When buying the best fertilizer for geraniums, you need to look into its coverage area, application procedures, and composition. Below, I will talk about these features, my top recommendations, and why they should matter to you.
I do not know about you, but I really like it when flowering plants fill my garden. One of my favorite flowers is the geraniums for their ability to survive both indoors and outdoors. I also love how it can blossom in various colors. Plus, these perennials require minimal fertilization.
With that said, constant changes in the soil and weather conditions can negatively affect the geranium. Hence, it is essential to apply fertilizer to help the plant grow strong and sprout more flowers.
Below, I will discuss the best fertilizer for geraniums. I researched countless articles and customer reviews to come up with these top picks. Rest assured, each plant food product can nourish your beloved plants as long as you follow application instructions.
And if you have no idea how to choose the best fertilizer for your needs, do not worry. This article will also walk you through the purchasing factors you need to consider to ensure it will help your plant grow. I will even share some tips below on how to properly use fertilizers.
Lastly, I will answer some of your frequently asked questions about perennials.
So, without further ado, let us get on with it!
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7 Best Fertilizers for Geraniums and Flowering Plants
Below are my top picks for the best geranium fertilizers. Each one can help strengthen the plant’s roots and boost flower production.
1. Miracle-Gro 146002 Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food – Editor’s Pick
The Miracle-Gro 146002 Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food is the first product on this list of the best fertilizer for geraniums.
It contains high phosphorus content to boost bloom production. At the same time, it has the same amount of nitrogen and potassium. These nutrients can ensure the healthy green color of plants and promote the well-being of your perennials.
Additionally, this fertilizer for geraniums works instantly to give you beautiful results. It is suitable for your blooming flowers in containers or window boxes.
Plus, this plant food is easy to use with the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder (sold separately) or any watering can. Simply mix a tablespoon of fertilizer solution for every gallon of water when taking care of outdoor plants. If you are tending to indoor shrubs, use ½ teaspoon per gallon of water. Then, mix the plant food in the watering can.
If you want to achieve the best results, the manufacturer recommends feeding the plant every seven to 14 days during the growing season. It also suggests soaking the base of the perennials as you feed them. Just make sure to read the label instructions for coverage area information.
Finally, most customer reviews for this particular fertilizer were positive. If there is any critique, it would be the poor packaging as some users received a seemingly opened container. A few users were also disappointed with the missing dual measuring scoop.
But as you can tell, the pros far outweigh the cons. For this reason, I chose the Miracle-Gro 146002 Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food as the best fertilizer for geraniums.
Pros:
- The high phosphorus content can promote the growth of geranium flowers
- It contains essential nutrients for the well-being of the perennials
- This fertilizer can work instantly to produce beautiful blooms
- It is easy to use to feed plants
Cons:
- Some users received packaging that was seemingly opened
- A few customers also reported that they were missing the dual measuring scoop
2. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor – Runner-Up
The Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor is another excellent fertilizer to consider for your geranium plant.
It includes 11 essential nutrients that can help fortify perennials in different growing conditions and environment. Hence, it is ideal for both outdoor shrubs and indoor plants.
Additionally, this best fertilizer for geraniums can feed up to six full months. There is no need to worry about running out of plant food, especially in times when your plant needs it the most.
Furthermore, Oscomote has a no-burn pledge. This manufacturer can guarantee that its fertilizer will not damage your plant as long as you use it as directed. Thus, you can apply the product with confidence.
Despite these benefits, there are a few downsides to consider before purchasing this fertilizer. First, the formula can take up to a week before dissolving completely. Second, a few users were disappointed that the product left plastic beads, which were hazardous to the environment.
Overall, though, the Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus is still among the best fertilizers for geraniums available today.
Pros:
- This fertilizer is fortified with 11 essential nutrients
- It can last you up to six full months
- It is compatible with almost all plant varieties in various growing conditions
- Oscomote pledges no burn to plants when you use the fertilizer as directed
Cons:
- Some users have to wait for up to a week for the formula to dissolve
- A few customers noticed small balls of plastic once the fertilizer dissolved, which can harm the environment
3. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All-Purpose Plant Food – Best All-Purpose Fertilizer
If you are growing other plants besides geraniums, then the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food might be the right fertilizer for your needs.
It includes essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote the growth of your flowering plant.
Additionally, this fertilizer is suitable to use on your perennials every one or two weeks. It instantly feeds your geraniums, so they can produce more colorful and larger flowers.
Furthermore, it can work on various flowers, houseplants, vegetables, and trees.
Plus, Miracle-Gro guarantees that their fertilizer will not cause your plants to burn. Just make sure to use the solution as directed in the instructions. For the best results, feed your perennials with the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder (sold separately) or any watering can.
Finally, this fertilizer is available in various sizes. Feel free to choose from 8 oz, 1.5 lb, 3 lb, 5 lb, or 10 lb packages.
That is why it is essential to read the label properly. Some users complained about the small amount of fertilizer because they accidentally purchased the 8-ounce version. A few gardeners also said that the solution attracted flies and gnats to their plants.
Nevertheless, the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food is still among the best products to fertilize geranium plants. I also recommend using this solution on other plants as well because of its versatile fertilizer composition.
Pros:
- This fertilizer contains essential nutrients, like potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, to promote the growth of plants
- It is safe to use on flowers, houseplants, vegetables, and trees
- It allows you to feed perennials every one or two weeks for optimal results
- The fertilizer is available in various packaging sizes to meet your needs
Cons:
- The 8-ounce packaging might be too small for your plants
- A few gardeners noticed flies and gnats around their plants after using this fertilizer
4. JR Peters 51024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 10-30-20 Blossom Booster Fertilizer
The JR Peters Blossom Booster Fertilizer is another excellent plant food to consider for your geraniums.
It features a fertilizer analysis of 10-30-20. The higher phosphorus content can reach down to the roots and produce more colorful flowers. Meanwhile, the nitrogen and potassium nutrients can ensure the overall well-being of this drought-loving plant.
Additionally, this professional formula is suitable for all indoor and outdoor flowering plants, including geraniums, begonias, impatiens, and marigolds. Plus, it can also work on vegetables and fruit-bearing plants.
Moreover, the best fertilizer for geraniums can effectively feed through both the plant roots and leaves. Hence, it can promote the faster growth of perennials.
Finally, this Original Blossom Booster can also act as a transplant solution. There is no need to worry about your potted plants dying when you move their location.
However, before buying this fertilizer, it is best to consider its downsides. First, some users were confused about the mixing process due to unclear instructions. Second, a few gardeners said that they have to wait for a few weeks before seeing noticeable results.
With that said, the JR Peters 51024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 10-30-20 Blossom Booster Fertilizer is still worth considering. It is among the best fertilizer for geraniums.
Pros:
- The professional formula can effectively produce more flowers and brighter colors
- It can feed through both the roots and leaves to ensure an overall healthy plant
- It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor plants as well as vegetables and fruits
- The fertilizer can act as a transplant solution
Cons:
- The mixing instructions were a little bit unclear
- A few users said that it took some time to see noticeable results
5. FoxFarm FX14020 Tiger Bloom Fertilizer
Do you want a fertilizer high in phosphorus content? Then, the FoxFarm FX14020 Tiger Bloom Fertilizer might be the right formula for your needs.
It offers a mixture potent with phosphorus. This nutrient can stimulate root and flower development.
Besides the fast-acting phosphorus-rich formula, this fertilizer also has enough nitrogen and potassium. These substances can sustain the healthy and vigorous growth of geranium plants.
Moreover, the Tiger Bloom Fertilizer is formulated with a low pH content. It can maintain the stability of the product during storage. At the same time, it keeps micronutrients available for your needs.
Finally, this best fertilizer for geraniums is suitable for both soil and hydroponic applications. Just make sure to use the plant food as directed to achieve bountiful fruit and flower development.
However, there are still a few downsides to consider before buying this product. First, this fertilizer is the most expensive on this list. Second, some customers noticed inconsistent formula—others noticed molds, while a few said it was too diluted.
Nevertheless, the FoxFarm FX14020 Tiger Bloom Fertilizer is still among the best fertilizers for geranium plants.
Pros:
- An ultra-potent and fast-acting formula
- The high phosphorus content can encourage the growth of larger and more vibrant geranium flowers
- It has a low pH formulation to maintain its stability and keep micronutrients available
- The fertilizer is ideal for both hydroponic and soil applications
Cons:
- The fertilizer was expensive
- Some users were disappointed with the inconsistent formula
6. Fertilome 11772 Blooming & Rooting Soluble Plant Food
The Fertilome 11772 Blooming & Rooting Soluble Plant Food might be the right fertilizer for your potted geraniums and other flowering plants.
It has a fertilizer composition of 9-58-8. These figures mean that the plant supplement contains 9% nitrogen, 58% phosphate, and 8% soluble potash or potassium. Hence, it can promote the growth of colorful flowers and stronger roots.
Additionally, this soluble plant food can also produce deep green foliage and fruits. It is ideal for different flowering shrubs, trees, orchids, tomatoes, and other fruit-bearing plants.
Furthermore, the Fertilome Fertilizer allows you to use it on soil application, foliage feeding, and even as a rooting solution for new plants.
Lastly, the plant growth supplement is available in a three-pound bag that can last you for different seasons. Make sure to see the label for proper application instructions.
Despite these benefits, this fertilizer for geraniums still has a few downsides worth knowing. First, some customers received poor packaging, which led to the product spilling everywhere. Second, a few users had to use a hammer to break the fertilizer into small, manageable pieces.
Overall, though, the Fertilome 11772 Blooming & Rooting Soluble Plant Food is still worth considering if you want to take care of your geraniums.
Pros:
- The fertilizer composition of 9-58-8 can ensure strong root development and larger blooms
- It is compatible with countless flowering shrubs and trees
- This fertilizer is suitable for soil application, foliage feeding, or as a rooting solution for new plants
- It comes in a three-pound bag, which might be enough for your fertilizing needs
Cons:
- Some users received poor packaging, which resulted in the product spilling everywhere
- A few customers had to break off the fertilizer into small pieces because it came in one big chunk
7. BioAdvanced Bayer Advanced 701110A All in One Rose and Flower Care Granules
The BioAdvanced Bayer Advanced 701110A All in One Rose and Flower Care Granules is the last product on this list of the best fertilizers for geraniums.
It features three systemic products in one. The formula can work as a fertilizer, insect control, and disease control.
As a liquid plant fertilizer, these flower care granules can promote strong roots and vibrant flowers.
At the same time, the BioAdvanced Granules can prevent aphids, beetles, leafhoppers, and other pests from damaging perennials.
Furthermore, it can protect geraniums against black spots, mildew, root rot, rust, southern blight, and other diseases.
Plus, these flower care granules boast systemic rainproof protection. It can last you up to six weeks to ensure the rain or any water source will not wash away the effectiveness of the formula.
Finally, this four-pound bottle can treat up to 32 roses as well as various flowering shrubs like geraniums.
But before buying the Bayer Advanced Granules, it is essential to know its downsides. First, the cap of the bottle was a struggle to take off. Second, a few gardeners noticed that the granules stayed on top of their soil instead of dissolving.
With that said, the BioAdvanced Bayer Advanced contains all the nutrients to ensure geraniums blooming and gorgeous plants.
Pros:
- This plant food can ensure strong roots and colorful blooms
- It effectively kills insects and pests that might harm perennials
- It can act as a fungicide to control plant diseases
- The systematic rainproof protection can last you up to six weeks
Cons:
- Some users had trouble taking off the cap because it was too hard
- A few gardeners said that the granules stayed on top of their soil instead of dissolving
3 Best Alternatives to Fertilizers
If you want to try other ingredients before committing to fertilizers, there are some alternatives worth considering. You can use some organic ingredients available at home to help nourish your geraniums. These include the following:
- Epsom Salt – It contains magnesium sulfate, which offers around 10% of magnesium and 13% of sulfate. These nutrients can treat nutrient deficiencies in geraniums, which usually happens when the leaves start to yellow. Simply mix one teaspoon of Epsom salt with a gallon of water, then apply the solution on the third or fourth watering to ensure geraniums blooming.
- Liquid Seaweed – This alternative to fertilizer includes several enzymes, minerals, and vitamins that can help promote growing geraniums and healthy foliage.
- Tuna Water – It offers several nutrients that can nourish the soil and help spread other minerals throughout the plants.
How to Choose the Best Fertilizer for Geraniums
If you decide to go with fertilizers but want to ensure you are getting your money’s worth, fret not. Below, I will discuss the factors you need to look into before finalizing your purchasing decision. Hopefully, this section will help you decide on the best fertilizer for your needs.
Coverage Area
The first thing to consider when buying fertilizer for geraniums is its coverage area.
It can come in different sizes, so you have to ensure that it is enough to take care of your specific plant.
The amount of fertilizer you will buy will depend on the size of your perennials. If you are taking care of geraniums in plant boxes, you can go with an eight-ounce formula. But those who have large blooming geraniums might want to buy larger fertilizer packages.
Application
When shopping for fertilizer for geraniums, you will come across different formulations. It is best to choose a product that is easy to use with little to no mixing required, especially if you want a hassle-free application.
However, you can also choose a potting mix or fertilizer spikes that instantly dissolve into the soil. Make sure that they do not leave any residue for environment-friendly options.
Avoid buying a concentrated fertilizer. It will require you to mix them with water before applying them to your plant. If you skip this essential step, you increase the risk of burning the plants.
But at the end of the day, picking between different application methods will depend on your needs and personal preferences.
Fertilizer Background
It is also essential to consider the fertilizer background before finalizing your purchasing decision. It is commonly subdivided into organic and inorganic.
As their name suggests, organic fertilizers come from organic sources, namely plants or animals. These contain all the essential nutrients that can give you healthy plants. The only downside is that an organic fertilizer tends to work slower. Hence, you have to be patient before seeing substantial results.
Meanwhile, inorganic fertilizers include minerals or synthetic chemicals in their formulations, unlike an organic fertilizer. These work instantly to ensure the fast growth of pants. However, they are susceptible to leaching. It refers to a process that occurs when the rain or any water source washes away the beneficial nutrients essential for plant health. Some synthetic fertilizers also leave a residue that can be harmful to the environment.
Composition
The last factor to consider before buying a fertilizer is its composition.
Check the NPK ratio of the plant food. NPK stands for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These macronutrients are essential in the growth of geraniums and other flowery plants.
For instance, a 15-20-15 NPK ratio means that the fertilizer has a 15% composition of nitrogen and potassium, and a 20% portion of phosphorus.
If you want to focus on bloom development, get a plant food rich in phosphorus. This nutrient can strengthen roots and help produce vibrant flowers.
With that said, it is still essential to consider the amounts of nitrogen and potassium in the mix. The latter can provide much-needed protein to the plant. Meanwhile, the former promotes the overall well-being of geraniums.
How to Fertilize Geraniums Properly
There are some tips you need to keep in mind when applying fertilizer. Make sure to follow them to reduce the risk of burning your geranium plants.
The first tip is to avoid applying fertilizers on newly potted plants. Geraniums are heavy feeders, which means that they need more nutrients during bud formations. It is best to wait for the perennials to be established before feeding them plant food.
Another tip in taking care of geraniums is to know the difference between indoor and outdoor plants. The former does not require too much fertilizer, while the latter can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer. This specific formulation can provide a range of nutrients to your plants while preventing nitrogen leaks into the groundwater.
Finally, avoid overwatering your geraniums. If the fertilizer requires you to mix it with water, allow the soil to dry in between watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fertilizer for geraniums?
The best fertilizer for geraniums will depend on their growing conditions and environments. But to give you a general idea, an organic fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer, or water-soluble fertilizer is best for perennials. These types of liquid fertilizers will not burn or damage the root. They can also reduce the risk of overfertilizing.
Dry fertilizer is also worth considering as long as it is a water-soluble fertilizer. Look for an NPK ratio of 5-10-5, especially when taking care of outdoor geraniums.
When should I fertilize my geraniums?
Geraniums can properly grow with perfectly good soil. But if you want to see larger and more vibrant flowers, it is best to fertilize geraniums once every four or six weeks during the spring and summer. You should use plant food less frequently in the autumn and water, preferably once every eight weeks. Avoid overfertilizing your geraniums because it does more harm than good.
Are coffee grounds good fertilizer for geraniums?
You can use leftover coffee grounds as fertilizer for geraniums. These contain a relatively good amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Both nutrients can improve the quality of the soil and ultimately boost bud formation.
Conclusion
That concludes my top recommendations for the best fertilizer for geraniums! Each plant food can help in the proper care and nourishment of perennials to give you beautiful blooms.
But if I can only suggest one product, I chose the Miracle-Gro 146002 Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food. I like how it contains high phosphorus content to promote healthy roots and vibrant flowers. Meanwhile, it also has a good amount of nitrogen and potassium nutrients to nourish plants. Furthermore, I find this fertilizer easy to use, owing to the clear application and mixing instructions. Finally, I appreciate how the formula is fast-acting—I can already see results within a few days.
