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Maverick Orange Geranium Seeds

Maverick Orange Geranium Seeds

Terrific heat tolerance and nonstop bloom power

2 Reviews — Write a Review
(P) Pkt of 10 seeds
Item # 03562-PK-P1

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Oh, how we love the Mavericks. They are a southern gardener's salvation, thriving even in the sopping-wet humidity and searing heat of our summers. Other container plants look wilted even the same day you water them, but never Maverick. It's compact, well-branched, large-flowered, and thoroughly agreeable to weather extremes. We wouldn't want anything less for our terracotta pots and white window boxes.

Maverick is a very compact plant, reaching just 14 to 16 inches high (in full bloom) and nearly as wide. The foliage is large, softly lobed and creased, and bright green. It forms bushy rosettes beneath the flowering stems, which hold their giant spheres of blooms several inches above the rest of the plant.

And such blooms they are. The shade can only be described as fluorescent (perhaps they should have called these geraniums 'Highlighters'), the shape is beautifully rounded, and the color is pure orange, with just a dot of white at the base to get your attention. They stand out down the street and practically around the corner, they're so bright. And they keep coming from the first whiff of hot June weather until the Halloween decorations go up.

Maverick is an annual geranium, which is to say not a true Geranium at all, but a pelargonium, known by some gardeners as cranesbills. If you live in a frost-free climate, though, you can probably overwinter them successfully. If you don't, bring your favorites in for winter and put them in a bright window. They'll live for years with this kind of treatment. (They're also easy to propagate. Pick up some rooting hormone at the nursery and dip the cut stems of a mature Maverick into it, then plant them in a Whopper Bio Dome or small pot. They'll root like nobody's business.)

Geraniums are the essence of summer for many of us gardeners. Their very scent -- a sort of garden-y aroma, not a floral but somewhat peppery and earthy—signals the arrival of summer. Nothing is more cheerful in pots marching up the porch steps or in window boxes leaning out over the garden. And they are a terrific bedding plant for full sun or light shade.

If you like Maverick Orange (and how could you not), we also offer Scarlet, as well as the formula mix of all the Maverick colors. Try them all, choose your favorites, and enjoy the bliss of growing annuals that love the hot summer weather as much as you do.

Review Summary
(Based on 2 Reviews)

Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0

Reviews

Update to my first review -- they keep getting better!!
Allegra from CA wrote on September 22, 2016

I planted these out in March, they began blooming in April, and as the summer progressed they covered themselves in show-stopping neon orange. It's the end of September and they are STILL going strong here in zone 9 (Silicon Valley). The plants are nearly 2 feet high, and that's in 8-inch pots. I have rarely had such phenomenal results with any plant. I'm planting them out in a sunny bed next year and can't wait to see what they can do when they are free from the pots -- apart from my cacti I've never come across a plant that loves our relentless California sun as much as these. If you like geraniums, you can't go wrong with the mavericks: vigorous bright green plants, brilliant colors, not greedy about water, and easy to care for. An all-around winner.

Vigorous seedlings, 100 per cent germination
Allegra from CA wrote on February 07, 2016

I started these seeds a month ago, so obviously they aren't flowering yet. But most important to me, as a seed-starting fanatic, are germination rate and seedling strength. Park sent 11 seeds, and I have 11 beautiful, sturdy seedlings working on their third set of true leaves. The leaves are large, lush, and the plants' health is perfect. True, I give my seeds the best conditions possible: Special seed-starting mix, bottom heating mat, grow lights, careful watering, organic food & azomite, and a protected spot in the sun when I set them outside to bask in a little fresh air. I will be able to set these plants into their permanent location much, much earlier than I expected due to their excellent performance. Park Seed is renowned for the quality of their seeds, and justly so. I am writing this review before my plants flower because I trust that their DNA is exactly what Park says it is, and they will produce those lovely orange flower heads. But the first step to that is having robust plants, and Park's has delivered on that one yet again. By the way, I put one seed to each little pot rather than double them up, so I was not faced with having to thin (and lose) any seedlings.

Pelargonium is the botanical name for Geranium
Pelargonium Germination Information

Pelargonium Seed Germination How to Sow Pelargonium:
  • Seed may be scarified before shipping
  • Seeds of P. x hortorum are best sown indoors, 12-16 weeks before last frost, at a temperature of 70-75°
  • Expect germination in 5-15 days
  • Seeds of the scented geraniums are best sown indoors, 12 weeks before last frost, at alternating temperatures of 68 and 86°
  • Expect germination in 20-50 days
  • It is not recommended to sow either of these types outdoors

How to Grow Pelargonium:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space seedlings 1 foot apart, making sure that the rhizomes are covered by at least 1 inch of soil

Temperature Grow on at 70-75°days/65-70° nights. Plant out in full sun to afternoon shade

Soil: Plant in a neutral to alkaline, rich, well-drained soil

Additional Care: Feed well, water plentifully, and deadhead constantly. Pelargonium x hortorum may be stored dormant over the winter, however, this practice is not recommended as plants become woody and less productive the following year

Appearance and Use:

Primarily grown as a bedding and container plant (planters, window boxes, hanging baskets), it is also useful as filler in the border and grown indoors in the house or conservatory. Pelargonium x hortorum, Zonal Geranium, is one plant that everyone knows by name. Plants grow 15-24 inches tall and produce 5 inch heads of pink, salmon, red, and white. Leaves are heart shaped from 3-5 inches across and have scalloped margins. They often have a darker green zone in the center of them, thus the common name


About Pelargonium:
Pronunciation:  pel-är-go’ne-um
Lifecycle:  Annual
Origination: Geraniaceae; native to South Africa
Common Name: Geranium

Superior Germination Through Superior Science

Park's Superior Seeds Park Seed's humidity- and temperature-controlled seed storage vault Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this.

First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides. Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment.

Superior Standards - University Inspected

Testing seeds against minimum germination standards To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly.

Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians

Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping.

When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity.

The Park Seed Gold Standard

Park Seed's exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil seed packets And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer. We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier.

When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden!
Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds?
GMO freeIt is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed.

What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed?
Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly.

Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!).

Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way.

What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them?
Pelleted pentas seedsExtremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination.

What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds?
The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.

How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept?
For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow.

How long will seeds keep in storage?
Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.

What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period?
We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.

What depth should I sow various seeds?
When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation.