If something is not taken care of properly, it will not grow as much as it should, same goes with geraniums too. If we do not give proper care to our geraniums it will not boom faster.
Common reasons for geraniums not blooming are not proper exposure to sunlight, use of too much fertilizer and bad quality of soils used for its cultivation. Geraniums thrive in the sun, with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day is required. If filtered light is available for a longer period, that would be an even better option!
If every component is given in proper ratio, it will boom like anything and you would be amazed to see your lovely geraniums.
Let us discuss in brief about the problems and solutions of geraniums growth.
Why Are My Geraniums Not Flowering?
A large majority, around 80%, of the 250+ Pelargonium species (Geraniaceae) can be found in South Africa with an abundance of them being located within the winter rainfall area situated at South-Western Cape.
We often wonder that even after putting so much effort our geraniums are not growing in the way it should actually grow.
Here we are going to point out various factors for its slow and steady or even stopped growth.
Not Getting Enough Direct Light:
For Healthy growth and long life of any plant, Sunlight is the most important factor. Geranium also needs the same thing. If they get proper exposure to sunlight, they will boom faster.
They need at least 4-6 hours of proper exposure to sunlight. Morning Sun till afternoon sun works like nectar.
Any kind of shadow (full or partial) for geraniums restricts them to flower. It acts as an enemy for the growth of geranium flower as it will not let the plant perform photosynthesis properly.
Thus we can say:
- 4 – 6 hours of direct sunlight is a must for geraniums.
- Should not be grown in shades.
- Inadequate sunlight will prevent the geraniums blooming.
Thus geraniums should be grown in an area where they can get adequate sunlight.
Use of Excess Fertilizer:
We all know that overuse of anything is harmful. Like other plants Geraniums also need fertilizer but overuse of fertilizers can become a problem for them.
At the beginning over fertilized geraniums are presumed to be healthy as they will produce more leaves but they end up blooming less flowers.
They should be fertilized once every 2 weeks. Less nitrogen contained fertilizers are good for them as nitrogen will weaken the stem of geraniums. One of the suggested fertilizers are A 15-15-15 fertilizer as they contain less fertilizer.
Inappropriate Climate:
Geraniums do not like cooler climates as they can’t grow properly and may die in cooler climates. They grow and bloom in warmer climates. Cool Spring weather is not favorable for their growth.
Best temperature for their blooming is 18 degree celsius. They are not even able to bear the falling temperatures at night.
Thus it is advisable to grow indoor and potted geraniums where they can be protected from cool temperatures. It will also help them flowering at a good pace.
Poor Soil Conditions:
Soil is one of the most important factors for geranium growth like other plants. The plant’s best source of nutrients is soil. If geraniums are grown in good quality soil it can bloom easily.
But we should always be conscious about the well draining soil as it will help to maintain moisture level of soil. Over moist soil will reduce the geraniums capacity to flower and can be the reason for its death.
Excess watering will also prevent the geraniums from blooming. It will cause many diseases like fungal issues, shading of leaves, transforming the leaves to yellow or red color. This will help you to bloom geraniums beautifully.
How To Get Your Geraniums to Flower?
Like other plants geraniums also require a good environment to grow. If good growth is maintained they automatically bool amazingly.
Firstly we need to identify the condition which is not favorable for them in which they have been grown. Let us say for an example they are already grown in cooler climates.
Make sure to give them a warmer environment and direct exposure to sunlight. They should be taken special care of at night as temperature falls at night.
Do your best to make the situation favorable for them and they will definitely bloom like anything.
Increase Sun Exposure:
Geranium grows in warmer climates. They need at least 4 – 6 hours of direct sunlight. They should not be kept in shade rather they should be kept in a sunny spot.
If geraniums are grown in a pot, make sure to keep them at a place or window where they are facing direct sunlight.
Where there is no facility of sunlight, artificial lights can be arranged. Obviously it is not a substitute for sunlight but somehow it can make up for the need of sunlight in cloudy weather.
LED grow lights can be used to fulfill the need of sunlight when the sun hides in the clouds.
Reduce Fertilizer Use:
You should use fertilizers once every 2 weeks, the balanced fertilizing helps to boost the blooming of flowers.
Excessive use of fertilizers produces more leaves and can lead to less blooming of flowers.
Make sure to use less nitrogen-containing fertilizers which are specially made for geraniums. Nitrogen containing fertilizers damage the geraniums in a blink of an eye.
A 15-15-15 is recommended to use as it contains a balanced nitrogen level in it. (1)
Warm Up Your Geraniums:
Geraniums love to grow in warm climates. They cannot put up with cold temperatures. They cannot resist the temperature below 18 degrees during the day and below 7 degrees at night.
If you are already living in a cold climate and love geranium it is recommended to grow indoors or in a greenhouse where the temperature can be maintained and saved from cold weather.
If geraniums are grown in warm weather, they bloom beautifully and beyond limits.
Replant in Better Soil:
If you have already tried everything and still your geraniums are not blooming then there is a possibility of having soil problems.
Soil is a good nutrient for geraniums like any other plant. Lack of it may cause many diseases for the plant like fungal issues or even decomposition. Thus good quality soil should be used for the cultivation of geraniums.
You can also choose to change the pot with better soil quality which enhances the growth and also boosts the blooming power of geraniums.
Moist level of soil should be checked before watering. It should be only watered when the upper layer of soil is dry up to half an inch. Apart from everything, a proper drainage system for the soil is a must as geraniums do not bear excess water.
If geraniums are grown in pots, make sure to make a proper drainage holes in the bottom of the pots so that water drains out completely.
These small and easy tips definitely help bloom the geraniums flowers and these beautiful and aromatic flowers mesmerize us like heaven.
Do Geraniums Flower Every Year?
Geraniums are known as annual plants but in some parts of the world they are grown as enduring plants and flowers once in every year.
Their long life can be maintained if grown and taken care of properly. Life of Hardy Geraniums is 40 years if they are maintained properly and kept safe from diseases and pets.
How Can You Help Geraniums To Bloom?
If geraniums are kept in good condition and taken care of properly they bloom enormously. Below are some tips and tricks, if followed correctly, they will definitely help the geraniums to bloom.
- Proper exposure to sunlight for at least 4-6 hours.
- Proper and balanced utilization of fertilizers, preferably nitrogen free fertilizers. They should only be used once every 2 weeks.
- Minimum favorable temperature during the day is 18 degree celsius and 7 degree celsius at night as they cannot bear cold temperatures. They love to be in a warm climate.
- Good quality and well drained soil is good for blooming. If loos soil is sprinkled it works as a miracle.
- Try to identify the unfavorable condition which your geranium is facing and find the best possible way to reverse them.
Why is my hardy geranium not flowering?
Hardy geraniums, or cranesbills, are generally low-maintenance and easy to grow. If a hardy geranium is not flowering, however, it could be due to several potential causes.
The most common cause of non-flowering in hardy geraniums is lack of sunlight. Hardy geraniums require full sun to part shade for optimal flowering. If the plant is planted in a spot that does not get enough sunlight, it may struggle to bloom.
If the plant is getting adequate sunlight, the soil type and fertility could be an issue. Hardy geraniums prefer light, well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Too much moisture or poorly draining soil can suffocate the roots, preventing flowering. If the soil is too low in nutrients, it can affect blossom production.
Some hardy geraniums require pruning to encourage flowering. If a plant has not been pruned regularly, it may become overgrown and may not flower. Pruning can help the plant to focus its energy on producing blooms rather than foliage.
How do I get more flowers on my hardy geraniums?
The best way to get more flowers on hardy geraniums is to provide them with a sunny area and well-drained soil.
Make sure the soil stays consistently moist, but not soggy.
With regular dead heading (removing spent flowers) of your plants, this will encourage new blooms and remove old ones, leading to more flowers.
Fertilize your geraniums once a month during the active growing season (spring through fall) with an all-purpose fertilizer to keep them healthy and provide plenty of blooms.
To maximize flowering, it’s also important to pinch back any tall or gangly stems periodically throughout the year.
Should I cut back hardy geranium?
You should cut back hardy geraniums to promote new growth and can be done by cutting off dead or dying stems, as well as pruning any leggy stems.
Pruning is best done in early spring before new growth begins and will help to keep the plant looking neat and encourage more blooms throughout the season.
Make sure to use sharp pruning shears and remove only the affected stems or branches. This will help to ensure that your geraniums remain healthy for years to come.
It is also important to note that geraniums should be deadheaded regularly throughout the growing season in order to promote new blooms and keep the plant looking tidy.
Deadheading simply involves snipping off spent flowers and can be done as needed. This will help to keep the plant looking its best and encourage more flowering geraniums throughout the season.
Summary – Geraniums Not Blooming
Geraniums bloom enormously if they get a minimum 4-6 hours of sunlight, balanced fertilizer and good quality soil with proper drainage system is used. In this way elegant, ravishing and pretty geranium flowers can be bloomed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miracle Gro good for geraniums?
Miracle Gro is an all-purpose fertilizer that will provide your plants with the necessary nutrients to promote healthy growth and bloom.
When using Miracle Gro, be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully to ensure proper amounts are applied.
Depending on the type of garden soil Miracle Gro may be sufficient to meet the needs of your geraniums.
However, if your soil is lacking in nitrogen or other essential nutrients, you may need to supplement with a specially formulated fertilizer for geraniums.
Will Epsom salt help geraniums bloom?
Epsom salt provides essential nutrients such as sulfur and magnesium which are important for plant growth and flower production.
By adding Epsom salt to the soil around your geraniums, you will be providing them with the necessary nutrients they need in order to produce beautiful blooms.
The sulfur in Epsom salt helps to reduce soil acidity, allowing the geraniums to absorb more nutrients.
To get the best results, water your plants with a solution of 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
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