Midsummer Geranium Care

Watering

• Geraniums don't tolerate drought conditions, especially during the hot days of midsummer. Water them frequently, especially if they are in pots, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water again when the soil is dry 1 inch below the surface. Yellowed leaves are a sign of overwatering, while brown, crisp leaves signal a lack of water. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering to minimize diseases and apply a mulch to the soil if you didn't do so in the spring. Mulches will keep the soil cool and preserve moisture. Geraniums need at least four hours of sunlight daily; if the weather is very hot, move potted geraniums to a shaded location in the afternoon.

Fertilizing

• Geraniums produce large, prolific blooms and need frequent feedings to keep them healthy. Fertilize geraniums midsummer with a high nitrogen, water soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-20-10 formula. Fertilize geraniums in flower beds every four to six weeks; fertilize plants in containers and baskets every two to four weeks because nutrients leach out of containers more quickly than they do the soil.

Pinching

• Geraniums tend to get leggy midsummer if not pruned regularly. Pinch back leaves and stems that seem gangly to encourage compact, full growth. Remove any faded flowers, as well, to keep the blooms coming. Discard pruned plant materials in the trash or compost bin to reduce the chance of disease.

Disease

• Geraniums are fairly trouble free, but may contract fungal diseases in cool, humid weather. Bacterial leaf blight is characterized by blemished leaves and rotted roots, while oedema causes fibrous spots on the leaves. Take extra precautions if the weather is humid or rainy during midsummer. Reduce watering and don't get the leaves wet. Set the plants in a sunny location with good air circulation and remove any diseased plant material.