Geraniums in hanging baskets – planting tips for beginners

Trailing geraniums are ideal hanging plants for novices: easy to care for, hardy and flowering from spring to autumn in sunny or semi-shady positions.
But which hanging container is the right one? What’s the difference between a classic hanging planter and a hanging basket? And how do you plant and care for geraniums to keep them blooming for weeks?

Find out in this guide.

In Brief: the important facts

• Choose the right container:
  A classic hanging planter is a pot that is planted from the top and can be hung. A hanging basket, on the other hand, is a wire frame with a liner (such as coconut fibre or fleece) that is planted around the perimeter. It looks fuller but requires more effort when planting and more care than a classic hanging planter.
• Choosing the right geranium:
  Geraniums are very versatile. Trailing varieties in hanging baskets in a sunny spot will produce a profusion of flowers. Zonal or scented geraniums or regal pelargoniums will fill the container with compact flowers. Whichever variety you choose, they’re all among the most popular plants for hanging planters.
• Planting correctly:
  In mixed plantings, place trailing geraniums at the edges and upright zonal ones in the middle. Make sure there’s plenty of space between the plants. Don’t forget to provide good drainage and quality compost!
• Ensuring maximum flowers:
  Geraniums need plenty of sunlight, regular watering and lots of fertiliser. Self-cleaning varieties save time as they drop faded flowers themselves.

Table of contents

• Why geraniums in hanging planters are ideal for beginners
• Which geraniums are best for hanging baskets?
• Step by step geranium hanging basket
• Step 1: Choose a container
• Step 2: Create a drainage layer
• Step 3: Fill with the right compost
• Step 4: Planting geraniums
• Step 5: Watering
• Hanging planter or hanging basket – which is right for you?
• Geraniums in hanging baskets: useful everyday tips
• FAQs: Answers to frequently asked questions

Why geraniums in hanging planters are ideal for beginners

Even if you don’t have green fingers, you can create a colourful hanging basket of geraniums in just a few steps – for your balcony, patio or on a wall hook outside your front door. Geraniums are one of the easiest balcony plants to grow. They bloom profusely and are surprisingly hardy. Trailing varieties are really straightforward: they grow quickly and their flowers look like a spectacular, dense curtain. They are forgiving of beginners’ mistakes too.

Bonus: many geraniums are grown locally. Buying them supports regional nurseries and saves on transport – a plus for sustainability and the climate! And, of course, there’s a wide range of varieties to choose from too.

➡️ Looking for hanging basket ideas? Watch this video for a patio full of geraniums on YouTube now!

Which geraniums are best for hanging baskets?

Trailing geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are ideal for planting in hanging baskets. Their stems can grow up to 1.5m long and turn any hanging planter into a flowering waterfall. Conveniently, there are self-cleaning varieties that simply drop their faded flowers. Interspecific geraniums (a cross between a zonal geranium and a trailing geranium) are also ideal. In containers below eye level, upright plants such as zonal (Pelargonium zonale), scented (Pelargonium sp.), or butterfly geraniums (Pelargonium crispum) or regal pelargoniums (Pelargonium grandiflorum) make for a summer of flowers.

Step by step geranium hanging basket

A balcony in the midday sun, a light breeze – and, suspended above it, a lush hanging basket with geraniums cascading from it. Not furniture, not decoration, but a promise. A promise of summer, an abundance of flowers and a little carefree moment.
It slowly turns in the light, stretching its stems towards the warmth. You don’t just plant a hanging basket like this, you stage it.
But before the first handful of soil goes into the basket, it’s worth pausing for a moment. What should your planter look like? Simple or elaborate? Just geraniums – or a whole mix of flowers? And what does it take to not only get it off to a good start, but to keep it going? Sun, wind, rain – everything that summer brings with it.
The good news: it’s not difficult. With the right preparation, you can create a hanging basket that not only looks good but will last for weeks. Let’s get started step by step.

Step 1: Choose a container

Before you think about planting, you need the right home for your geraniums. When it comes to hanging planters, every detail counts: size, material, attachment, drainage. Let’s work together to find the right model from the wide range available.

A medium-sized hanging basket (Ø 30cm) will usually hold three trailing geraniums. It should be deep enough to allow for 3cm of drainage, a layer of compost, the root ball of the geranium and a watering rim of about 2cm.

Hanging planters are available in plastic, ceramic, metal or natural materials – each has its advantages and disadvantages. Plastic is lightweight, inexpensive and weatherproof but can look cheap, depending on the design. Ceramic is often pretty, but is heavy and fragile. Metal looks modern and is durable, but gets very hot in the sun, which can damage roots. Natural materials such as wood or wicker blend in well with the garden, but weather quicker than more durable alternatives.

Above all, the hanging attachment must be strong and stable – the material is less important. Plastic, chains or rope: anything goes, as long as it lasts.
Our tip for beginners:
Choose a good quality plastic hanging basket with a water reservoir. It’s lightweight, sturdy and easy to maintain – ideal if you’re new to planting.

➡️ Want to get creative? Take a look at our project ideas for geranium hanging baskets.

Step 2: Create a drainage layer

Water collects in every hanging planter, whether from watering or rain. If it can’t drain away, it sits at the bottom of the pot where it goes stagnant. The result: root rot. A drainage layer at the bottom prevents this. It consists of coarse, non-absorbent material and creates space between the soil and the bottom of the pot. This allows excess water to drain away and the roots to breathe.

Check before you start: Are the drainage holes in the bottom of the hanging basket clear? If so, add about 3cm of expanded clay or clay shards to the container. It’s important that this layer is evenly distributed and covers the entire base of the container.

You can then add a layer of garden fleece if you like. This isn’t essential, but we recommend it, as it prevents soil from seeping into the gaps in the drainage layer, clogging them up and reducing their draining ability.

Step 3: Fill with the right compost

After you have added the drainage layer, fill the hanging basket about two-thirds full of compost. Spread it evenly and press down lightly.

What kind of compost is best for a hanging basket of geraniums?
Geraniums need soil that’s structurally stable: it won’t shrink quickly; holds water well; remains aerated; and provides enough nutrients. Pre-fertilised compost or a substrate that can be easily re-fertilised is ideal.

Our tip: Use good quality geranium or balcony potting compost.
You can tell a good potting compost when it crumbles easily between your fingers, has a pleasant smell and doesn’t contain large pieces of wood. The range of peat-free soils available is growing. They protect peatlands, save CO₂ and still provide your plants with everything they need. They are labelled ‘peat-free’ or ‘no-peat’ on the packaging.

Step 4: Planting geraniums

• Before planting, water the root balls thoroughly by placing the pots in a bucket of water until no more air bubbles rise.
• Carefully remove the geranium from its pot. Hold the plant by the base of the stem and turn the pot upside down. If the plant doesn’t release immediately, squeeze the pot slightly. This allows you to easily pull the pot upwards.
• If the root ball is very dense, gently loosen it with your fingers. This will encourage the plant to grow new roots in all directions. You can easily cut back any long roots that stick out of the bottom.
• Place the geraniums in your prepared hanging basket. They should be just as deep as they were in the pot. If they are too deep, they may rot. If they are too high, they will dry out more quickly.
• Plant them evenly, with the geraniums at the edge and the stems pointing outwards. This will allow them to grow elegantly downwards.
• Fill the hanging basket with compost and press down gently. Just enough to keep the plants stable. Leave a rim of about 2cm at the top to prevent water spilling over the edge.

Step 5: Watering

After planting, your geraniums will need a good watering. This will help them anchor their roots in the fresh compost. Beware: not all watering is the same – especially the first time, it’s all about the how.
Why is the first watering so important?
After repotting, the fine root hairs are particularly sensitive. Thorough watering flushes the soil over these fine structures – air pockets disappear and the plant has optimum contact with the soil. Without this close contact, the plant is unable to absorb water and nutrients.
There is also a risk that the capillary effect (click here for a detailed explanation) will draw water from the root ball into the surrounding, usually drier, potting soil.
Note:
Peat free composts can be a little water repellent at first. Water slowly in several doses – or place the planted hanging basket in a bucket of water for a few minutes to allow the compost to soak completely.

Here are a few more tips on how to water correctly:

1. Use rainwater for watering. This is best for the plants.
2. Water slowly and evenly to avoid washing away the soil.
3. Water around the plant, not directly onto it. This will ensure the water goes where it’s needed; to the roots.
4. Water until liquid runs out of the bottom of the hanging basket. Only then is the soil really soaked – not just superficially wet.

Hanging planter or hanging basket – which is right for you?

The classic hanging planter is the best choice if you want to get started easily and get your geraniums to bloom with little effort.

Advantages of hanging planters
• Easy to plant
• Available in many sizes and colours
• Often easier to attach than balcony boxes

Disadvantages of hanging planters
• You can only plant at the top
• The container is visible (not always attractive with cheaper designs).

Hanging baskets are an attractive alternative to traditional hanging planters for those with some experience or who are prepared to invest more time in planting, maintaining and watering. A hanging basket consists of a half-sphere wire frame, a coconut fibre or jute insert, and a chain attachment with hooks.

Advantages of hanging baskets
• 360° flower ball
• Ventilated, no waterlogging
• Ideal for trailing plants

Disadvantages of hanging baskets
• Dries out faster than a classic hanging planter
• Soil can trickle through
• Side planting is a bit tricky

Planting hanging baskets correctly

A hanging basket is a small piece of suspended garden art. If you plant it well, you can create a lush ball of flowers that looks good from all angles.
However, planting is a little more challenging: hanging baskets are usually made with a metal frame and an insert of coconut fibre, jute or moss. The easiest way to plant the sides is to use pre-cut coconut fibre inserts – they make it much easier to place the plants.

Here’s how it’s done

1. Carefully cut small slits in the coconut insert – provided it is intended for this purpose.
2. Use geraniums in the smallest possible pots. They are easier to push through the openings than larger plants.
3. Remove the plant pots and, from the outside, feed the root balls through the insert into the inside of the basket.
4. Hold the roots firmly inside and add enough soil to ensure the plants sit securely.
5. When the side planting is finished, continue at the top: Place medium-sized, upright-growing plants in the centre, such as heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), marguerite daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) and trailing geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) or verbena (Verbena) around the edge. Make sure they are evenly distributed – this will create an all-round balanced flower ball.
6. Water thoroughly and regularly. Hanging baskets dry out more quickly than other containers due to their open design and dense planting. Ideally, water in two doses and, on hot summer days, in the morning and evening.
7. Place the hanging basket in position and check it is balanced. It should hang securely – preferably in a sunny, easily accessible place, making it easy to water, fertilise and remove faded blooms.

Geraniums in hanging baskets: useful everyday tips

Watering without the mess
Watering geraniums in a hanging basket is not always easy: too little water reaches the roots and too much simply runs out the bottom. Here’s what you can do:
Tip 1: Water slowly in several doses. This allows the soil to absorb the water better.
Tip 2: Use a watering can with a long, narrow neck. This will allow you to reach the soil without wetting the leaves and flowers.
Tip 3: When it rains, hang your basket in a sheltered place to avoid waterlogging.

Find the right hanging system
Geranium hanging baskets are surprisingly heavy, especially after the first watering, so use sturdy metal hooks or wall brackets (not plastic) to keep everything in place.
Place hanging baskets where you can easily reach them. Nothing is more annoying than having to fetch a ladder every time you need to water. A pulley system can make the job much easier.
➡️ You can find even more tips in our blog ‘Easy-care geranium hanging planters – the ultimate guide’.

What to do when you go on holiday?
Even when you’re away, geraniums need regular watering. These tips will help:
• Ask friends or neighbours to do the watering.
• Install an irrigation system – you can buy kits from garden centres.
• Place your hanging basket in a cool, shady spot so less water evaporates.
Our tip: Test the watering system before you go on holiday to be sure it will work when you’re away.

Geraniums in autumn and winter

Geraniums often flower well into October, provided they’re given the right care. As soon as the days get cooler, protect them from night frosts. In autumn they need less water and no fertiliser. What you should continue to do is regularly remove any faded blooms.

And then comes the decision: overwinter or compost?
If you want to overwinter your geraniums, cut them back before the first frost and place them in a cool, bright place at 5-10°C. They will need little water and no fertiliser.

The alternative: start again in spring.
You can either plant up your hanging basket fresh – or use a pre-planted one. This saves time and effort but still brings the joy of flowers back to your balcony.

FAQs: Answers to frequently asked questions

Does a hanging basket need to have drainage holes?
Yes, it does. Geraniums don’t like ‘wet feet’ and without drainage holes water will build up in the pot and cause the roots to rot. You can add holes to many hanging baskets yourself. The easiest way is to use a suitable drill for plastic or metal models.
Exceptions:
Indoor planters and models with water reservoirs deliberately don’t have drainage holes – the base remains closed for a good reason. Even upcycled planters sometimes don’t have drainage holes.
In these cases, location and drainage are especially important.
Choose a spot sheltered from the rain and make sure there is a good drainage layer in the pot, as this will prevent waterlogging even without an outlet.
Watering – how much water do geraniums need?
• In summer, check daily whether the soil is dry – on very hot days check morning and evening.
• Do a finger test (especially important for peat-free composts): Is the soil dry to a depth of 2-3cm? If so, then it’s time to water. Alternatively, lift the container briefly. If it feels light, there’s not enough water.
• If it’s not too hot yet, watering in the evening is the best time. This gives the plants time to absorb the moisture overnight.
• Always water slowly and thoroughly, until the water runs out of the bottom of the basket.
• A hanging planter without a drainage hole? Then a good drainage layer, careful watering and a place out of the rain are especially important.

Fertilising – when do geraniums need nutrients?
• In pre-fertilised compost, the nutrient supply lasts for about four weeks.
• Then add liquid fertiliser every 1-2 weeks according to the package instructions – preferably a specialist geranium fertiliser.
• Alternatively, mix a slow-release fertiliser into the soil when planting. This will feed the plants for several months.
• Without regular fertilisation, the flowers will quickly fade and the leaves will turn pale green or yellowish.
• If you are using peat-free compost, adjust your fertilising regime, as these soils store nutrients differently.
➡️ More about fertilising with peat-free composts

Deadheading – why removing dead flowers is so important
Once a bloom has wilted, the plant will set seeds and stop flowering – because it thinks the job is done. To prevent this from happening, you need to outwit it regularly. This is called deadheading and it works like this:
• Grasp the stem of the faded flower at the leaf node and break it off with a jerk.
• Check the plant every few days.
• Don’t use scissors – fingers are gentler and quicker.
• Remove yellowed or limp leaves regularly to keep the plant healthy.
Rain – when geraniums need help
Heavy rain can kill geraniums in a hanging basket: the flowers stick together and the water pools in the container. To prevent this:
• If it’s raining continuously, hang your hanging planter in a sheltered spot, such as under the eaves or an awning.
• Remove damaged flowers and muddy debris after rain to prevent rotting.

What is the capillary affect?
After planting comes watering – and watering properly. Even if the root ball is nice and moist, if you put it in dry soil and don’t water it, your geranium will wither. Why does this happen? Because the fresh, dry soil will suck the water out of the moist root ball. Like a dry sponge sucking up all it can.

This is due to the capillary effect: Moisture moves from where it is wet to where it is dry. This means it’s not the plant that gets the water but the soil around it. The geranium is there, freshly planted, but thirsty.

That’s why the first watering is so important. It ensures the soil and root ball are in balance, that there is no stress. And that the plant gets exactly what it needs: Support, contact and, above all, water. So water slowly and thoroughly until the water runs out of the bottom of the hanging basket. Then everything will be fine.