Expert: C.L. Fornari - 6/15/2004

Question
I have 2 Pink Geraniums in planters outside on my back porch. I also have 2 Red ones in the same size pot, that are doing very well, still blooming as of now. My question is, the pink ones seem to be not blooming as well, in fact there are only 3 blooms left, then there will be nothing but green leaves. Am I doing something wrong? I grew pink ones the same time last year, that did incredible, and very big, but these ones just don't seem to be quite as well. Any tips or suggestions?

Thank you,

Kelly
Napa, CA

Answer
Kelly,
For good blooming with Geraniums, they need the following:
1. they like to be root bound, so if you recently put them in larger pots they might grow roots for awhile before they start blossoming again.
2. Be sure to deadhead (cut off the old blooms) to stimulate the plant to make new ones.
3. Use a fertilizer with a higher amount of nitrogen.  A 10=10=10 or similar is good.  Osmocote Plus has the right ratios as does the Proven Winners time release.  Although the middle number, phosphate, encourages blooming, annuals bloom more with a higher nitrogen level.  Stay away from so called "blossom booster" fertilizers with a very high middle number - they don't work well for annuals.

I hope this helps!
C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com