Summer Geranium Care: Your Guide to Hot-Weather Watering, Fertilizing, and Pot Selection

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 Geraniums are a favorite for summer gardens, but they can struggle when temperatures soar. In the heat, their needs for water, nutrients, and even their pots change. Understanding these shifts is the key to keeping your plants healthy, vibrant, and full of blooms all season long.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to care for your geraniums in a hot climate, so you can enjoy their beauty all summer long.

Watering: The Most Critical Step

In hot weather, proper watering is the single most important factor for a healthy geranium. The goal is to provide enough water to keep the plant from wilting but not so much that you cause root rot.

  • Check First: Never water on a schedule. Check the soil first by sticking your finger about 2 inches deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
  • Water Deeply: When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly until you see water running out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball is hydrated.
  • Water Early: The best time to water is in the early morning. This gives the plant time to absorb the water before the heat of the day and prevents the water from evaporating too quickly.

Fertilizing: Less is More in the Heat

Geraniums are heavy feeders, but extreme heat can put them under stress. Too much fertilizer can actually burn the roots and cause damage.

  • Reduce Frequency: Cut back your usual fertilization schedule to half-strength or less. You can also fertilize every 4-6 weeks instead of every 2-4 weeks.
  • The Right Formula: Use a balanced, liquid fertilizer. A product with an NPK ratio of something like 10-10-10 works well. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
Geranium

Geranium

Pot Selection: Keep It Cool

The pot you choose can either protect your geranium’s roots from heat or cook them.

  • Pot Material: Terracotta pots are excellent in hot climates because their porous nature allows excess moisture to evaporate, keeping the soil cooler. In contrast, plastic pots hold more heat and can stress the roots.
  • Color Matters: A light-colored pot will reflect sunlight and stay cooler than a dark-colored pot, which absorbs heat.
  • Go Big: Choose a large pot. A larger volume of soil will retain moisture better and stay cooler than the soil in a small pot.

By adjusting your care routine and choosing the right pot, you can ensure your geraniums not only survive the summer heat but continue to put on a spectacular show.

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