Great Balls of Fire™ Melon Geranium Plant

Great Balls of Fire™ Melon Geranium Plant offers large clusters of reddish-pink colored flowers at the ends of the stems rising above its ivy-leafed foliage. Known to attract hummingbirds, these flowers are excellent for cutting!

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for trailing growth

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-6.5
• - Well-draining soil with moderate fertility

Watering Specifics:

• - Water when the top inch of soil feels dry

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season
• - Reduce fertilizing in late summer to prepare for winter dormancy

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness and fuller growth
• - Remove spent blooms to promote continuous flowering

Additional Pest Management:

• - Monitor for common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites
• - Watch for signs of root rot if overwatered

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces clusters of single or double flowers on trailing stems
• - Blooms continuously from spring through fall

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers partial sun to partial shade
• - Needs protection from intense afternoon sun in hot climates

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• - Not frost-hardy; protect or bring indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C)

Companion Plants for Geraniums:

• - Bacopa: This trailing plant with small, delicate flowers provides a soft cascade effect.
• - Calibrachoa: Also known as million bells, these plants offer abundant, small petunia-like flowers.
• - Petunias: These classic annuals come in a wide range of colors and can fill spaces quickly.
• - Alyssum: Low-growing and fragrant, alyssum creates a beautiful carpet of tiny flowers.
• - Lobelia: Known for its intense blue flowers, lobelia adds a pop of color and can trail or mound.