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How to Grow Scarlet Pelargonium

Scarlet Pelargonium

Pelargonium × hortorum

flower

Scarlet pelargonium is a vibrant flowering plant known for its bright red blooms and attractive rounded foliage. It's a tender perennial commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates, prized for its long blooming season and ability to thrive in containers and garden beds. These reliable flowers are popular in gardens, patios, and windowsills worldwide.

Looking for a specific variety?

Red Ivy Scarlet Queen Maverick Red Orbit Red Fantasia Red Bruno

When should you plant Scarlet Pelargonium in your zone?

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Example Scarlet Pelargonium timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Scarlet Pelargonium

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Scarlet Pelargonium blooms

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Pelargonium dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun
💧
Water: Water when top inch of soil is dry; allow soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which promotes fungal diseases. Reduce watering in winter.
📏
Spacing: 12 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first blooms from transplant
🌱
Planting depth: Plant transplants at soil level; seeds sown 1/4 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost or aged manure Avoid excessive nitrogen-rich amendments

Growing Zones

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Thrives year-round in zones 9-11; grown as annuals or container plants elsewhere

9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small plants with 2-4 true leaves, tender and delicate

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light (12-14 hours). Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plants develop bushy form with multiple stems and rounded green leaves

Pinch back growing tips when plants reach 3-4 inches to encourage branching. Water moderately. Begin light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

3

Budding

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at stem tips, appearing as tight green clusters

Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure. Continue balanced fertilizing. Ensure good air circulation to prevent disease. Remove any diseased leaves.

4

Flowering

8-12 weeks or longer

Vibrant scarlet flower clusters (umbels) open atop stems, with dark green foliage underneath

Deadhead spent flower clusters regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water at soil level, avoiding foliage. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, switch to higher phosphorus formula (e.g., 5-10-10). Monitor for pests and diseases.

5

Seed Development (optional)

3-4 weeks

If flowers are not deadheaded, seed pods develop; plant energy diverts from blooming

Allow flowers to remain on plant if seed collection is desired. Otherwise, remove spent blooms to maintain vigor and continuous flowering.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Silver dusty miller White alyssum Blue salvia Purple petunias White vinca Ornamental grasses

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently moist soil Mint (allelopathic competition) Fennel

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Increase humidity. Remove heavily infested leaves.

  • Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators. Remove heavily infested leaves.

  • Dab with rubbing alcohol on small infestations. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Isolate affected plants.

  • Hand-pick visible caterpillars. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Remove affected buds and flowers. Thin foliage for better air circulation.

  • Remove infected leaves immediately and discard. Water at soil level only. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Use copper fungicide if severe.

Uses

🍳

Edible flowers for garnish

Culinary

Scarlet pelargonium flowers are edible and add a peppery, slightly floral flavor to salads, desserts, and beverages. They make striking garnishes for cakes, cocktails, and culinary dishes. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

Pelargonium species have been used in traditional medicine and some modern herbal preparations for respiratory support and general wellness, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

🏠

Ornamental decoration

Household

Scarlet pelargoniums brighten gardens, patios, windowsills, and container arrangements with long-lasting vibrant color throughout the growing season. [source]

🎨

Pressed flowers and dried arrangements

Craft

The bright flowers dry well for pressed flower projects, floral arrangements, and craft applications, retaining color better than many other flowers. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Scarlet pelargonium flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local pollinator populations throughout the blooming season. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Harvest blooms by cutting stems just below the flower cluster, preferably in early morning when flowers are fully hydrated. Cut at 45-degree angles to maximize water absorption in a vase. Deadhead spent flowers regularly (2-3 times weekly during peak season) by pinching or cutting just below the flower cluster to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. For seed collection, allow flower clusters to dry on plant; seeds mature in 3-4 weeks and can be collected when pods dry and split.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Scarlet pelargoniums are technically South African natives (Pelargonium × hortorum is a hybrid) and were bred in Europe during the 1800s, making them valuable heritage garden plants with over 150 years of cultivation history.
  • 🌱 The name 'geranium' commonly used for pelargoniums is technically incorrect—true geraniums are hardy perennials in the genus Geranium, while pelargoniums are tender perennials; the confusion arose from historical botanical classification.
  • 🌱 Pelargonium leaves emit a distinctive peppery, slightly fruity scent when brushed or crushed, which some gardeners find pleasant and use in dried arrangements or pressed botanicals for subtle fragrance.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial pH Pinch Back True Leaves
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