Anyone with a gardening background knows that maintaining geranium flowers through the summer can be a challenge, but one expert has some nifty tips for keeping this popular plant thriving.
Blooming flowers are the best way to brighten up your garden, but one outdoor expert has revealed that a common kitchen spice could be a “game changer” for geraniums.
A summer staple, geraniums are an elegant sight with vibrant flowers, but without the right care they can struggle to survive high temperatures. Luckily, a simple 79p tip can help this popular plant survive the sweltering heat, claims flower expert Elise Hurlock.
The experts at Prestige Flowers say: “Not only can cinnamon be added to your morning porridge, it's also a great natural plant medicine and a great tool for the gardener. Cinnamon has natural anti-fungal properties, helping to protect plants against disease and promoting healthy growth. Using cinnamon on geraniums can be a game changer, especially in summer when the weather can be unpredictable.”
Simply sprinkle a light sprinkle of cinnamon on the soil around your geraniums, or directly on the plant's stems and leaves, to prevent fungal infections and keep pests at bay. “For best results, do this in the early morning or late evening when there's still dew on the plant so the cinnamon will adhere best,” explains Elise.
Plus, this kitchen staple can be used to treat cuts and injuries on your plants, the expert adds: “If you prune your geraniums or break a stem, sprinkle cinnamon on the wound to promote healing and prevent rotting.” And cinnamon's benefits extend beyond geraniums, as it can also help repel common summer pests like ants and blackflies.
“Sprinkling cinnamon around the base of your plants or creating a cinnamon barrier will help keep these unwanted guests away,” Elise says. Shoppers can buy the cinnamon from both Aldi and Lidl for just 79p.
Other Ways to Enhance the Benefits of Geranium
In addition to cinnamon, Elise shared some other tips to help your geraniums thrive this summer.
Regular deadheading
Removing dead flowers will encourage your geraniums to produce more flowers, and Elise adds: “Deadheading should be a regular part of your gardening routine, as it will keep your plants looking neat and encouraging continued flowering.”
Proper watering
“Water your geraniums thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings,” as geraniums often dry out between waterings. Experts warned that overwatering can cause root rot, which is detrimental to the plant.
Feed regularly
A balanced fertilizer will give your geranium the nutrients it needs to thrive and be healthy. “Feed your geranium with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season,” says Elise. “This will keep your geranium happy and healthy.”
Provide sufficient sunlight
Geraniums love full sun, but they do benefit from a little shade during the hottest parts of the day. “Place your geraniums in a location that gets full morning sun and some shade in the afternoon to prevent burn,” says Elise.
Get rid of pests naturally
If you can't get your hands on cinnamon, Elise suggests other natural remedies like neem oil and soap sprays that will keep pests away without harming beneficial insects.
Use companion plants
Planting geraniums with herbs like basil or mint can help repel pests naturally. “Companion planting is a great way to create a healthier garden ecosystem, plus it can add variety and fragrance to your garden,” says Elise.
She concludes: “Gardening doesn't have to be complicated – with a few simple tips and a little cinnamon, your geraniums and your whole garden will look stunning all summer long.”
