Geraniums are among the most beautiful shrubs for the terrace and balcony. The pelargoniums have successfully crept into the hearts of hobby gardeners, but they are not native. The wild plants are particularly widespread in South Africa, some varieties come from Australia. The permanent bloomers are therefore not frost hardy and have to spend the autumn and winter months in winter quarters. When spring comes and the weather gets warmer again, the question arises for many hobby gardeners: When should I put geraniums outdoors? We explain at what temperature and in what weather the flowers are allowed on the balcony or terrace and in the flower bed.
Geraniums, when to put them outdoors: tips for potted plants
There are numerous varieties of Pelargoniums to choose from in garden centers. However, most of them are not hardy and have to go into winter quarters from October onwards. An unheated room is ideal; the room temperature should be between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. In the winter months they will alsoFertilizer doses stoppedand watering is only done as needed. Especially in spring, the perennials react very sensitively to frost and a change in location. Therefore, you should adhere to some basic rules.
The potted plants are cut back in spring. The best time for this is February – March. If you missed this, you can thin out the geraniums a little at the beginning of April. Only the shoots that...Plant in the winter monthsformed, cut off close to the ground. In this way, new sprouting and flower formation are encouraged. The plants then need several weeks to recover from the cut. Under no circumstances should you change your location during this period.
At what temperature can you bring out the geraniums?
Potted plants in particular are often very sensitive to frost. Therefore, you should only plant the geraniums when the temperatures are above 15 degrees Celsius. The perfect time is in May, after the Ice Saints.
Even if the weather is warm in April, you should not put the geraniums outdoors. The plants cannot tolerate night frosts well.
Harden off the potted plants first and then move them outside
Before you put the potted plants backonto the balcony or terraceyou should harden them. Ventilate the room for two to three hours. The next day, take the plants outside in the morning and leave them there for 2-3 hours. On the third daymaythe flowers outside. The right location is crucial. Choose a partially shaded to shady spot that is, above all, sheltered from the wind.
Geraniums, when to plant them in the garden
Young plants are also very sensitive to frost. Garden centers sell pre-grown flowers - these were propagated in a greenhouse and take some getting used to. Choose a location protected from the wind and then plant them. If you want to plant a variety of scented geranium in the garden, then it is worth propagating the plant yourself. This is done through cuttings. Only plant the young plants outdoors at 16 – 17 degrees. The outdoor geraniums can spend the winter outside if you protect them from frost with a layer of leaves. From March – April you can uncover them.
Care after planting outdoors
Provide the geraniums with slow-release fertilizer to promote their growth. The plants also need sufficient nutrients for root formation. Water the pelargoniums with decalcified tap water or rainwater. If necessary, you can cut off wilted leaves and flowers.
