Geraniums - Perennial Or Annual

Geraniums are tough, hardy flowers that bloom from spring through fall, making them easy to cultivate from seed or purchase as bedding plants at garden centers. Their easy cultivation makes transplantation from garden beds to pots or containers simple and perennial geraniums can even self-sow! For optimal performance it is advised that pruning take place either late winter/early spring before new growth appears; to encourage new growth and flower production it should also be fertilised right after pruning for best results.

Annual geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) require full sun and well-drained soil in order to thrive, generally planted from spring through fall in the ground but some varieties can also be grown as container plants for year-round color on sunny windowsills or patios. Some even tolerate freezing temperatures making them perfect for climates with short growing seasons and short growing seasons.

Perennial geraniums (Pelargonium hybrids) can be grown both indoors and out in full sun or partial shade conditions, though most prefer full sunlight for optimal growth. One exception is the ivy geranium which prefers light shade in northernwestern United States regions. Geraniums can be propagated via seeds, root stem cuttings in water or by dividing an established clump and replanting it; their cultivation tends to be relatively carefree as few pests bother these perennial perennials when grown this way! Geraniums among perennials as they require only periodic fertilization services or pesticide treatments from time-to-time!

Geraniums boast blooms ranging from pale pinks, lavenders and whites to intense purple-pink, maroon or blue hues with dark or light contrasting centers and veining. Their flowers generally bloom for two to four weeks at different heights from 6 inches up to 36 inches tall and come with lemon scent, orange aroma, peppermint fragrance, pineapple scent or rose nutmeg fragranced leaves.

As part of their growing season care regimen, it's advisable to mulch around geraniums. Mulching helps maintain soil moisture levels, suppresses weeds and provide essential additional nutrients for their plants. A 2- to 3-inch layer of Scotts(r) bagged mulch, shredded leaves or pine straw should do just the trick; thereafter a monthly dose of Miracle-Gro(r) Shake 'N Feed(r) Ultra Bloom(r) Plant Food will give geraniums the boost they need for beautiful blooming results.

Geraniums may be susceptible to insects like aphids, spider mites, tobacco budworms and whiteflies. You should inspect plants regularly for damaged buds and petals that have tattered, spray with neem oil or spinosad to combat pests, keep an eye out for leaf spots caused by hot, dry weather as well as signs of dehydration caused by heat such as edema on underside of leaves - this condition may indicate dehydration that requires quick or more frequent watering as soon as possible - while generally speaking geraniums tend to resist damage compared with other plants but you should monitor and treat problems quickly if any arise.