Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are the undisputed kings of the summer balcony, and for good reason! They bring that classic, vibrant pop of color and sometimes even a lovely scent to your outdoor space. But let’s be real for a second: that explosion of blooms doesn’t just happen by magic. These beauties can be a bit high-maintenance and definitely require some of your time and attention to look their best.
A Variety for Every Vibe
There are geranium varieties for just about every taste, but trailing geraniums are the absolute best for balcony boxes or hanging baskets. Their long, flowing stems can hide a plain wall or a boring railing in no time. You’ve also got a massive palette to work with—whether you want red, pink, white, purple, orange, or even multi-colored blooms, there’s a geranium out there for you.
Finding the Perfect Sunny Spot
If you want your plants to thrive, think “sun, sun, and more sun.” A south-facing balcony is ideal because these guys crave light and warmth. Without enough sun, your geraniums won’t bloom much, if at all. It’s also a huge plus if they’re under a bit of a roof or overhang. Keeping them out of the direct rain helps prevent diseases and keeps pests at bay, as they don’t handle soggy foliage very well.
Geraniums are also great team players! They love sharing a planter with other sun-worshippers like Calibrachoa (Million Bells), petunias, daisies, or Lobelia.
The Right Pot and Soil
A geranium’s home needs to have plenty of drainage holes. I always recommend adding a drainage layer (like gravel or clay pebbles) at the bottom to make sure they never sit in stagnant water. Since balcony boxes don’t hold a ton of soil, the quality of what you use really matters. Go for a specialized geranium potting mix or a high-quality, nutrient-rich soil that drains well.
Wait for the Last Frost
Geraniums are definitely not fans of the cold. Since they can’t handle frost, planting time usually starts in mid-May (around Mother’s Day is a good rule of thumb). If you’re feeling ambitious, you can start them from seed indoors a few weeks early to give them a head start. Of course, picking up established young plants at the nursery is the easiest way to go!
Pro Tip:
If you bring home new plants and notice the buds are drying up, don’t panic! They’re likely just adjusting to the change in temperature and environment. Keep taking good care of them, and they’ll be pushing out new buds before you know it.
Feeding Your Balcony Geraniums
To keep that flower power going from May through September, your plants need a steady supply of nutrients. Look for a fertilizer high in potassium and magnesium. Be careful with too much nitrogen—it’ll give you lots of green leaves but fewer flowers. Use a dedicated geranium food or a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants, and always follow the label. Both over-feeding and under-feeding can stress the plant out.
Mastering the Watering Game
Watering is where most people trip up with geraniums. To keep yours happy, keep these tips in mind:
- Water based on need; the soil should never be dripping wet.
- It’s better to water more often with smaller amounts.
- Water at the base of the plant—try to keep the leaves and flowers dry.
- Let the top layer of soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to “deadhead” (pinch off) faded flowers regularly. This encourages the plant to grow new blooms and prevents the old ones from getting mushy and moldy when it rains.
Overwintering Your Plants
You don’t have to toss them at the end of the season! You can actually overwinter geraniums in their boxes, provided you bring them inside. A bright room kept between 40-50°F (5-10°C) is perfect. If you’re short on space, you can even overwinter them bare-root (without soil).
