Healthy Geranium plants often produce abundant flowers when they’re watered correctly, but there isn’t one “secret” watering method.
Here are the practices that are most effective:
Water deeply, not frequently
- Water until it drains from the bottom of the pot or thoroughly soaks the soil.
- Then let the top 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) of soil dry before watering again.
- Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet, which can lead to root rot.
Water the soil, not the leaves
- Aim the water at the base of the plant.
- Wet foliage can encourage some fungal diseases, especially if it stays damp overnight.
Water in the morning
- Morning watering gives plants time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day and allows leaves to dry if they get splashed.
Adjust for the weather
- During hot, dry weather, container-grown geraniums may need watering every day or two.
- In cooler or rainy conditions, water much less often.
Encourage more blooms
In addition to proper watering:
- Give geraniums 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Remove faded flowers (“deadheading”) to encourage new blooms.
- Feed with a balanced or bloom-supporting fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season, following the label directions.
- Make sure pots have good drainage.
The best approach is to check the soil before watering rather than watering on a fixed schedule. This helps prevent both overwatering and underwatering, keeping geraniums healthier and more likely to flower throughout the season.
