How do I make my potted geraniums grow better?

I have a lot of potted geraniums, some in the sun, some in shade, some in between. They all look scraggly %26amp; barely flower. I water them regularly. I live in a hot, dry climate w/mild winters (Mediterranean). Potted geraniums are very popular here and do splendidly here (except mine), especially with the little old ladies who hang them in their windows.



What am I doing wrong? Do they need tons of fertilizer?

How do I make my potted geraniums grow better?
The problem is in the water.



Geraniums like it warm... no doubt. They also like it on the dry side. Not bone dry and don't let them wilt, but do allow the soil to dry between watering's. That's part of the reason they don't do so well in shady sites... the soil holds too much water in the shade.



Do your pots have drainage? if they don't, transplant them into a pot that does. Do you leave the saucers beneath the pots full with water... empty them. Definitely if they need transplanting use a soil with alot of organic material as 'Hairyboi' suggested.



I definitely would use a water-soluble fertilizer once per week. Something high in phosphorus. You'll have to check with your local independent garden center for their recommendation in your area.



You'll need to pinch back your leggy stems, they should recover quickly, with the correction in the watering and the regular fertilization.



I hope that this helps

Good luck-
Reply:I only fertilize my geraniums once a year. Usually a top dressing of compost or for the potted ones I'll use a fish fertilizer mix with the water. The occassional watering and thats about it. They're a nice drought resistant plant.



They don't particularly like heavy soils. Peatmoss, rotted leaves or compost can help to lighten the soil.
Reply:geraniums do get leggy they need to be trimmed periodically and fertilized but i wouldn't say more than every other week. they do need tons of sun most flowering plants do. maybe u need a better soil and maybe they r rootbound. have u taken them out of the pot to see how the roots look maybe they need a bigger pot. also when u trim them, put the cuttings in the soil and u will get new plants. I don't suppose u 'd ever ask the little old ladies what they do, would u. Make a friend and see what info u can get. good luck.