The Martha Washington geraniums most commonly seen in the spring and noted for their large, azalea-like blooms. These geraniums are not well suited for bedding as they do not bloom well when the weather gets hot. Popular, often dwarf varieties grown primarily for their beautiful patterned leaves. These are best treated as house plants. Hanging basket geraniums , are sometimes seen, but are not well suited to this climate.
Most geraniums appreciate a loose, well drained soil.
The soil should be slightly on the lean side as too rich of a soil will cut down on flowering, reduce the color of fancy leaved types and reduce the essential oils that give scented geraniums their scent. A light feeding with an all purpose fertilizer is beneficial to new plantings to get them established. A feeding of a low nitrogen fertilizer may be needed later in the season. Geraniums need a cool winter for best development. This is the resting period for most types.