There's nothing quite like stepping outside and seeing your geraniums looking vibrant and covered with flower buds! As the season for budding approaches, now is the ideal time to give your plants the extra nutrients they need for an eye-catching bloom.
In this article, I'll share my own routine and a homemade tonic that gets my geraniums covered in buds every year. After trying out many fertilizers and plant feeds, the best results came from a simple, natural tonic high in phosphorus—a mineral of key importance for flowers and bud formation.
The Power of Natural Plant Care
If you, like me, prefer easy and eco-friendly plant care solutions, this method is safe for both the environment and your garden ecosystem. My geraniums responded very quickly: every node produced fresh shoots, and new buds started appearing everywhere. Earlier in the season, I trimmed the end of a stem, and now new growth is sprouting from its base. These young shoots will soon produce even more buds, ensuring an abundant and colorful display.
The Simple Flower Tonic Recipe
To make this tonic at home, you'll need:
- 1 liter of lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon of bone meal or a high-phosphorus organic liquid fertilizer (both widely available at garden centers)
Mix thoroughly until everything is dissolved, then pour gently around the base of your geraniums (not on the leaves), twice a month while they're forming buds. You'll see the results within weeks—lots more buds and robust, healthy growth!
Why Phosphorus Is Essential for Budding
Phosphorus is essential for turning nutrients into growth and is especially crucial during the budding phase. Geraniums respond dramatically to this tonic, resulting in more flower clusters. For a fully natural option, you can also try soaking crushed eggshells or banana peels in water and using that as a phosphorus boost.
My Results: Lush Growth, Loads of Flowers
After just a few weeks on this regimen, my pruned stems produced multiple new shoots, each packed with buds. Prepare for a summer of bright, exuberant color!
Tips for Continued Care
To keep your geraniums thriving, remember to:
- Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Make sure your plants get plenty of sunlight—at least six hours a day
- Regularly remove spent blooms (deadheading) to encourage new flowers
- Watch for common pests like aphids and go for organic treatments if needed
By following these tips and especially by adding this phosphorus-rich tonic, you'll soon enjoy thriving geraniums overflowing with beautiful blooms. Try it out—your garden will thank you!
Source: https://recepten.servi.tn/ik-gaf-mijn-geranium-deze-bloemenkuur-nu-zit-hij-vol-met-knoppen/