Geranium in Zone 8B — Gulf Coast

Geraniums are a classic for a reason, and they bring a lot to a Gulf Coast garden. They're beautiful, easy to care for, and their bright blooms add cheer to any flower bed or container. Plus, they're relatively heat-tolerant, which is a huge win when our summers get cooking!

Of course, gardening in the Gulf Coast has its challenges. The high humidity and "disease pressure" are real, and we always have to keep an eye on the tropics during "hurricane season". But with a little planning and the right timing, you can definitely enjoy beautiful geraniums in your yard. Our long growing season (almost 9 months!) gives you plenty of time to make it happen.

Starting geraniums from seed indoors is doable, but honestly, it takes patience. Geraniums are notoriously slow to get going from seed. If you're up for a challenge, start your seeds indoors in early to late December.

You'll need seed trays, a good seed-starting mix, and a warm, bright spot – a sunny windowsill or grow lights work great. Bottom watering is key to prevent damping off. Just set the seed trays in a shallow dish of water and let them soak it up from the bottom. With our early spring-like weather sometimes showing up in late February, getting a head start is good.

The easiest way to get geraniums going is to buy established plants from a local nursery. But if you started your own, or found some great deals, transplant them outdoors in early March through early April. Before you plant, be sure to harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week.

Space them about 10-12 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, because we can still get some cool snaps that time of year. Remember, these are tender plants!

Watering is where a lot of Gulf Coast gardeners run into trouble, especially with the high humidity we have. Geraniums like moderate moisture, but they absolutely hate soggy soil. Overwatering is a surefire way to cause stem rot.

During the spring and fall, when the temperatures are milder, water your geraniums when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch – that's the "finger test." You might only need to water once or twice a week, or even less if we're getting regular rainfall. In the heat of the summer, you might need to water every other day. Aim for about an inch of water per week, whether it comes from the hose or from the sky.

Always water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and dry, crispy edges. Overwatering, on the other hand, can cause yellowing leaves and mushy stems. A good layer of mulch will help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature even. Pine straw or shredded hardwood mulch work well in our area.

Deadheading is essential for keeping your geraniums blooming all season long. Simply pinch or snip off the faded flower clusters as soon as they start to look tired. This encourages the plant to put its energy into producing new blooms.

Throughout the growing season, you can also pinch back any leggy stems to encourage a bushier, more compact growth habit. As the first frost approaches in early December, you can give your geraniums a final trim to tidy them up. If you're planning to overwinter them indoors, cut them back by about a third.

You won't exactly "harvest" geraniums like you would tomatoes, but you will enjoy their blooms from mid-May through early July. The most important thing is to remove faded blooms regularly. Not only does this keep the plant looking tidy, but it also encourages it to keep producing new flowers throughout the season.

Simply snip off the spent flower heads with a pair of scissors or pruning shears. As the end of the season approaches and the first frost threatens in early December, you can either let your geraniums fade away naturally, or you can try to overwinter them indoors. If you choose to overwinter them, give them a good pruning and bring them inside before the temperatures drop too low.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with geraniums in the Gulf Coast:

Botrytis Blight

• What it looks like: Grayish-brown fuzzy mold on the leaves, stems, and flowers.
• What causes it: High humidity and poor air circulation create the perfect environment for this fungal disease. It's especially prevalent during our wet springs and falls.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning out any dead or diseased foliage. Avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide if necessary.

Geranium Budworm

• What it looks like: Small holes in the leaves and flowers, often accompanied by dark droppings. You might also find small, green caterpillars hiding inside the buds.
• What causes it: These caterpillars are the larvae of moths, and they can quickly decimate your geraniums if left unchecked.
• How to fix/prevent it: Inspect your plants regularly for signs of infestation. Handpick any caterpillars you find, or treat with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural insecticide.

Edema

• What it looks like: Small, water-soaked blisters or bumps on the underside of the leaves.
• What causes it: Edema is caused by excessive moisture in the soil and humid air, which prevents the plant from transpiring properly.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve drainage by planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Increase air circulation around the plants.

Gulf Coast Specific Challenges: Our hot heat, very-high humidity, and wet-year-round rainfall create a perfect storm for fungal diseases and pest problems. Be vigilant about monitoring your plants, and take action quickly if you notice any signs of trouble.

Geraniums make good neighbors for a few plants in the Gulf Coast garden. They're said to repel certain pests, which can benefit:

• Tomatoes and Peppers: Geraniums may help deter tomato hornworms and pepper weevils.
• Corn: Planting geraniums around the perimeter of your corn patch might help keep away certain earworms.
• Roses: Some gardeners believe that geraniums can help protect roses from Japanese beetles.

As for bad companions, there aren't any plants that are known to be particularly harmful to geraniums. However, avoid planting them too close to plants that require very different growing conditions, such as those that prefer dry soil.