Growing Geraniums

Growing Geraniums - A group of scented geraniums is irresistible on the paio table, in the garden, or by your doorstep.

Collecting these wonderfully fragrant plants is one of the true joys of herb gardening.

Geranium is made up of about 422 species of flowering annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as the cranesbills.

A small sampling includes Lemon-scented geranium, Peppermint-scented geranium, and Rose-scented geranium.

It is found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mostly in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region.

Description

Geraniums are perennials that grow as annuals in cooler zones. They average about 1 to 3 feet tall, depending on the species. They will grow in zone 10.

Flowers: Not nearly as flashy as common bedding geraniums, these plants have open clusters of usually pale pink or white flowers. The upper two petals are usually larger than the lower three and are often a different color. Most species that are kept indoors all winter will bloom in late winter. Plants that are kept outdoors will bloom in the summer.

Leaves: Growing geraniums will provide a wonderful variety of leaf shapes and textures. Some are dainty and scalloped, others are broad and lobed, or lacy, crinkled, or curled, in all shades of green and gray-green.

Flavor and fragrance: The flavor of scented geraniums is somewhat sweet and refreshing at the same time. The fragrance varies remarkably with different species and cultivars - scented geraniums can smell like spicy roses, lemons, apples, or even pineapples.

How To Grow

When to plant: Plant in your garden or move containers outdoors after all danger of frost is past and night temperatures are 50 degrees F or higher. Scented geraniums are best started from cuttings or young plants, but seeds are available for apple, coconut, and peppermint geraniums.

Seeds are slow to germinate. Sow the seeds in a flat and keep on a heated mat at 80 degrees F; prick out individual seedlings as they sprout and transplant them into small individual pots. Allow at least three months for seeds to germinate.

Where to plant: Plants prefer full sun but tolerate the filtered of a south windowsill.

Soil and fertility: Pot in a humus-rich medium and keep moist.

Plant spacing: Space the plants about 12 inches apart. Pot the cuttings 4 inch containers and move up as the plants grow. A fully mature scented geranium will fill a 12 inch pot.

Pests: Whiteflies

Diseases: Bacterial wilt, botrytis blight, root rot

Harvesting

When to harvest: Pick the individual leaves anytime after a plant reaches 5 to 6 inches tall. Harvest quantities of leaves for drying anytime in the growing season, picking in the morning when the dew has dried. For maximum fragrance, harvest the leaves before the flowers appear. Snip off flower clusters when three-quarters of the blooms have opened.

How to harvest: Snip individual leaves and flower clusters where they join the branch, or strip the leaves from the cut stems.

Drying: Dry leaves and flowers on a screen.

Uses

Cooking: Add fresh leaves to jam and jellies, baked goods, and cold sweet drinks and ice tea.

Crafts: Add dried leaves and flowers to potpourris for fragrance and visual appeal.

Tips

Because geraniums are so cold-sensitive, many people grow them in containers throughout the year, but they add wonderful texture they are planted in the garden for the late spring and summer.

To propogate scented geraniums, take the cuttings from established plants in spring, summer, or early fall. Dig and pot up plants growing in the garden when colder weather nears, or take cuttings when night temperatures fall to 50 degrees F.

Growing geraniums is like eating like eating potato chips - it's hard to stop at just one.