How to Plant: Summer Geranium Bedding

Posted by Shannen Godwin on 17th Jun 2021

How to Plant: Summer Geranium Bedding

scarlet red geraniums in a garden

One of the most popular summer bedding plants and one of the easiest to succeed with is Pelargoniums, or more commonly known as tender Geranium plants.

They are tender young plants and are raised from either seeds or cuttings they are fantastic value for money. Their popularity stems from the wonderful range of colours available at relatively low costs, compared to more expensive pot grown varieties

The benefit of incorporating Geraniums into the summer garden is their usability in various areas. We have a range of items to order online now that can be used in pots, tubs, borders, or in trailing baskets and window boxes. Why not get creative and try growing them in unique or unusual places.

We have had many customers send us photos over the years, where they have been growing summer bedding plants in some unique ways such as in wheelbarrows, slippers, wellington boots, old teapots, etc. Get thinking of some other great places and make a statement that few others will be able to boast of.

How to Plant:

  • Your Geranium (Pelargoniums) are despatched by first class post in strong and sturdy packaging to help keep them safe during their travels Immediately upon arrival the plants should be unpacked and allowed to breathe. If the weather is dry, give the plugs a little water on arrival and they will be ready to pot up or plant out within 48 hours.
  • Once ready for potting up we recommend that you use a well-balanced compost mixture, such as John Innes Number 2. It is best to avoid a mixture that is too peaty as this often means the soil can become crusty/dry and thus will repel water.
  • Make sure the soil is well watered and make a hole deep enough to firmly hold the root ball of the Geranium. Make sure during the late spring and early summer that the plants are kept watered (but take care not to over-water) and if growing in pots, make sure that the pots allow for good drainage. It often can help to raise the pots off ground level to maximise drainage.
  • Plant in areas with as much light as possible to assist with healthy flower development. Once buds begin to appear you can consider applying a liquid feed once a week, such as a high potash feed. This should help to encourage more colourful flowers.
  • It is beneficial during the summer months to deadhead the plants to help encourage and improve growth. Remove dead flowers heads to allow for new growth to push through and to keep looking tidy and healthy

Shop our full range of Geranium plants online.