Healthy geraniums produce the most flowers when they are watered consistently but not excessively. The viral claim that there is one special way to water them is an oversimplification.
Here are the practices that actually help:
- Water only when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil feel dry. Geraniums tolerate slight drying better than constantly wet soil.
- Water deeply until water drains from the bottom of the pot or thoroughly moistens the soil in the garden. Then let the soil dry somewhat before watering again.
- Water at the base of the plant, not over the leaves or flowers, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
- Water in the morning when possible, so any moisture on the plant has time to dry during the day.
- Adjust watering to the weather. During hot, windy periods they may need water more often, while cool or rainy weather means less frequent watering.
For abundant blooms, watering is only part of the equation. Geraniums also do best with:
- At least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
- Well-draining soil.
- Regular removal of spent flowers (deadheading) to encourage new blooms.
- A balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in potassium, used according to the label during the growing season.
If your geraniums are producing lots of leaves but few flowers, the most common causes are too little sunlight, overwatering, or too much nitrogen fertilizer rather than the watering method itself.
