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Geraniums & dahlias
I planted pompom dahlias and geraniums (yes, I know, they're really pelargoniums) in pots in good quality compost about four weeks ago and all the flowers are going brown on all of them - why is this? I water them about twice a week but make sure not to get water on the flowers.
Help please? Thanks, Una.
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is the foliage discoloured as well ???
The foliage is fine - it's just the flowers! They looked perfectly healthy when I planted them. Any ideas?
You have to dead head dahlias and pelargoniums if that helps
Agree with Perki, the flowers don't last forever
Regular deadheading helps promote new flowers and keeps the plant looking tidy
It's just that the white dahlias and pelargoniums seem to go brown so quickly!
Maybe your're right - maybe I expected too much!
hello, I don't have any dahlias but my pelargoniums don't turn brown that quickly either. the flowers last longer than your seem to have. I know you should deadhead in order for the plant to produce new flowers but it seems as though you are having problems, is it only the white varieties that are doing that ?? are you able to take and post pics for us to see what you mean ???
Shazza3 - no the pink pelargonium is doing the same - it turns a kind of deep red colour. I think I'll deadhead the whole lot and see what happens when the buds open.
When you water them, try not to get the flowers very wet, especially in bright sunlight.
Are you in a cold area Una? That will check any less hardy plant if it was put out in mid May. Keeping them in a sheltered spot out of cold winds will help too.
White flowers often look pretty bad when they start to go over, so deadhead as soon as they turn to keep your plants looking good
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...