Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/12/2006

Question
Greetings from Utah-  Hi, I overwintered tons of geraniums, just knocked the dirt off, cut 'em back and filled up a couple lawn-n-leaf bags!  You'd be amazed at how many people are content to write 'em off come October...  I have 50-ish plants that made it, about half of what I started with(some in bloom when I took 'em out!!!) and i've heard that the second year plants don't flower as prolificaly...  I've already started cuttings (in case...) and I'm wondering if there are any steps to take that will improve the flowering on the "parent" plants?  Thanx , Benjamin
p.s.  I love your motto, about killing a few plants before your a gardener!  How do you feel about parenting?!?  LOL!  

Answer
Benjamin,
Fortunately, you can kill off plants without Child Protective Services getting involved...Plant Protective Services?? :)

To help the "parent plants" be more productive, cut them way back (sounds like you have already) pinch the growing tips once they have three leaves, and feed with a fertilizer that has slightly higher nitrogen.  Turns out that higher nitrogen encourages both more growth and more flowers - many fertilizer companies are in the process of changing their formulas for annuals accordingly.  Osmocote Indoor/Outdoor and Proven Winners Fertilizer already have the higher nitrogen.  

Sounds like you'll be in Geranium Heaven this summer!
all the best,
C.L.
www.gardenlady.com