Maverick Series

12 - 15 cm (5-6") 'Maverick' geraniums are ideal for high density.  Their open plant habit allows sunlight to shine through - even in pot-tight conditions.  The results are multiple flower stems, early flowers and less yellowing of leaves.  

Planting and General Care

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with fairly equal parts of sand, silt and clay. Good soil is made up of a series of "crumbs" or particle sizes. Spread about 2 inches on top of loosened soil and mix it in with a shovel. Plant garden mums where they will not be exposed to frigid winter winds.  Garden mums planted outdoors in the fall do not need any fertilizer until they begin to grow the following spring.

For gardening in containers, use a commercially prepared soil-less potting mix. 

Thoroughly water the freshly planted mums. Add one or two gallons of water to the soil around the plants. 
Continue to water as needed to keep plants from wilting.

Garden mums often struggle to survive through the winter. 

To help your mum's chance of survival, try the following tips.

Winter Protection

Keep soil moist as winter approaches

Wait until spring to prune back plants.

Mulch plants after the ground begins to freeze, but not before, with leaves, straw, peat moss or other organic matter.

In the spring, remove any old garden mum stems and gradually remove mulch.

Two of many varieties available
 
 

Landscape Geramium Designer Series Vigorous, Large-Flowered Blooms... All Season Long premium 4 in. & 6 in. mixed container use in beds & large plnaters 12 to 14 in. (30 to 35 cm) tall

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Trailing Geranium Galleria Series Finally... a Great Heat-Tolerant  Geranium for Baskets! premium 4 in., 6 in. & 8 in. basket, mixed container use in baskets, mixed containers & window boxes 10 in. (25 cm) basket grows to 14 to 16 in. (35 to 40 cm) in diameter

Overwintering Annual Geraniums 

Take existing geraniums, cut them back by half, pot them up in fresh, light soil such as pro-mix, and water with Parkwood™ Transplanter diluted at the recommended rate. Place plants in or near a sunny window or under fluorescent lights. Water when the soil is dry to the touch and start fertilizing with Parkwood™ Flower Food 15-30-15 in March to encourage blooming by the time you take them outdoors. Or you can take cuttings from garden plants. Prune a 7-10 cm (3-4”) piece from a sturdy, non-flowering stem. Remove the lowest leaves so you can dip the stem into a rooting hormone like Wilson’s Roots or Plant Prod’s Stim-Root No. 1. Again, plant the cuttings in a light soil medium and place in high light. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Start fertilizing around March/April. Finally, many believe in simply unearthing geraniums from the garden or containers, shaking off all the soil, & hanging them upside down in a dark, cool 7-10° C (44-50° F) place for the winter. Plants are trimmed back in March or April, potted up, placed in a high light location, and fertilized every week or 2 with 20-20-20 or 15-30-15. Gardeners report success rates from 10-90%. It’s your choice.