Best Plant Food For Geraniums | Balanced Fertilizer Choices

Geraniums need fertilizers with somewhat balanced NPK and traces of micronutrients as well. However, do check if your soil needs specialised attention or a dedicated fertilizer with specific nutrient.

Best Geranium Fertilizer
 

Geraniums are beautiful flowering plants. They come in various colors and are grown in both indoor spaces and gardens.

 

All you got to do to keep your geraniums thriving and produce healthy blooms, is to provide them with natural growing conditions and the correct dose of nutrients.

 

One specialized plant food that can give geraniums the right boost of nutrients is AlgoPlus. It is a water-soluble fertilizer with a balanced nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium formula. In addition, it also has many micronutrients like magnesium and iron.

 

Using this balanced  can help geraniums yield healthy foliage and abundant blooms. Below we will discuss some of the best options to pick from.

 

 

Do Geraniums Need Fertilizers?

Geraniums Need Fertilizers
 

Yes, geraniums benefit from regular feeding. Fertilization helps promote healthy growth and yield vibrant blooms.

 

If you don’t use any fertilizers, your geraniums can survive. But, feeding them with the apt nutrients can help them thrive and produce more abundant flowers.

 

When growing geraniums in containers, you may want to give them more frequent feeding as opposed to the geraniums planted in the ground, as the nutrients in the soil tend to deplete more rapidly.

 

Regardless of your chosen fertilizer for geranium, please read through the packaging label instructions for the best results. Further, avoid getting it on the flowers or leaves, as it can cause damage.

 

Geranium Fertilizer Requirements

Geranium Fertilizer Requirements

 

Geraniums need a balanced set of nutrients to support vibrant blooms and healthy growth. The three crucial nutrients that the plant needs are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

 

They all play different roles, meaning you will need more or less of one or the other nutrient at certain times of the year.

 

Nitrogen helps with healthy and plentiful foliage and stem growth, whereas phosphorous encourages root growth and leads to abundant blooms.

 

Potassium is vital for a plant’s general health and physical strength. Ideally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is the best for geraniums.

 

Further, geranium varieties also need macronutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. A deficiency in any of these macronutrients can result in many problems faster than other micronutrients.

 

You can replenish geranium’s calcium deficiency with bone meal or crushed eggshells. Manganese, iron, and zinc are available in supplement form, and you can boost magnesium levels with a teaspoon of Epsom salts.

 

However, perform a soil test before you input anything into the soil. A soil assessment can warn you of any potential problems before they arise.

 

Indoor plants are less affected by soil balance as commercial potting mixes used indoors are generally pre-balanced and will be changed every three years to replenish the soil nutrients.

 

The Best Fertilizer For Geraniums In Pots and Ground

Here is a list of the six best fertilizers that can do wonders for your geraniums.

 

1. Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10728 Geranium Plant Food

 

Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome 10728 Geranium Plant Food Check price on Amazon

 

Ferti-Lome 10728 Geranium fertilizer is a liquid plant food that is highly concentrated and recommended for use on all foliage and blooming plants. It has an NPK of 20-20-20, meaning it has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

 

Nitrogen promotes plant growth and helps to produce lush foliage, while phosphorus supports root development and flower production.

 

Potassium helps plants withstand stress and promotes overall health.

 

Even though it is the dedicated best fertilizer for geraniums in pots, you can also use it for begonias, petunias, pansies, hanging baskets, and indoor plants to promote deep green foliage and larger blooms.

 

To use this fertilizer, mix it with water, following the package directions, and apply it directly to the soil around the plant.
 

Check price on Amazon

 

2. AlgoPlus Geranium Liquid Fertilizer

 

AlgoPlus Geranium Liquid Fertilizer Check price on Amazon

 
AlgoPlus is another liquid fertilizer that offers an excellent blend of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. It has an NPK ratio of 4-6-8.

 

Beyond these macronutrients, AlgoPlus also contains twelve vital micronutrients like magnesium, iron, sulfur, and calcium, which deliver essential nutrients to the plant.

 

This organic formula nourishes the soil, feeding the roots of indoor and outdoor plants, including geraniums.

 

Using this fertilizer results in healthier geraniums with brighter and larger blooms. Since you can dilute it with water, it is easy to use. You can spray it onto the plant’s soil twice weekly.

 

You can use a liter of product for up to 118 feedings, making it a cost-effective solution for plant lovers. Further, it is colorless, odorless, and 100% environment-friendly.

 

Check price on Amazon

 

3. JR Peter’s Jack’s Professional Geranium Balanced Plant Food

 

JR Peter's Jack's Professional Geranium Balanced Plant Food Check price on Amazon

 

It is a water-soluble plant food for geraniums that contains a blend of vital nutrients to give the plant a healthy boost and vitality. Jack’s Professional has an NPK analysis of 15-15-15.

 

Hence, it offers an equal amount of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium to promote healthy growth in neutral pH-loving plants like geraniums.

 

The micronutrients in this fertilizer help prevent toxic build-up that can potentially harm the geraniums, promoting robust flower growth and healthy roots.

 

This liquid fertilizer guarantees continuous feed to the plants. Many users have reported that their geraniums have flourished since using this fertilizer and have expressed satisfaction with the results.

 

Using this fertilizer is easy. You must dilute the fertilizer with water according to the package instructions and apply it directly to the soil or foliage twice a week.

 

Check price on Amazon

 

4. Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Continuous Release Plant Food

 

Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Continuous Release Plant Food Check price on Amazon

 

It is best plant food for geraniums in granular form containing natural ingredients that nourish the microbes in the soil. Its nutrient analysis is 10-8-9, with a blend of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

 

The fertilizer has micronutrients that support root development and make them stronger.

 

Consequently, it becomes easier for the plants to carry on their water usage, resulting in vibrant and healthier plants with more blooms and spectacular colors as opposed to unfed plants. This fertilizer is ideal for geraniums, new and existing roses, and other flowering plants.

 

To use this fertilizer, follow the steps:

 

  1. Remove the applicator cap and peel off the seal from the jug
  2. Replace the lid and flip open the spout
  3. Apply the fertilizer evenly and dry, without pre-mixing with water
  4. Avoid applying it to wet foliage or piling it against the plant stem.
  5. Lightly mix the fertilizer into the top one to three inches of soil and water to start feeding.

 

The recommended rate is approximately 1/2 cup per 10 square feet. For optimal results, reapply every three months. This fertilizer can be used anywhere, in-ground and in containers.

 

Check price on Amazon

 

5. 51024 JR Peters Jacks Classic No.1.5

 

51024 JR Peters Jacks Classic No.1.5 Check price on Amazon

 

Blossom Booster 10-30-20 is a professional-grade fertilizer designer to accentuate the vibrancy and growth of indoor and outdoor flowering plants.

 

Its nutritional analysis comprises 10% Nitrogen, 30% Phosphorous, and 20% Potassium, with a proven 1:3:2 ratio that promotes the production of more flowers and brighter colors.

 

The formula is better suited for many flowering plants, including geraniums, marigolds, begonias, and impatiens. This plant food does a fantastic job feeding plants through leaves and roots.

 

This JR Peters fertilizer comes in liquid form and can be applied directly to the foliage or soil, making it easy to use and apply. This is one of the best feed for geraniums as well as many other flowering plants.

 

With Blossom Booster, you can expect your plants to produce more abundant and vibrant blooms, resulting in a more beautiful and healthy garden.

 

Check price on Amazon

 

6. 06128 Jobe’s Organics Spikes Fertilizer

 

06128 Jobe’s Organics Spikes Fertilizer Check price on Amazon

 

These slow-release plant fertilizer spikes are an ideal choice for enhancing the growth and health of your plants in garden beds and containers. These spikes provide essential nutrients directly to the plant roots, where it is most needed.

 

The fertilizer spikes are enriched with bone meal, feather meal, and potassium sulfate, with an analysis of 3-5-6. This blend of nutrients helps fight against pests and diseases while enhancing overall soil health.

 

Place them evenly, with eight spikes per square foot of the garden bed, when using these spikes in a flower bed. For containers, distribute the spikes evenly based on the pot’s diameter. Each packet comes with 50 spikes.

 

Use the spikes during planting or early growing season to achieve optimal results. These spikes offer a convenient, mess-free way to ensure plants receive the nutrients they need to flourish.

 

Check price on Amazon

 

Related: How to care for potted geraniums outside? | How to prune geraniums?

 

When And How Often Should You Fertilize Geraniums?

The best time to fertilize the geraniums depends on where you grow them and their growth stage.

 

For outdoor geraniums, fertilize at planting or in early spring. You can conduct the second application around June at half the original rate.

 

Do not feed outdoor geraniums during the hottest parts of the day to avoid fertilizer burn.

 

As for indoor geraniums, newly potted young plants growing indoors do not need feeding for the first two to three months. Following this, you can apply fertilizer for geraniums during the growth periods.

 

Established indoor geraniums need feeding every four to six weeks in spring and summer and no more than every eight weeks during winter and fall.

 

Geraniums need a dormancy period during winter. Hence, fertilizer is not as necessary as ensuring roots do not dry out completely.

 

Can You Fertilize Geraniums In The Fall?

Avoid fertilizing geraniums during the fall, as it can trigger new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter. This new growth is susceptible to frost or cold damage.

 

Thus, it is better to avoid feeding in late summer to let the plants begin prepping for the winter.

 

But if your geraniums are in a warm climate, where they continue to grow during the winter and fall, you can feed them as per their usual schedule.
 

Alternative Best Homemade Fertilizer For Geraniums

You can make homemade fertilizers with natural ingredients like banana peels, compost, fish emulsion, and seaweed extract. You can mix them with water and apply them to the soil around the geraniums.

 

You can employ eggshells, coffee grounds, Epsom salt, and potash in different ways to offer the geraniums their requisite nutrients.

 

Are coffee grounds good for geraniums?

Coffee grounds are a good nitrogen source. Do check if your soil is deficient in nitrogen. If yes, you can add coffee grounds to the soil or mix them with water to make a natural liquid geranium fertilizer.

 

In addition, they also contain other nutrients like phosphorous and potassium that benefit geranium. But use it in moderation because excessive coffee grounds can make the soil acidic for the plants.

 

Ideally, you must mix them with other organic matter like compost and use only a minute portion regularly.

 

Are eggshells good for geraniums?

Crushed eggshells are a rich calcium source, which helps prevent blossom end rot and helps with plant growth. Calcium strengthens the cell walls, boosts disease resistance, and improves the plant’s overall health.

 

To use them as fertilizer, rinse and dry them, and then crush them into smaller pieces. Finally, you can sprinkle them around the geraniums’ base.

 

Over time, eggshells will release calcium into the soil, providing a natural source of nutrients to the plants.

 

Is Epsom salt good for geraniums?

Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, which helps in plant growth and development. Magnesium strengthens the plant cell walls and improves the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.

 

It can also help with chlorophyll production, leading to more vibrant and healthier foliage. But do not overuse Epsom salt, as excessive magnesium can lead to mineral build-up in the soil.

 

Ideally, adding Epsom salt once every four to six weeks is recommended.

 

Is potash good for geraniums?

Potash can be the best homemade fertilizer for geraniums, as it is the primary nutrient that helps with flower development and accentuates their overall growth.

 

Potash or potassium is essential for plant growth and boosts plants’ tolerance to stress.

 

It also amplifies disease resistance, but please use it in moderation because excessive amounts may harm the plant.

 

Signs of Nutritional Deficiency in Geraniums

Nutritional Deficiency in Geraniums
 
Geraniums may show signs of nutritional deficiency if they lack vital nutrients. Here are some prevalent nutritional deficiency symptoms in geraniums:

 

  1. Yellowing leaves reveal a dearth of nitrogen
  2. Stunted growth indicates a lack of phosphorous
  3. Pale leavesexhibit a lack of potassium
  4. Poor blooming or small and weak flowersindicate a lack of potassium or phosphorous.
  5. Brown leaf edges indicate a lack of calcium
  6. Curling leaves indicate a lack of magnesium

 

Whenever you notice these dying signs in geraniums, it is imperative to identify the nutrient deficiency and address it promptly with appropriate fertilization or soil amendments.

 

Can You Fertilize Geraniums Too Much?

You Fertilize Geraniums Too Much

 

Yes. You may overfertilize the geraniums if you do not understand its general requirements. Some of the overfertilization signs include:

 

  1. Burnt leaves or leaf tips: When the leaf tips or edges turn crispy and brown, it is a sign of fertilizer burn.
  2. Stunted growth: Excessive fertilizer can lead to stunted growth and fewer blooms.
  3. Drooping or wilting leaves: Too much plant food leads to roots absorbing excess water, resulting in drooping or wilting leaves.
  4. Bacterial or fungal disease: Overfeeding also leads to weakened plants prone to more diseases.

 

To avoid overfertilization, follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and do not apply more than recommended. Also, avoid fertilizing during the dormant season or in extreme weather conditions.