The Joy of Geraniums

If you want great looking deck planters and garden beds, you just can't beat geraniums. They're easy to grow, lovely to look at and provide months of blooms. No wonder geraniums are one of our most popular summer flowers! And now's the time to plant for cheerful color that can last well into fall.

Which to choose... Seed or Zonal Geraniums? Geraniums are grown two ways. There are varieties grown from seed, which are really good for mass plantings in your yard. These grow quickly and spread well.

For up close, like in deck planters, you'll want to use zonal geraniums grown from cuttings... there's just a huge difference in bloom quality. Many are incredible with big, beautiful double flowers. Even the foliage is exceptional... nice and full, not leggy. Plus zonals will prove stronger and more resistant to wind and rain.

Zonal geraniums may cost a little more, but you'll find them worth it. You might want to consider planting all one color in a deck pot... it really makes a striking display. But zonals also look great grouped with other annuals.

Don't forget Martha Washington and Ivy Geraniums
They're wonderful in big pots and hanging baskets! Martha Washington's with their lacy two-color blossoms deserve prominent display. And while you traditionally find the ivy varieties most often in hanging baskets, try them in flower beds or trained on a trellis or lattice. The trailing growth makes them good spreaders... one or two plants can fill quite a large area.

Tips for Growing

• Geraniums love full sun, but they can also get along in light shade, especially during hot, dry periods.
• Be sure to mix in organic matter when you plant, lightening the soil and aiding drainage.
• Water plants well and never let them dry out, especially if grown in pots.

You'll find several varieties and colors of geraniums available now at your Fred Meyer Garden Center. Experiment with planting locations throughout your yard, mixing colors and interspersing with annuals to create attractive displays. Enjoy...

While much of the information in these tips is applicable in several gardening zones/climates, some of the plants and timing suggested are best suited to the Northwest, generally in the mild/wet growing regions found along the I-5 corridor. You should make appropriate adjustments or consult local gardening experts in regions whose climates differ from this area of the Northwest.