Spring Geranium Care: The Best Time for Repotting, Fertilizing, and Propagation

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After a long winter, your geraniums are ready for a fresh start. Spring is the most important season for their care, as a little effort now will lead to a summer full of beautiful blooms. This is the ideal time for three key tasks: repotting, fertilizing, and propagating.

This guide will show you how to give your geraniums the perfect spring tune-up so they can thrive all season long.

Repotting: A Fresh Start for Strong Roots

As your geraniums emerge from winter dormancy, their roots are ready to grow. Repotting in spring gives them the space and nutrients they need for a healthy season.

  • Timing: The best time to repot is in early spring, before new growth fully takes off.
  • Why Repot? Your plant may be “root-bound,” meaning its roots have outgrown the current pot. Signs of this include roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant drying out very quickly.
  • How to Repot: Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches wider than the old one. This gives the roots room to expand without overwhelming the plant with too much soil, which can hold excess moisture. Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix.

Fertilizing: Fuel for Blooms

Geraniums are heavy feeders, and they need a nutrient boost in the spring to support new growth and flower production.

  • Timing: Begin a regular feeding schedule once you see new, active growth on the plant.
  • What to Use: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or one formulated for flowering plants.
  • How to Apply: Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer.
Geranium

Geranium

Propagation: From One Plant to Many

Spring is the perfect time to propagate new geraniums from cuttings. You can use the stems you’ve pruned from your plant, ensuring you don’t waste any healthy material.

  • Timing: Take cuttings in late spring, when new growth is firm but not woody.
  • How to Take a Cutting: Select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves.
  • How to Root: Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with a well-draining rooting mix (like a mix of perlite and sand). Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and be ready to grow into a new plant.

By focusing on these three essential tasks, you’ll set your geraniums up for a spectacular season of healthy growth and vibrant blooms. 

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