June is a wonderful month in the pelargonium calendar.
The glasshouses are full, plants are growing strongly, and many varieties are now beginning to reach their peak. The careful work of spring starts to reveal itself in the form of fresh flowers, scented foliage, and healthy new growth.
While May is often about encouraging growth, June is about maintaining momentum.
Feed Little and Often
As temperatures rise and plants begin flowering more freely, their appetite naturally increases. Consistent feeding is often the difference between a plant that flowers well and one that flowers abundantly.
We favour an organic seaweed feed applied at a weaker concentration but more frequently. A light feed every other watering encourages steady growth and supports continuous flowering throughout the summer monthsk.
Deadhead Regularly
Removing spent flower heads remains one of the simplest and most effective jobs at this time of year.
Not only does it keep plants looking tidy, but it encourages energy to be directed into producing fresh flowers rather than setting seed. Follow the flower stem back to the point where it joins the plant and remove it cleanly.
A few moments spent deadheading each week can make a remarkable difference by mid-summer.
Water Thoughtfully
Longer days and warmer weather mean pots will begin drying more quickly.
Rather than watering little and often, aim to water thoroughly when required and allow the compost surface to dry slightly between waterings. Pelargoniums appreciate moisture, but dislike sitting in overly wet compost.
Plants grown in terracotta pots or positioned in full sun may require more frequent attention during warm spells.
Enjoy the Scented-Leaved Varieties
June is one of the finest months to appreciate scented pelargoniums.
The warmth of the sun releases their fragrance throughout the day, whether citrus, rose, mint, spice, or resin. Simply brushing past the foliage is often enough to fill the air with scent.
Many gardeners grow pelargoniums for their flowers alone, but the scented-leaved varieties offer an entirely different dimension to the collection.
Take Notes
As more varieties come into flower, this is an excellent time to observe what performs particularly well in your garden.
Which varieties flower earliest? Which scents do you find yourself drawn to? Which colours work best together?
A few notes made now often prove invaluable when planning future additions to the collection.
A Month to Enjoy
June is perhaps the month when pelargoniums begin to justify all the attention they’ve received throughout spring.
The glasshouses feel full of promise, the first real displays are emerging, and the season stretches invitingly ahead. Take time to enjoy them.
After all, gardening is not only about growing plants, but about noticing them.