Annual Planting of Geraniums

Planting Geranium Seeds

• Start geranium seeds in mid to late January in order to have spring blooms, as geraniums flower about 12 to 16 weeks after the seeds are planted. Start the seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in a sterile container filled with moistened commercial potting soil. Cover the seeds with about 1/8 inch of potting soil. Water the soil lightly after planting, then cover the container with clear plastic. Place the container in moderately bright light, in a room where temperatures will be maintained at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination of annual geraniums can occur in five days, or may take up to a month.

Transplanting Seedlings

• Transplant each geranium seedling into an individual container filled with moist potting soil when the seedlings have their first set of true leaves. True leaves are the set of leaves that appear after the initial seed leaves. Handle the seedlings carefully, as the stems break easily.

Seedling Care

• Place the containers under fluorescent lights, with the lights on for 12 to 16 hours per day. Room temperature should remain at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but nighttime temperatures should be approximately10 degrees cooler. When the seedlings begin to grow, pinch the tips of the plants to encourage the plants to branch out. Keep the potting soil slightly moist. Geranium seedlings benefit from a light feeding every week. Use a water-soluble fertilizer, but dilute the solution to one-quarter of the recommended strength.

Moving Outdoors

• Prepare your geranium seedlings for planting outdoors when you're sure all danger of frost has passed. Gradually harden the plants beginning seven to 10 days before moving your geraniums outdoors. To harden the geranium seedlings, place the seedlings outdoors in a shady, protected spot. Move the plants into sunlight for a longer period each day, until the seedlings are acclimated to full-day sunlight.

Planting Outdoors

• Plant your geraniums outdoors in a sunny spot and well-drained soil. If you prefer to plant bedding plants instead of planting your annual geraniums by seed, the planting process is the same at this point. Use a trowel to dig a small hole for each seedling or bedding plant, then place the geranium in the hole at the same level it was located in its pot or bedding container. Pat soil firmly around the roots, then water lightly. Keep the soil moist until the plants are established. Continue to feed the geraniums a balanced fertilizer applied according to the directions on the package.