Maverick™ Orange Geranium Seeds

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.

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.