Blossoms Of Geranium Turn Black And Shrivel Before Buds Underneath Open

Question From: Hudsonville, Michigan, United States
Q: Why do the blossom of my geraniums turn black and shrivel before all the buds underneath open. Plants are potted on deck. I fertilize once a week or once every two weeks. Also blossom's are not as large as they were originally.

A: First I would cut back on the fertilizer. Also cut back on the water. Let the soil dry out on the surface before water and use a watering wand so as not to wet the flowers or the leaves. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy