WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
About a week after last frost, when nighttime temperatures remain above 40°F.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Geraniums traveled from South Africa and were cultivated and marveled over in glasshouses by the early 1600s, and we love them still for their varied beautiful leaves and flower colors. Provide well-drained soils and allow the soil to dry before watering thoroughly. Deadhead spent flowers regularly and provide some afternoon shade in hot summer areas, for they do best in low humidity, cool to moderate summer areas. Regals require specialized care to bloom abundantly. Trim to shape right after bloom ends in summer and leave potted plants outdoors until temperatures drop into the 40-45F range, hopefully exposing them to six weeks of cool night temperatures. Bring in to a cool room, around 60F to overwinter, and their gorgeous blooms will start to unfold in late winter.
Watering Details:
About 1" per week is plenty; this hybrid is not as drought tolerant as other geraniums. If overwintering indoors in a cool room, water only after soil is dry 1-2" down into the soil avoiding overwatering.
Fertilizer:
Fertilize monthly with a high potassium, low nitrogen organic fertilizer. Do not fertilize in winter indoors.
Diseases & Pests:
Aphids and mealybugs can be troublesome; if detected, treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid botrytis by spacing properly, not wetting the foliage when watering, and keeping dead plant material, such as spent flowers and leaves, cleaned up.
