Geraniums

[Sandorn]

I have hanging baskets of geraniums on my car port. Their growing beautiful green leaves. Not many blooms. How can I force more blooms?
The ones that are popping out are a gorgeous red.
Since their up in the air, should I water them every 3 days, instead of once a week?
We're in FL.

Thanks so much guys!

[Newt]

Hi Sandorn,

There are many different types of Geraniums. I'm thinking that what you are growing in pots are not the hardy true Geraniums, but Pelargoniums, often called scented geraniums. These are frost tender and popular in pots. There are different types of Pelargoniums. This grouping includes the traditional zonal (cutting) geraniums as well as Ivy, Scented, Seed and Regals (a.k.a. Martha Washington). Zonal, Scented, Seed and Ivy geraniums are the most likely to winter successfully indoors. But Regal (Martha Washington) geraniums need special attention both during the growing season and during the winter. Regal geraniums need cool temperatures in order to bloom profusely. Winter them in the house in a cool 50° to 60° room that has a south or west window.

You don't say if you overwintered them or purchased them recently. Generally they prefer less water rather then more, so watering more often might only make them rot. They take some time to recover from their winter dormancy and you may need to be patient. From this site about growing Geraniums.
http://www.members.tripod.com/~Garde.../index-17.html

HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR PELARGONIUMS

Scenteds grow best in a soil slightly on the acidic side, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. A simple soil test should be done every two years, and the Agricultural Extension Agency in your area does do soil testing, or you can purchase a kit at your local garden center. Remember you get what you pay for, so don’t always go cheaper!

With fertilizing, I prefer a fish emulsion/seaweed extract, which is a slow-release fertilizer that also has a good supply of micronutrients. A feeding once a month will be sufficient for the scenteds, but the plants will tell you more accurately than I can, so pay attention to what they say! If you plant scenteds in a container, I would suggest a fertilizer called Osmocote, which will give you a balanced, prolonged feeding for up to 9 months, so all you have to do is water. They prefer as much sunlight as possible, but afternoon direct sunlight in the summer can quickly kill or burn the foliage of the plant, especially if the container is not well watered or you are in a drought. They grow best in temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees at night and 65 to 75 degrees during the day. Excessive heat can wilt them, so make sure you keep up on the watering!

PRUNING SCENTEDS

Scenteds that are not pruned will eventually be leggy and overgrown and begin to look unattractive. To prune, begin by removing the main leader by pinching the bud that is located at the top of the main stem (the terminal bud). this can be done when the plant has at least five leaves or is 4 to 6 inches tall. The nodes (plant buds) which are located at the base of the leaf stems on the main stem will begin to grow a new side shoot. When these new stems have five leaves per stem, again pinch the terminal bud out of them. This process will produce an extremely full and attractive plant in your garden or container. The entire process from cutting to full plant takes about 8 to 12 weeks, so be patient. For disease prevention, pinch off any leaves that may be touching the ground. From this point on you can prune your plant to keep a desired shape or size, or to collect cuttings that can be started for friends and family.

Newt

[Sandorn]

Most of my geraniums in the hanging baskets are the Ivy. I cut the tops off where the flowers come out. Plus it's stem down to the leaves. I planted these up with potting mix. Then sprinkled Osmocote all around them on top.
When soil gets semi dry I water. Oh I have also given them a bloom booster. After this I started getting some flowers.
The air up that high seems to dry them out faster.

I thought by going the above, it would make them pop out more blooms. Kind of like dead heading.

[Sandorn]

NewT I forgot to mention, they have been hanging in baskets for two weeks.

[Newt]

It sounds like you prepared the plants properly with pruning, but again, your plants will need to establish their roots before putting out new growth. Don't expect to see any flowers for a month or so. Also, stop fertilizing so much. You risk burning your plants. Water when the top 2" of soil is dry and try and be patient.

Newt

[Sandorn]

Newt I put the bloom booster into a gallon of water. So the geraniums didn't get that much. It's 1 tbsp per gallon. Then gave each hanging plant some.
Their doing fine, except not many blooms.

[Newt]

Glad to know you diluted it. I still think you are going to need to give your plants some time to recover from all they've been through. :)

Newt