How to Grow Geranium
Annual
The garden geranium (Pelargonium) is one of the most popular flowering plants for American yards, prized for its bold clusters of red, pink, salmon, white, or purple blooms held above rounded, often patterned leaves. Though technically a tender perennial, it is grown as a warm-season annual across most of the United States because it cannot survive frost. Home gardeners love it for its long bloom season, heat tolerance, and reliable color in beds, borders, and containers.
Planting
Set out transplants after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, usually in mid to late spring depending on your region. Choose a spot with full sun, or light afternoon shade in the hottest climates, and plant in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Space plants about 8 to 12 inches apart to allow good air circulation, and plant them at the same depth they were growing in their pots. Gardeners in cool regions can start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last expected frost, since geraniums are slow to reach blooming size.
Care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, giving a deep soaking rather than frequent light sprinkles, and let the soil dry slightly between waterings to avoid root problems. Feed lightly and regularly through the growing season with a balanced product labeled for flowering plants, following the directions on the package. Pinch or snap off spent flower clusters at the base to encourage continuous bloom, and remove yellowing leaves to keep plants tidy and healthy. In fall, you can lift plants and overwinter them indoors in a bright, cool spot before frost kills them outdoors.
Bloom time
Geraniums bloom from late spring through the first hard frost of fall, giving several months of nearly continuous color. Regular deadheading keeps the flowers coming throughout the season.
Garden uses
Geraniums shine in containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets, and they also work well as bedding plants along borders and walkways. Their steady color and upright habit make them a dependable choice for mass plantings and mixed seasonal displays.
Tips
Pinch young plants early to encourage bushier, fuller growth and more flowering stems. Avoid overhead watering and overly wet soil, since geraniums are prone to rot and leaf spotting when kept too soggy. Give containers a spot with good drainage and morning sun, and move plants to a sheltered location if an unexpected late frost threatens.
General guidance for US gardens. Timing and hardiness vary by region; check your local frost dates and hardiness zone. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.