What is a Martha Washington geranium? Also known as regal geraniums, these are attractive, trailing plants with bright green, ruffled leaves. Blooms come in various shades of red and purple including bright pink, burgundy, lavender, and bicolors. Growing Martha Washington geranium plants isn’t difficult, but the plants have different needs and require a little more care than standard geraniums. For example, in order to bloom Martha Washington regal geraniums need nighttime temps to be 50-60 degrees F. (10-16 C.). Read on and learn how to grow this geranium variety.
Growing Martha Washington Geraniums: Tips on Martha Washington Geranium Care
Plant Martha Washington geranium plants in a hanging basket, window box, or large pot. The container should be filled with good quality commercial potting mix. You can also grow in a flower bed if your winters are mild but well-drained soil is essential. Dig a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. Apply a thick layer of leaf mulch or compost to protect the roots from winter chill.
Check your Martha Washington regal geraniums daily and water deeply, but only when the potting mix is fairly dry (but not bone dry). Avoid overwatering, as the plant may rot. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season using a low-nitrogen fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio such as 4-8-10. Alternatively use a product formulated for blooming plants.
Martha Washington Regal geraniums usually do well indoors but the plant needs bright light in order to flower. If light is low, especially during the winter, you may need to supplement with grow lights or fluorescent tubes. Indoor plants thrive in daytime temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees F. (18-21 C.) and around 55 degrees F. (13 C.) at night.
Remove spent blooms to keep the plant tidy and to encourage the plant to continue blooming throughout the season.
