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prudy_gw

geranium leaves turning red

prudy
17 years ago

A couple of months ago I planted 150 Hybrid geraniums and around 300 paintbox geranium seeds. The plants are now between 3 and 6 inches tall but all of the leaves are turning red. I have always had such good luck planting geraniums until now. Can anyone tell me what is going on and what I can do to correct this problem. These are planted for a school project and I would hate to lose these if I can do something to help solve this problem. Thanks.

Comments (10)

  • busylizzy
    17 years ago

    The only time I had geraniums get red leaves was when they were too crowded and wet. Yanked one to find mold on the bottom.
    Do you have a picture?

  • janet_grower
    17 years ago

    This is common in phosphorus deficiencies, are you fertilizing? Janet

  • busylizzy
    17 years ago

    After I thought about it, I also wonder what size pots you have them in 450 geraniums is alot of geraniums for me.

  • prudy
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    Thanks for the quick response to my problem. These geraniums were repotted in regular geranium pots after they grew true leaves. I have only fertilized 2 0r 3 times. Maybe this is the problem. I will try fertilizing them more. I don't think they have been kept too wet as I let them dry out between waterings and have them in a soilless mix that drains well. No mold on the bottom of the pots. Thanks again for the advice. I am willing to try about anything as this is very disappionting to both me and the kids needing these for their project. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Prudy

  • prudy
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    These geranium seeds were planted 1/03/07. They were moved to lights and than to the greenhouse. This is the 3rd year the kids have planted geranium seeds. They've always had such great success before this year. The geraniums were planted to be given as Mothers day gifts from the kids. I do have fish emulsion so will suggest trying this. Also, we'll move them to different soil. Thanks again for your suggestions. Prudy

  • schmoe
    17 years ago

    Red or reddish leaves on geraniums are almost always caused by a trace mineral deficiency (phosphorous as someone mentioned above, or boron). This will often happen earlier or later in the season when temps are cool. If you are having night time temps 55 or below, this will inhibit the absorption of these trace minerals. They are usually present, but the cool prevents the geranium from using them. If you can bump up day and night temps to between 66 and 69, you should see the redness go away. It is also usually most evident on larger, older leaves. Hope this helps.

  • petra.gombos
    9 years ago

    Mine are turning red too and for sure it is not because of cold, or no food. The entire leaf is turning a bright shade of red. Suggestions? Will post photo later.

  • christine1950
    9 years ago

    petra, I just purchased this one the other day, It's called Velma Cox Geranium maybe thats what you have?
    Christine

  • lilsprout
    9 years ago

    Same problem here...

    I overwinter them in my sunroom but they have been outdoors now for approx a month. Cut back and Replaced with fresh MG potting soli. Forming buds now.

    We've had quite a bit of rain lately, not sure if it's that? Or maybe they need to be fed?

    I've always removed the leaves in the past when I had one or two, but this one seems to have more than usual.

    Thanks in advance.

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