Geraniums - When is the best time to plant?

Geraniums do not tolerate frost

During the growing season, temperatures should not drop below 10 ° C, if possible, as the geraniums would otherwise stop growing - and thus also their flowering. A short-term drop in temperature is not a problem as long as there is no frost. Night frost, especially late in spring, can quickly lead to the death of sensitive plants.

When to plant geraniums

For this reason, geraniums should not be put outside until after the ice saints, since from this point on the probability of night frosts decreases rapidly. The “ice saints” refer to a number of Christian saints who celebrate their feast days in mid-May, ending with “cold Sophie” on May 15. It is a centuries-old peasant rule that is still used today. The best time to bring geraniums outside should be between mid and late May - depending on the weather forecast for your region.

Gradually hardening geraniums?

However, you don't have to wait until the end of May to get your geraniums out on the balcony. With appropriate weather - temperatures above 10 ° C and sun - this is possible as early as April, whereby the plants should then be brought into the house overnight. If you want to be on the safe side, do not hang up the window boxes (€ 106.25 at Amazon *) with the geraniums right away, but place them directly in the sun on a house wall that gives off heat.