How to Keep Geraniums From Getting Scraggly

Remove up to three-fourths of the geraniums' height in spring if you overwintered the plants indoors. Make the pruning cuts above a leaf or leaf bud with sharp shears. Severe pruning in spring forces a fresh flush of new, more compact growth.

Move the geraniums to a spot where they will get six or more hours of daily sun. With too little sun, the plants produce sparse foliage, flower poorly and grow long, weak stems as they search for light. Indoors, a south-facing window that receives all-day sun works well, while outdoor plants may tolerate late afternoon shade with minimal problems.

Water potted geraniums when the top 1 inch of soil begins to dry. Water bedding plants once a week, supplying 1 inch of water or enough to moisten the top 6 inches of soil. Frequent wilting from under-watering and dry soil results in weak, scraggly growth. Don't get the water on the leaves when watering to minimize fungal diseases that can also weaken the plants.

Apply 1 teaspoon of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 1 square foot of bed every four to six weeks after planting. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the plants and water immediately so the nutrients soak into the soil. Regular fertilizer provides the nutrients for healthy foliage growth and flowering, which results in fuller, more compact plants. Check the label on the fertilizer as rates vary by brand.

Pinch off old flower clusters after they begin to wilt to encourage more flower buds. Cut back the plants by up to one-half their height if they becomes leggy or begin flowering poorly in the middle of the season. Pruning can force a new flush of more compact growth.