Does deadheading help?

Yes, removing faded flowers prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages it to produce more blooms.

Should I keep my geranium in a small pot?

Yes, geraniums actually bloom better when they are slightly root bound. Do not rush to repot into a much larger container.

Geranium: not flowering, causes and fixes

Check these first

Verify the plant is getting at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Check the fertilizer label to ensure it is not too high in nitrogen.
Remove any dead flower stalks to encourage the plant to put energy into new buds.

Likely causes

Not enough sun
Most likely
How to tell: The plant has plenty of green leaves but produces no flower buds. It may also look slightly stretched.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with full, direct sun. Geraniums need intense light to produce energy for flowers.
Too much nitrogen
Possible
How to tell: The plant is very lush and leafy but has no flowers. This often happens if you use a high nitrogen fertilizer.
What to do: Switch to a fertilizer with a higher middle number, like a 10-30-20 formula, which is designed to promote blooms. Avoid overfeeding, as this can prioritize leaves over flowers.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your geranium

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for geraniums to take a break from blooming during the hottest part of summer or the darkest part of winter. Worry if the plant has been in perfect conditions for months with no sign of buds.

Stopping it coming back

Provide maximum sunlight and use a bloom boosting fertilizer during the active growing season.

Geranium: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your geranium and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does deadheading help?: Yes, removing faded flowers prevents the plant from setting seed and encourages it to produce more blooms.
Should I keep my geranium in a small pot?: Yes, geraniums actually bloom better when they are slightly root bound. Do not rush to repot into a much larger container.

Why is my fancy-leaf geranium not flowering?