How big do zonal geraniums get?
A form of zonal geranium, variegated types have an upright form and can grow 2 to 3 feet tall. These plants look great even when they are not in bloom. Most have bi-colored or tri-colored leaves. Geraniums (Pelargonium hybrids) are typically grown as annuals, except in climates that are mild enough to allow them to bloom outdoors all year round as perennial plants in zones 10-11. If left outdoors after the first hard frost of the season, they will die.Choose the right spot in your garden Geraniums prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. Try to plant in a spot that gets around six hours of sun throughout the day. Geraniums look great in borders mixed with other bedding plants as well as in baskets, containers or pots.Hardy geraniums also need adequate sun exposure, moist, well-draining soil, and a light shearing. These perennials flower best in full sun, at least 4-6 hours a day. Your plant may not bloom at all in soggy, waterlogged soil.They are grown as houseplants the world over, as garden annuals in U. S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 8, and as perennials in zones 9 through 11. A common geranium can live for 40 years or longer if it is cared for properly.How to grow: Zonal geraniums benefit from full sun and moderate to rich, well-drained, moist soil. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Plant after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm. Space them 12 inches apart.
What are some companion plants for zonal geraniums?
Best Companion Plants For Geranium in Containers Grow geraniums with trailing, or spilling plants, such as bacopa, calibrachoa, petunias, alyssum, and lobelia for a full, vibrant look in planters. Geraniums can be planted as a focal point for hanging baskets, with trailing annuals spilling over the edge. The recommendation for constant feed fertilizing of geraniums is generally 200 to 250 ppm of nitrogen. Experience suggests nutrient problems are minimized when a constant fertilizer program is used. Fertilizer types: 15-15-15 (Geranium Special), 15-16-17 Peat-lite, and 20-10-20 Peat-lite.Geraniums in containers generally need more fertilizer than those that are cultivated in garden beds, as the plants use up the nutrients in the potting soil quicker. A balanced 15-15-15 fertilizer works well for container-grown geraniums.However, geranium seedlings are slow growing. Geranium seeds should be sown in early to mid-February to produce flowering plants for spring. Flowering occurs approximately 13 to 15 weeks after sowing.Geraniums grow best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. Remove old flowers to keep new ones coming. Geraniums prefer well-drained soils. Work a three- to four-inch layer of organic matter such as compost or peat moss into the soil when planting.Zonal Geranium prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants. Zonal Geranium requires abundant, bright and direct light.
Do zonal geraniums like sun or shade?
Here’s how to keep your Zonal Geraniums thriving: Light Requirements: These geraniums thrive in full sun to partial shade. While they love plenty of sunlight, they can also tolerate some shade, making them versatile for various garden spots. During winter, geraniums grow best with night temperatures of 50° to 60°F (10° to 16°C) but will survive if they drop to 32°F (0°C) and/or rise above 80°F (27°C), as long as they are kept relatively dry.Fertiliser: Geraniums don’t like nutrient deficiencies Geraniums are hungry eaters and need a good helping of nutrients to grow vigorously and bloom profusely. If there is a shortage, their metabolism will slow down and these appreciative summer flowers will not develop to their full potential.To bloom abundantly and continuously, geraniums need watering regularly. Use your finger to find out whether you need to give them a drink. If the soil feels dry and warm to a depth of 2cm, your plants need more water.Geraniums prefer full sun, but they can also tolerate partial shade. Try to plant in a spot that gets around six hours of sun throughout the day. Geraniums look great in borders mixed with other bedding plants as well as in baskets, containers or pots.Annual geraniums will not survive winter freezes and can either be discarded at the end of the growing season or overwintered indoors or inside a greenhouse. To overwinter them, dig up the plant in the fall and cut back the stems by about one-half.
What is the difference between zonal geraniums and regular geraniums?
Zonal geraniums are propagated by cuttings while seed geraniums are through seeds. Zonal geraniums are genetically advanced plants, propagated with the goal of producing sturdy, stronger zoned leaves and shatter-resistant flowers. Zonal geraniums are faster to grow and flower faster than the seed geraniums. How to grow: Zonal geraniums benefit from full sun and moderate to rich, well-drained, moist soil. Incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time. Plant after all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm. Space them 12 inches apart.Most grow about a foot tall and wide. They are a great option for a mass planting. Plants labeled zonal geraniums can have flower heads up to 6 inches across and, unlike seed geraniums, often have double flowers. But, they usually don’t have as many flowers as the seed varieties.
What is the lifespan of a zonal geranium?
Annual Geraniums, also known as Zonal Geraniums, are not as hardy and typically have a shorter lifespan. They are grown as annuals, which means they will complete their life cycle in one year. These plants will die with the first frost and will not come back the following spring. Geraniums begin to bloom in late spring and continue to provide colorful blossoms until the first frost. The production of a geranium plant can be increased by amending the soil with an application of magnesium sulfate, such as the kind found in Epsom salt.Bloom Period: Zonal geraniums start blooming in mid-spring and will repeat bloom until frost. Deadheading the entire flower stalk after the flower fades will encourage more blooms.Shape the Plant by Pruning After a perennial geranium has spent the season in bloom and begins to die back, you’ll want to prune it. This keeps the plant dormant for the winter and also helps it store energy for spring. Depending on your zone, this might need to happen anywhere from August to late October.You can take geranium cuttings at any time of year, but you’ll probably have more success in summer, when there’s plenty of light and warmth. If taking cuttings at other times of year it’s a good idea to use a heated propagator and grow lamp to increase your chances of success.Geranium growing as houseplants will also benefit from a spring trim. Pruning plants back to 4-6 inches will encourage thicker more compact growth. Fertilize these plants once the new growth begins. Your plants will be full and ready to bloom in time for the growing season.