How Often to Water Geraniums for Healthy, Beautiful Blooms All Season

Geraniums are a beloved flower with colorful blooms that can last for several seasons; despite their delicate appearance, these blooms are surprisingly hardy.

"Deer tend to avoid them, they remain evergreen in milder climates, and, when planted in the right location, they can easily withstand drought,” says Rebecca Sweet, landscape designer with Harmony in the Garden.

However, even resilient plants need the right care to look their best, especially when it comes to watering. Here, gardening experts share their top tips for keeping your geraniums happy and hydrated.

How Often to Water

Geraniums don’t require constant care. “They are relatively drought-resistant and can normally survive on watering once a week,” says Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

However, your watering schedule will vary depending on whether your geraniums are planted in the ground or in containers.

If your geraniums are in pots, be prepared to check them more often. In hot weather, you can water every 1 to 2 days when the top inch of soil is dry. In cooler months, aim for every 2 to 4 days, depending on conditions.

Newly planted, in-ground geraniums need watering about 2 to 3 times a week until they acclimate, says Sweet. Once established, a weekly deep soak is usually enough, but you may need to water more when it’s extremely hot or windy.

Factors to Consider

Geraniums may be low-maintenance, but environmental conditions still significantly impact how often they require watering. “[They] like well-drained soil and prefer lower humidity and full sun,” Bunting says.

Sweet emphasizes the importance of avoiding excess moisture: “Let the soil dry out slightly between watering, as these plants hate soggy roots." She recommends watering at the base of the plant in the morning, instead of using overhead sprinklers.

Signs of Underwatering

“Geraniums are fairly forgiving, but they’ll let you know if they’re not happy, especially when it comes to watering,” says Sweet.

If your geraniums need more water, then their leaves will start wilting or drooping—especially during the heat of the day. You'll also notice crispy or browning edges, stunted growth, dry and brittle stems, or soil that’s pulling away from the edges of the container.

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Signs of Overwatering

Too much water can be just as damaging to geraniums. These plants dislike wet feet, and consistently soggy soil can quickly lead to problems.

“Diseases such as powdery mildew and botrytis might occur, and ultimately root rot, which could lead to the death of the plant,” Bunting says.

Yellowing leaves and soft, mushy stems could indicate overwatering. Wilting leaves, despite moist soil, are another sign to look out for. Other warnings include foul-smelling soil and mold or algae on the soil surface.

How to Water

The best way to water your geraniums is to maintain consistency, ensure deep watering, and keep the foliage dry.

Sweet recommends watering deeply so that water soaks down to the root zone, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. 

For container plants, be sure to choose pots with good drainage. "Remember, geraniums hate soggy roots," Sweet notes. If you suspect that root rot has set in, then remove the plant from its container to check for and trim any rot.