How to Grow Geranium

Pelargonium is the botanical name for Geranium
Pelargonium Germination Information

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