Caring for your Pelargoniums in April '25

April is a wonderful time for growing Pelargoniums in the UK, as the weather begins to warm up and the sun shines a little brighter.  

We have been busy in the greenhouses getting plants sent out to their new homes, potting on plants and preparing our show plants for displays at various events throughout this season.  Our first specialist plant fair is at Spetchley Gardens on 27th April - if you can please come along and say hello, its always nice to meet our customers! https://www.spetchleyparkestate.co.uk/events/plant-fair 

April is the perfect time to get your Pelargoniums off to a good start, ensuring that they thrive and bloom throughout the summer. Here's what you need to do to get your Pelargoniums ready for the growing season.

Jobs for this month:

1. Planting: If you haven't already, now is the time to think about where you are planting out your Pelargoniums, in pots, in the border or hanging baskets.  Wherever you are thinking about planting them you need to make sure you don’t rush to plant them outside while the risk of frosts is still about.
   
   
2. Watering: Pelargoniums need regular watering, especially in the warmer months. Be sure to water your plants thoroughly, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent the growth of mildew.
   
   
3. Fertilising: Pelargoniums are heavy feeders and will benefit from regular fertilising. Use a balanced fertiliser, such as a good quality tomato feed. Some people advocate adding a slow-release fertiliser to the soil at planting time but be careful if doing this as too much could scorch the roots.
   
   
4. Deadheading: Regular deadheading (removing spent blooms) will encourage your Pelargoniums to produce more flowers throughout the growing season.
   
   
5. Pinching: Pinching the tips of your Pelargoniums will encourage bushier growth and a more compact form. This is especially important for taller varieties, as it will help prevent them from becoming leggy.
   
   
6. Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and white fly, and take action promptly if you notice any. A strong blast of water from a hose or a spray of SB invigorator would be good but if you can, starting off a regime of biological controls in your growing space would be much better.
   
   
7. Repotting: If your Pelargoniums have outgrown their pots, now is a good time to repot them into larger containers. This will give them more room to grow and will help prevent waterlogging.
   
   
8. Adding to your collection: Now is a good time to add some fresh cultivars to you collection – have a scroll through our website www.growingcrazy.co.uk for a large range of quality plants or visit us at one of our many events and plant fairs scheduled in for this year.

Grey Lady Plymouth

'Charmay Ward'

'Betwixt'

Now is a good time to get your Pelargoniums off to a strong start. With proper care, they will thrive and provide you with an abundance of fragrant blooms throughout the growing season.

Happy growing!

Steven