Geraniums Are Stunted

Question From: Sacramento, California, United States
Q: I have six geraniums planted in clay pots that are in full sun 6 hours a day. My problem is that the plants are stunted, leaves are stunted but a good color, blossoms rarely but when they do the stems on the blossom are short. Too much of something or too little of something?

A: I do not have a crystal ball, but high heat and inconsistent watering come to mind. Plants shut down and sort of go dormant in high temperatures in order to conserve life giving moisture. Plants should not be fertilized when temperatures climb into the 90s. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy