Yes—if you grow geraniums (often called bedding geraniums), May is an important month in many temperate climates because plants are actively growing and, after the last frost, can be moved outdoors.
Here are 10 key tasks to encourage continuous flowering until autumn:
- Wait until frost has passed. Geraniums are sensitive to frost. Move them outdoors only when nighttime temperatures are consistently above about 10°C (50°F).
- Give them plenty of sun. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. More light generally means more flowers.
- Use well-draining soil. Whether in pots or the ground, avoid soil that stays soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
- Water correctly. Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) of soil feels dry. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet.
- Feed regularly. Apply a balanced or bloom-promoting liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the growing season, following the product directions.
- Remove spent flowers (deadhead). Pinch or cut off faded flower clusters to encourage the plant to produce more blooms instead of seeds.
- Pinch leggy growth. If stems become long and sparse, pinch back the growing tips to promote a bushier plant with more flowering stems.
- Provide good air circulation. Space plants so air can move around them, which helps reduce fungal diseases.
- Check for pests. Watch for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and caterpillars. Deal with infestations early using appropriate control methods.
- Remove yellow or damaged leaves. This keeps the plant tidy and can help reduce disease problems.
Extra tip
If your geraniums are in containers, make sure the pots have drainage holes. Containers dry out faster than garden beds, so they may need more frequent watering during hot weather.
With consistent sunlight, proper watering, regular feeding, and deadheading, geraniums can flower continuously from late spring until the first frost in many climates.
