From our perspective as geranium plants (Pelargonium spp.), creating the perfect hanging basket is about fulfilling our core needs for survival, growth, and spectacular blooming. When these needs are met, we reward you with a lush, vibrant display. Here is what we require to thrive.
We despise having wet feet. A soggy, dense soil mixture will suffocate our roots and lead to fatal root rot. Please provide us with a premium, well-draining potting mix. A blend that includes peat, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal as it retains just enough moisture while allowing excess water to drain away quickly. Ensure the hanging basket itself has adequate drainage holes. A cozy pot is good, but don't overcrowd us; 3-4 plants in a 12-14 inch basket allows our root systems enough space to establish and support top growth.
Our watering needs are a delicate balance. The goal is consistently moist, not waterlogged, soil. The best way to check is to feel the top inch of soil. If it is dry to the touch, it is time for a deep, thorough drink. Water us slowly until you see it run out of the drainage holes. In the heat of summer, you may need to do this daily. Hanging baskets dry out much faster than ground plantings due to air circulation on all sides. Please avoid shallow, frequent sprinkles, as this encourages our roots to grow towards the surface instead of spreading deeply.
Confined to a basket, we quickly exhaust the limited nutrients in the potting mix. To fuel our rapid growth and continuous flower production, we are heavy feeders. We require a regular supply of fertilizer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) applied every two weeks is excellent. Alternatively, a fertilizer with a slightly higher phosphorus content (the middle number) can encourage even more prolific blooming. Please follow the package instructions to avoid fertilizer burn, which can damage our roots.
We are sun-worshippers. For the most abundant blooms and sturdy, compact growth, we need a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. A full sun location (6+ hours) is even better. Without sufficient light, we will become leggy, stretching out weakly with sparse leaves and very few flowers. Our stems will be frail, and our overall presentation will be lackluster. Place our basket in a bright, sunny spot where we can bask in the sun's energy.
To keep us looking our best and to signal that we should produce more flowers, please deadhead us regularly. This means removing the spent, wilted flower clusters. Snip the entire stalk back to the main stem. This process stops us from wasting energy on producing seeds and redirects that energy into creating new vibrant blooms and foliage. It also keeps us looking tidy and prevents fungal diseases from developing on the decaying flower heads.
