Martha Washington Geranium
Pelargonium domesticum
Martha Washington geraniums are not true geraniums, but the flowers and foliage very much resemble summer garden geraniums. They are typically found in garden stores in early spring, as that is when they show off their beautiful blooms. They need cool temperatures at night in the low 50's F in order to set bloom, and once temperatures reach the high 70's to 80's will stop blooming. If placed in the garden in a cool shady place for the summer though, they will reflower again in the fall when the temperature cools down into the 50's and 60's.
The blooms on these plants range from red to pink to purple, and also white, frequently in bi- color with the centers a contrasting darker color. Their foliage is a crinkled dark green, much more serrated than the garden geranium. They prefer to be slightly pot bound, in a well drained soil, and only watered when dry. Fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer in spring and summer, but not at all in the fall and winter.
Once fall temperatures dip into the upper 40's at night, bring them inside, cut them back quite a bit, and place on a sunny windowsill for the duration of the winter. Water sparingly during this time. You can begin acclimating them to the spring cool temperatures by placing them outside in early spring during daytime temperatures in the low 50's. This will encourage them to set flower once again. Don't forget to bring them in at night if the temperature is going to drop into the 40's, and begin fertilizing at this point.
With proper care, these cool weather beauties will be around for your enjoyment for many years to come!
The blooms on these plants range from red to pink to purple, and also white, frequently in bi- color with the centers a contrasting darker color. Their foliage is a crinkled dark green, much more serrated than the garden geranium. They prefer to be slightly pot bound, in a well drained soil, and only watered when dry. Fertilize with a general purpose fertilizer in spring and summer, but not at all in the fall and winter.
Once fall temperatures dip into the upper 40's at night, bring them inside, cut them back quite a bit, and place on a sunny windowsill for the duration of the winter. Water sparingly during this time. You can begin acclimating them to the spring cool temperatures by placing them outside in early spring during daytime temperatures in the low 50's. This will encourage them to set flower once again. Don't forget to bring them in at night if the temperature is going to drop into the 40's, and begin fertilizing at this point.
With proper care, these cool weather beauties will be around for your enjoyment for many years to come!
By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
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