How to Grow Geranium

Geranium

Pelargonium × hortorum

flower

Geraniums are popular ornamental flowering plants known for their vibrant clusters of red, pink, white, or purple flowers and attractive, sometimes fragrant foliage. They are versatile plants suitable for beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. These tender perennials are typically grown as annuals in cooler climates and are prized for their long blooming season and low maintenance requirements.

Looking for a specific variety?

Zonal Geranium Ivy Geranium Regal Geranium Scented Geranium Stellar Geranium Cactus Geranium

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun)

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Water: Water when top inch of soil is dry; avoid overwatering as geraniums are drought-tolerant. Water at soil level to prevent leaf disease. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first flowers from transplants

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot; seeds sown 1/8 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 10-11 as perennials; grown as annuals in zones 3-9

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Young plants with 2-4 true leaves, developing root systems and initial foliage

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright light. Transplant to larger containers when 2-3 inches tall.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plants develop bushy foliage with multiple stems and increasing leaf size; no flowers yet

Pinch growing tips when 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth. Water regularly but allow drying between waterings. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at branch tips; tight clusters of unopened flowers begin to appear

Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Switch to lower nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering. Ensure adequate sunlight.

Flowering

8-16 weeks or until frost

Vibrant flower clusters (umbels) open in succession; continuous blooming throughout the season

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend blooming. Water consistently. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with flowering plant fertilizer. Provide good air circulation to prevent disease.

Late Season/Dormancy

Variable based on climate

In warm climates, flowering continues; in cool climates, growth slows as temperatures drop

In zones 3-9, reduce watering and bring indoors before frost or treat as annual. In zones 10-11, reduce fertilizer and water as growth naturally slows.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Dusty Miller Impatiens Petunias Salvia Alyssum Ivy Bacopa Verbena

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage family plants (can attract same pests) Fennel (allelopathic)

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Use rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs for individual insects.
Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Use neem oil for heavy infestations.
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with fungicide if needed.
and (fungal/bacterial)
Remove infected leaves; improve drainage and air circulation. Water at soil level only.

Uses

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Scented Geranium Beverages & Flavoring

Culinary

Scented geranium varieties (rose, lemon, apple) have fragrant leaves used to flavor teas, beverages, desserts, and baked goods. The leaves impart delicate floral notes without being overpowering. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Geranium species have been used in traditional medicine for respiratory support, skin health, and inflammation. Rose geranium essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its calming and balancing properties. [source]

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Natural Fragrance & Air Freshening

Household

Scented geranium leaves can be dried and used in potpourri, sachets, and household fresheners. The dried leaves retain their fragrance for months and naturally freshen rooms. [source]

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Cut Flowers & Garden Arrangements

Craft

Geranium flowers are excellent for fresh cut arrangements, providing color and longevity in floral displays. The flowers last 1-2 weeks in water and pair well with other garden flowers. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Geranium flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to gardens, supporting ecosystem health while providing continuous garden color. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Geraniums are ornamental flowers harvested for cutting arrangements. Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open. Remove lower leaves and place in water immediately. Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly throughout the season to promote continuous blooming. Pinch back leggy stems to maintain compact shape.

Fun Facts

🌱 Despite their common name 'Geranium,' most geraniums grown as ornamental plants are actually Pelargonium species, while true geraniums are hardy perennials in the genus Geranium.
🌱 Scented geraniums have fragrant leaves that release aroma when touched, with varieties smelling of rose, lemon, apple, mint, and even chocolate.
🌱 Geraniums have been cultivated as houseplants and ornamentals for over 300 years, originating from South Africa and becoming Victorian favorites.

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