Geranium also called cranesbill is one of the important aromatic plants commercially grown for its essential oil. Many fragrances and cosmetic products include geranium oil as an important component. This is the most popular bedding and greenhouse plant. In addition to its yearly output of approximately 20 t of oil, India imports more than 20 t of this oil from other nations to satisfy domestic demand for the Indian fragrance industry.
In addition to being attractive bedding plants for gardens, geraniums are frequently planted indoors or outside in hanging baskets. Geranium plants are simple to grow as long as you provide them with what they require.
Popular varieties: Algerian, Reunion, IIHR-8, Kodaikanal 1, and Egyptian
How to Grow Geraniums
Geranium plants' requirements will vary a little depending on location or how you cultivate them. Geraniums will withstand moderate light levels but require lots of light to bloom indoors. They also require indoor temperatures of around (18–21°C) during the day and 13°C at night.
Additionally, these plants require potting soil with good drainage. When growing geraniums outdoors, they require moist, well-draining soil similar to that of indoor potting soil with equal amounts of soil, peat, and perlite.
Place your geraniums in a location that receives six to eight hours of direct sunshine every day. Wait until the risk of frost has gone before planting these plants since they need to be shielded from the cold. Plants should be placed 8 to 12 inches apart and at roughly the same depth as the pots, they were originally planted in. Mulching the plants is also advised to assist retain moisture.
Companion Plants for Geraniums
Companion planting with geraniums is so beneficial because they deter some very common and destructive pests. Earworms, cabbage worms, and Japanese beetles are reported to be repulsed by geraniums. As a result, plants like maize, roses, grapes, and cabbage that are prone to diseases are the greatest companion plants for geraniums.
Plant a border of geraniums around your vegetable garden or just intersperse them among the veggies for excellent pest control, especially near plants that have previously been afflicted by pests. To keep the pests away and to add a lovely floral accent, plant them next to rosebushes. Geraniums are beautiful in their own work well when combined with complementary colors, even if you are not seeking pest control.
Care of Geraniums
Geranium care is really simple, whether it is done indoors or outside. Fertilizing is typically required in addition to watering, which should be done deeply and as soon as the soil is dry inside or at least once per week outdoors (though potted plants may need daily watering in hot weather). Throughout their active growing season, use a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer or a fertilizer with extra organic matter every four to six weeks.
Once they get overgrown, which is typically indicated by wilting between waterings, indoor or potted plants may need to be replanted. Regularly removing spent flowers from plants will assist promote new blossoming.
It is preferable to avoid using overhead irrigation when watering outside plants since it might result in insect or disease problems.
