Geranium in Zone 7B — Texas

Geraniums are a classic choice for adding pops of color to your Texas garden, and they're surprisingly versatile. They thrive in containers, borders, and even hanging baskets, bringing beauty to your outdoor spaces. Plus, they attract pollinators, which helps your other plants, including your tomatoes, thrive.

Texas weather can be unpredictable, and the summer heat is no joke. But don't let that scare you! With a little planning and proper care, you can enjoy beautiful geraniums throughout our long 255-day growing season. Timing is key, and we'll break it down for you.

Starting geraniums from seed indoors is possible, but be warned: they're slow growers. Honestly, for most Texas gardeners, buying established transplants is the easier route. However, if you're up for the challenge and want a specific variety, go for it.

If you're starting indoors, begin in late December through mid January, giving them about 12 weeks before transplanting. Use seed trays with a good seed-starting mix, provide warmth (a heat mat helps), and ensure they get plenty of light – a grow light is almost essential in Texas, especially during those shorter winter days. Remember to water from the bottom to avoid damping off.

Transplanting geraniums outdoors should happen in late March through late April. Before you plant, harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to the outdoor elements for about a week. This helps them adjust to the Texas sun and wind.

Space your geraniums 10-12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which is important in our humid climate. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those late freezes can still happen. If a freeze is predicted, be ready to cover your young plants. Again, for the easiest results, buy established starts from your local nursery. They'll be bigger and stronger, ready to take on the Texas heat.

Watering geraniums properly is crucial, especially in the Texas heat. While they tolerate heat better than some flowers, they still need consistent moisture. The key is to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more frequent (or not!), check the soil moisture every few days using the "finger test" – stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. In the peak of summer, you might need to water every other day, or even daily if they're in containers. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially with our variable humidity.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry, cracked soil. Overwatering, on the other hand, can lead to yellowing leaves and stem rot. Mulching around your geraniums with a couple inches of organic mulch, like shredded hardwood, helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, which is a lifesaver in the Texas heat.

Pruning geraniums is essential for keeping them looking their best and encouraging continuous blooming. The main thing you'll be doing is deadheading.

Throughout the growing season, from spring to fall, deadhead spent flower clusters by snipping them off just above a leaf node. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and encourages it to produce more flowers. If your geraniums start to look leggy, pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, you can give your plants a final trim to tidy them up, but don't prune them too severely.

Geraniums aren't exactly something you "harvest" for food, but you can certainly harvest their beauty! The first blooms should appear in early June through late July, about 70 days after starting from seed (or sooner if you bought starts).

Enjoy the flowers in your garden, and regularly remove faded blooms to maintain a neat appearance and encourage continued flowering. Deadheading is your "harvest" here. As the first frost approaches in mid- November, you can bring potted geraniums indoors to overwinter them, or take cuttings to propagate new plants. Otherwise, let them enjoy the last bit of the season.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with geraniums in Texas:

Botrytis Blight

• What it looks like: Grayish-brown mold on flowers, leaves, and stems.
• What causes it: High humidity and poor air circulation create the perfect environment for this fungal disease. In Texas, our variable humidity and crowded plantings can contribute to botrytis.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning out crowded growth. Remove and destroy any infected plant parts. Avoid overhead watering, and consider using a fungicide if the problem is severe.

Geranium Budworm

• What it looks like: Holes in buds and flowers, and small green or brown caterpillars feeding on the plant.
• What causes it: These caterpillars are the larvae of moths that lay their eggs on geraniums. They can be a problem in Texas gardens, especially during the warmer months.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpick caterpillars off the plants. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a biological insecticide that is effective against caterpillars.

Edema

• What it looks like: Small, blister-like bumps on the undersides of leaves.
• What causes it: Edema is caused by inconsistent watering and cool, damp conditions. It happens when the plant takes up more water than it can transpire.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure consistent watering and good drainage. Improve air circulation around the plants.

Texas Specific Challenges: The hot-to-extreme heat of Texas summers can stress geraniums, making them more susceptible to diseases and pests. Variable humidity can also contribute to fungal problems. Unpredictable rainfall can make it difficult to maintain consistent watering, which can lead to edema.

Geraniums make great companions for several plants in your Texas garden. Plant them near tomatoes and peppers to help deter certain pests, like aphids. Their scent can also help mask the scent of these vegetables, making them less attractive to other pests.

Geraniums also pair well with corn, as they can attract beneficial insects that prey on corn pests. They're classic companions for roses, too. Avoid planting geraniums near fennel, as fennel can inhibit their growth.