When we think of geraniums, one thing comes to mind: a massive explosion of color! But what do these beauties want from us in return? It’s all about the location. If you give them the perfect spot, they’ll keep your balcony glowing for months. Don’t settle for “good enough”—here’s exactly what they’re looking for.
Creating a Home Away from Home
A lot of folks think geraniums (botanically known as *Pelargoniums*) are native to our neck of the woods. But if you’ve ever been lucky enough to visit the coast near Cape Town, South Africa, you know that’s not the case. There are over 250 wild species growing there naturally. In that hot, dry African climate, they don’t need anyone to plant them, pamper them, or move them inside for the winter. Our job is to recreate that sunny environment as best we can, though in most parts of the U.S., we can only pull that off for about half the year.
Soak Up the Sun for Maximum Blooms
Whether you’re growing upright geraniums, trailing varieties, or scented geraniums, they all share a common love: heat and sunshine. The more sun they get, the more buds they’ll produce and the longer their blooming season will last. And don’t worry—their fleshy leaves and delicate petals are tougher than they look; they won’t dry out easily or lose their vibrant color in the heat.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planting them in balcony boxes or directly in your garden beds. These “golden rules” for their location always apply:
- A south-facing spot is the gold standard.
- Full sun is a must (except for Regal geraniums, which prefer a little break from the midday heat).
- Make sure other plants aren’t casting shade on them.
- A little airflow is great for keeping them healthy.
- Avoid super windy spots where those brittle stems might snap.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planting in a garden bed, make sure the soil is loose and packed with nutrients. For container plants, don’t skimp on the dirt! Even though they don’t need much space, they definitely need high-quality potting mix to thrive.
Keep ‘Em Dry with a Little Cover
Geraniums can be a bit “dramatic” when it comes to getting wet. While we can control our watering (always aim for the soil, not the leaves!), we can’t control a summer downpour. If it’s a particularly rainy summer, your plants might struggle. If the petals can’t dry out quickly, they get mushy, stick together, and start to rot. Plus, constant dampness is an open invitation for diseases and pests. The perfect spot is sunny but ideally has some overhead protection from the rain.
Pro Tip:
You can find specialized plant covers or small awnings at hardware stores or online that attach right to your balcony railing or window boxes to keep the worst of the rain off your blooms.
The Big Move in Late Fall
In most U.S. growing zones, geraniums can’t stay outside for the winter because they have zero tolerance for frost. You’ll need to move them indoors before the temperature consistently drops below 40°F (5°C). If you’re overwintering them in their containers, find a bright spot inside that stays between 40-50°F. If you prefer overwintering them bare-root (without soil), a cool, dark basement or garage is actually a better bet.
