Geraniums are go-to favorites for gardeners and plant lovers who want color without effort. Light is definitely an important factor in growing flowering geraniums, but do geraniums need full sun?
How Much Sunlight Does a Geranium Need?
Geraniums, in general, prefer to stay in an environment where there’s direct sunlight. Most of the time, your geranium plant will be happy getting anywhere between 6 to 10 hours of sun each day. However, the exact light requirement will depend on the variety of the geranium you’re growing.
Most annual types tend to prefer a spot in your garden that gets full sun, while perennial varieties may like an area that gets partial shade. You can’t go wrong with exposing them to around 4 to 6 hours of sunlight, whether sitting on a sunny window or out in your yard. It’s worth noting that a 90-degree or higher temperature will be to hot for geraniums.
There are several things to keep in mind when thinking about where to put your geranium plants. First, if you want plenty of colorful blooms then you should put your geraniums in full sun. Second, you should provide the right amount of water in order to support robust growth.
Can I Plant Geraniums in Shade?
You can plant geraniums in the shade provided that they’re the right species. Annual varieties that grow in the shade won’t flower as much, while some, like the geranium macrorrhizum and the geranium phaeum, will still do well in shady areas.
Keep in mind that geraniums are versatile enough to be planted in pots or containers. That said, you can take a look inside and outside your property for ideal spots for geraniums, then purchase the appropriate type for the best results.
If you’re lucky enough to have a space in your yard or garden that gets full sun or a south-facing window, then by all means get a geranium with the flower you like.
One way to gauge if your geraniums are getting enough sun is when the plants are producing flowers on a regular basis. If you see lots and lots of leaves but only one or two flowers, then chances are that it can benefit from more sun.
You should provide enough water to support growth and flower formation. On hot days and when your geraniums are getting upwards of six hours of sun, you should water more frequently. Keep the soil slightly moist and water deeply to encourage the roots to grow.
How to Care for Geraniums
Geraniums are easy to grow, and it doesn’t take much for the plant to produce a lot of colorful blooms. Along with the full sun requirement, geraniums do best in well-drained and fertile soil, regular watering, and timely feeding during the growing season.
To preserve moisture you can add a layer of mulch. Deadheading is not a strict requirement, but you can remove spent blooms using a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears to encourage more flower buds. The versatile flowering species does very well in hanging baskets, containers, and as a ground cover.