blooms of gorgeous colors.

It’s worth noting that a geranium plant might be planted in well-draining soil with a proper watering schedule and still not bloom. That’s often because it’s over-fertilized or some pest is attacking it.

Caring for geraniums isn’t complicated though, and you can keep them happy with basic care routines. You can plant a variety of geraniums and enjoy their beauty all-around your house.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Geraniums come back every year?

Geraniums are perennials and therefore they come back every year. But you have to trim them often to maximise their growth.

Can geraniums get too much sun?

Geraniums doesn’t require too much sun. The plant requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight and more its getting indirect sunlight. You can even plant it indoors as they can easily survive in less sunny conditions.

Do geraniums need a lot of water?

Geraniums doesn’t need a lot of water. Always water geraniums when the soil gets dry as overwatering them can rot the roots.

Do geraniums do better in pots or in the ground?

Hanging baskets and containers are the best option to plant geraniums. But if you planting it in open soil in your garden, make sure to protect them from direct sunlight during summer.

Should you water geraniums every day?

Geraniums don’t require everyday watering. Water your geraniums only when the soil drys out, during rainfall you can delay the watering.

Will geraniums bloom in shade?

Geraniums do bloom in shade but it is always advised to keep them is partially shade place where they can get 4-6 hours of sunlight.

How often do you water geraniums?

You can water geraniums once or twice in a week but it also depends on the climate conditions and the weather. The zonal geraniums, blooms in summer, requires more watering than perennial geraniums that bloom in summer.