4. Water Deeply but Smartly to Prevent Rot and Boost Bud Production
Proper watering is key to healthy geraniums. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Ensure that containers have good drainage to prevent root rot.
5. Move Pots Into Prime Sun and Rotate Them for Even Flowering
Geraniums thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If your plants are in pots, make sure they are placed in the sunniest spot in your garden. To ensure even growth and flowering, rotate the pots every week to prevent the plants from leaning towards the light source.
6. Refresh Tired Potting Mix and Upsize Cramped Containers
If your geraniums are in containers, June is a good time to refresh the potting mix. Remove the top layer of soil and replace it with fresh mix to provide new nutrients. If the plants have outgrown their current pots, consider repotting them into larger containers to give the roots more room to grow.
7. Pinch and Prune Leggy Stems Before They Steal Summer Color
Pinching involves removing the tips of new growth to encourage bushier plants. This can be done by using your fingers or scissors to remove the top inch of the stems. Pruning back leggy or excessively long stems will also help maintain the plant’s shape and promote more flower production.
8. Stop Pests and Disease Early Before They Ruin Buds
Regularly inspect your geraniums for signs of pests such as aphids or whiteflies, and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. Also, keep an eye out for fungal diseases like rust or powdery mildew, and remove affected leaves promptly. Maintaining good air circulation around the plants will help prevent disease.
9. Take Cuttings Now to Multiply Your Best Bloomers All Summer
June is an excellent time to take cuttings from your healthiest geraniums to propagate new plants. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut 4- to 6-inch sections of healthy stems just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a mix of peat and perlite. Keep the cuttings moist and in indirect light until they root, usually within a few weeks.
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