Winter is coming, and within a few weeks, with the right care, your home garden can turn vibrant. Aparajita, dahlia, and marigold all bloom beautifully in this season. But there is one flower which can enhance this beauty even more: geranium. To grow it well, the preparation needs to begin now. How do you grow healthy geranium plants? What kind of soil does it require? Here’s everything in detail.
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Where to keep the plant?
The first step involves choosing the right spot. Geraniums need plenty of sunlight to grow well. Keep the pot in a place with good air circulation, at least 4–6 hours of direct sun every day. A balcony, rooftop, or a south-facing window where winter sun reaches is ideal.
If the temperature in your area drops too much at night, move the pot indoors. Anything lower than 12°C harms the plant.
Choosing the right pot
An 8–10-inch pot is ideal for planting a new sapling. Plastic, ceramic, or clay-any pot works; however, geraniums usually grow better in clay pots as they balance moisture well. Keep in mind that the pot should contain a drainage hole; otherwise, the roots may rot due to waterlogging. Put a layer of small stones or brick pieces at the base to avoid waterlogging.
Soil mix preparation
Geraniums need light, airy soil that is well-drained. Mix the soil in the following proportion:
40% garden soil
30% sand
20% cow dung compost
10% cocopeat
You can add a spoonful of neem cake powder or bone meal to strengthen the roots and reduce pest problems.
Selecting healthy saplings
Acquire fresh, green, wholesome saplings from a nursery. Avoid weak or very lengthy ones. You can also grow new plants from cuttings. Take a 4–5-inch-long stem, remove the lower leaves, leave it aside for 30 minutes and then plant it directly in the soil.
How to plant?
Fill the pot with soil and make a small hole in the middle. Don't plant the sapling too deep, just to cover the roots. Press the soil around the stem so it stands firmly. Water it lightly after planting.
Waterways
The greatest enemy of geraniums is excess water. Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry. In winter, it suffices to water once every 3–4 days. Avoid watering leaves; water only the soil, and that, too, in a moderate quantity.
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Fertilising
Start fertilising 15 days after planting. You can use liquid organic fertilizer-compost tea, or vermi-liquid every 15 days. During the flowering period, use NPK 5-10-10 or NPK 10-20-20 once a month for better blooms. Though pests are less common in this plant, aphids may appear. Spray neem oil once a week — mix 5–6 drops of neem oil in 1 litre of water.
Sunlight and airflow
It needs regular sunlight. If the plant doesn't get sun, it develops more leaves and fewer flowers. Keep it in a place with light airflow but protected from harsh, cold wind. Trim the top of the plant when it grows too tall. Take out dry or yellow leaves. After the flowers fade, cut off the flower stalk so that new buds develop faster.
