Geraniums are among the most beloved flowering plants for balconies, windowsills, and garden beds. Their long blooming season, easy care, and vibrant colors make them a top choice for both novice and seasoned plant lovers. But did you know that August is the perfect time to give your geraniums a specific boost that will extend flowering well into fall?
By applying this simple late-summer technique, you can rejuvenate your geraniums, encourage a fresh wave of blooms, and keep them looking lush and vibrant right through the cooler months. It’s a small effort with big rewards—and many gardeners regret not doing it sooner.
Why August Is the Ideal Month for Geranium Boosting
August is a turning point in the growing season. The intense summer heat begins to ease, and plants naturally begin to slow their growth in preparation for autumn. For geraniums, this is a great time to intervene with some simple care to:
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Reinvigorate blooming
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Encourage lush green foliage
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Prepare the plant for an extended blooming period into September and October
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Strengthen roots before the dormant phase
Failing to act now can result in fewer flowers, leggy stems, and overall plant fatigue.
The 3-Step Geranium Revitalization Method
This August routine involves pruning, feeding, and applying a natural tonic. Here’s how to do it step by step:
1. Light Pruning to Stimulate New Growth
Geraniums tend to grow leggy during summer. Their stems stretch toward the light, and the lower leaves may yellow or fall off. Pruning encourages bushier, more compact growth and more flower buds.
What to do:
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Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners.
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Remove all faded flowers and seed heads.
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Cut back any overly long stems by about one-third.
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Trim off yellowing or dry leaves at the base.
This light shaping gives the plant a fresh start and redirects its energy into new stems and flower clusters.
2. Add a Late-Summer Fertilizer Boost
After pruning, your geraniums will benefit from a dose of nutrients to support recovery and blooming. A balanced, mild fertilizer helps nourish both foliage and flowers without overstimulating growth.
Recommended formula:
Use a water-soluble fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio, such as 10-10-10 or 15-15-15. Alternatively, a bloom-booster formula (like 10-30-20) can be used to prioritize flowering.
How to apply:
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Dissolve the fertilizer in water according to the label instructions.
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Water at the base of the plant, avoiding contact with leaves.
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Feed every two weeks through September.
Avoid overfeeding, as it can lead to salt buildup and damage the roots.
3. Apply a Natural Homemade Tonic
To further support the plant, apply a simple tonic made from readily available kitchen items. This tonic helps rejuvenate tired plants, green up the leaves, and stimulate budding.
Homemade tonic recipe:
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1 liter of room-temperature water
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1 aspirin tablet (500 mg), crushed
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1 teaspoon of sugar
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A few drops of hydrogen peroxide (optional)
Mix all ingredients and water the plant with this solution once in August. The aspirin strengthens plant immunity, sugar boosts energy, and peroxide oxygenates the roots.
Extra Care Tips for August Geraniums
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Sunlight: Ensure your geraniums receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If light is reduced as days shorten, consider moving potted plants to sunnier locations.
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Watering: Continue watering regularly but avoid waterlogging. Let the topsoil dry slightly between waterings.
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Deadheading: Remove spent blooms weekly to prolong flowering.
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Pest check: Look for signs of spider mites or aphids, which can become active in late summer.
Preparing for Overwintering
If you live in a cooler climate, now is also the time to think about how you’ll overwinter your geraniums. This August care routine strengthens the plant before it’s brought indoors or prepared for dormancy.
Options include:
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Indoor overwintering: Place healthy potted geraniums in a bright, cool spot indoors before the first frost.
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Dormant storage: For bare-root storage, dig up plants, shake off soil, and hang them upside down in a dry basement or garage.
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Taking cuttings: August is ideal for propagating. Take healthy cuttings during pruning and root them in water or moist soil for new plants next year.
Final Thoughts
This simple August routine—light pruning, proper feeding, and a revitalizing tonic—can dramatically change the performance of your geraniums in late summer. Not only will your plants bounce back with fresh growth, but you’ll also be rewarded with extended blooms and stronger overall health.
If you’ve never done this before, now is the perfect time to start. Don’t wait until your geraniums look tired—give them the boost they need and enjoy their colorful display well into the autumn season.
