Trailing geraniums also known as ivy geraniums in full bloom, ideal for hanging baskets and garden displays

Trailing Geraniums (Ivy Geraniums): A Complete Growing Guide for Stunning Hanging Baskets and Resale Success

When gardeners think of trailing flowers for hanging baskets, one of the first that comes to mind is the Ivy Geranium (Pelargonium peltatum). Known for its cascading growth, glossy ivy-shaped leaves, and profusion of blooms in every shade from bold red to soft pink and white, the trailing geranium has become a staple in both home gardens and commercial greenhouse production.

At Garden Starts Nursery, we grow thousands of these each season, and we’ve refined methods that maximize germination, plant vigor, and resale value. Whether you are a home gardener curious about starting them from seed or a small grower wanting to add a profitable plant to your lineup, this guide will walk you through propagation, growing methods, basket planting, and selling trailing geraniums.

Why Choose Ivy Geraniums (Trailing Geraniums)?

Unlike the upright zonal geraniums, Ivy Geraniums (trailing geraniums) grow with a natural cascading habit. This makes them ideal for:

  • Hanging baskets: Their vines spill gracefully over the edges, creating a lush, flowing effect.

  • Window boxes & railing planters: Perfect for balconies, patios, and decks.

  • Mixed containers: They pair beautifully with petunias, calibrachoa, lobelia, and sweet potato vine.

What sets trailing geraniums apart is their ability to produce vibrant blooms all summer long, even in full sun. They are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant once established, and remarkably low-maintenance, making them a gardener’s favorite and a retailer’s best friend.

Explore top-performing varieties like Geranium Reach Out and Geranium Tornado, both known for excellent trailing performance and flower power.

For a wide selection, browse All Ivy Geraniums on our regular site or buy in larger packs at TrailingPetuniaBulkSeeds.com.

Starting Ivy Geraniums from Seed

Many growers prefer starting Ivy Geraniums from seed because it allows for large-scale production, uniform plants, and lower costs compared to cuttings. Here’s how we do it:

1. Preparing the Seeds

Ivy Geranium seeds have a hard outer shell that benefits from a little pre-treatment.

  • Moist paper towel method: Place seeds in a damp paper towel, then into a sealed bag.

  • Cold cycle: Put them in the fridge for about 24 hours. This softens the seed coat and mimics natural cycles, improving germination.

2. Sowing in 200-Cell Trays

At our nursery, we use 200-cell trays filled with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix. This allows for dense production without sacrificing airflow or root development.

We use a vacuum seeder for efficiency, dropping one seed per cell with perfect accuracy. For smaller-scale gardeners, hand-sowing works fine—just be sure to cover seeds lightly with vermiculite or fine soil.

3. Germination Conditions

  • Temperature: 70–75°F (21–24°C)

  • Light: Required—do not cover deeply.

  • Moisture: Keep evenly moist but not soggy.

Seeds typically germinate in 5–10 days. After emergence, lower temperatures to around 65°F to encourage strong root development.

Transplanting and Growing On

Once seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, they are ready for transplanting. Ivy Geraniums thrive in slightly larger plug trays (like 50–72 cells) before moving to baskets or final containers.

  • Soil: Use a rich, well-draining mix with perlite or vermiculite.

  • Fertilizer: Begin a low-dose liquid feed once seedlings are established. Geraniums love calcium and magnesium—consider a fertilizer with micronutrients.

  • Pinching: Light pinching at transplant encourages branching and a fuller basket later.

Planting Ivy Geraniums in Hanging Baskets

One of the best uses for trailing geraniums is in 12-inch hanging baskets. We recommend planting six plants per basket for a balanced, lush look.

Basket Setup

  1. Choose a quality potting mix with moisture retention.

  2. Add slow-release fertilizer at planting time.

  3. Space plants evenly, making sure roots are well-covered.

Growing Tips for Full Baskets

  • Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is best.

  • Watering: Keep consistently moist, especially in baskets, but avoid waterlogging.

  • Feeding: A weekly liquid feed keeps blooms coming.

Within weeks, the vines begin to trail, and by mid-season, baskets are overflowing with flowers.

Selling Ivy Geraniums: A Retail Goldmine

From a business perspective, trailing geraniums are one of the most profitable flowering plants for resale.

Why They Sell Well:

  • Instant impact: Even small plants show trailing growth quickly.

  • High demand: Consumers recognize geraniums as a trusted, low-maintenance choice.

  • Premium baskets: Ivy Geranium baskets often retail at $25–40 each in garden centers.

At Garden Starts Nursery, we sell both individual plants and full baskets. The 6-plants-per-basket formula ensures full, beautiful displays that customers are willing to pay extra for.

For growers and resellers, bulk packs are available at TrailingPetuniaBulkSeeds.com, while home gardeners can purchase smaller packs at TrailingPetunia.com.

Top Ivy Geranium Varieties to Grow

Here are some favorites that perform exceptionally well in both garden and commercial settings:

Geranium Reach Out

  • Compact yet trailing habit.

  • Excellent for mixed containers.

  • Strong disease resistance.

Geranium Tornado

  • Vigorous trailing habit.

  • Stunning color range, from scarlet to violet.

  • Perfect for large hanging baskets.

Ivy Geranium Mixes

  • Great for landscapers and growers who want variety in one sowing.

  • Strong performers in heat and sun.

Shop the full range here:

Caring for Ivy Geraniums All Season Long

Once planted, Ivy Geraniums are surprisingly easy to maintain:

  • Deadheading: Remove faded blooms to encourage more flowers.

  • Airflow: Space baskets well in greenhouses to prevent mildew.

  • Pests: Watch for aphids and whiteflies; treat early with insecticidal soap.

  • Overwintering: In warmer climates (zones 9–11), they act as perennials. Elsewhere, treat as annuals or overwinter indoors.

Using Ivy Geraniums in the Landscape

Though best known for baskets, trailing geraniums are also excellent in:

  • Ground covers on slopes.

  • Large planters with trellising companions.

  • Mixed borders where trailing vines can spill naturally.

They combine particularly well with trailing petunias, lobelia, verbena, and bacopa for stunning mixed arrangements.

Propagation Beyond Seeds

While this guide focuses on seed-started Ivy Geraniums, they can also be propagated by cuttings. However, cuttings are generally more expensive and less practical for large-scale production compared to seed. That’s why bulk seed packs are the smarter choice for greenhouses and nurseries.

See all options here:

Why Trailing Geraniums Are Perfect for Resale

If you’re a grower looking to expand your offerings, trailing geraniums are unbeatable for several reasons:

  • Quick turnaround: From seed to saleable basket in one season.

  • High margins: Seeds are affordable, baskets command high retail prices.

  • Customer appeal: Ivy Geraniums are recognizable, reliable, and easy to sell.

Our nursery consistently sees repeat buyers for these, especially in spring when customers are preparing baskets and patios.

Final Thoughts: Adding Ivy Geraniums to Your Growing Plan

For both home gardeners and commercial growers, Ivy Geraniums (Trailing Geraniums) offer the perfect blend of beauty and profitability. By using proven methods like cold-cycle prep, vacuum seeding into 200-cell trays, and planting six per basket, you can achieve exceptional results.

Whether you want to enjoy them in your own garden or grow them for profit, now is the time to add trailing geraniums to your lineup.

Shop today:

Back to blog