How to Grow Scented Geranium Mint

Scented Geranium Mint

Pelargonium × hortorum (mint-scented cultivar)

herb

Scented geraniums are aromatic perennial plants prized for their fragrant foliage that releases pleasant scents when leaves are brushed or crushed. Unlike true geraniums, these Pelargonium species feature decorative flowers and intensely aromatic leaves with minty, fruity, or spicy notes depending on the cultivar. They are popular as houseplants and garden specimens in temperate climates.

Looking for a specific variety?

Attar of Roses Apple Chocolate Mint Citronella Lemon Strawberry

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates partial shade but foliage scent is most intense in sun)

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Water: Water when top inch of soil is dry; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering causes root rot and fungal issues.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches between plants inches

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Days to maturity: 30-60 days to usable foliage; flowers appear within 6-8 weeks

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Planting depth: Seeds: 1/4 inch deep; transplants: at soil level, same depth as root ball

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in USDA zones 9-11; grown as annuals or container plants in cooler zones

9 9a 9b 10 10a 10b 11

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small plants with 2-4 true leaves emerging; delicate and tender

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light. Maintain 65-75°F temperature. Thin seedlings to prevent damping-off.

Vegetative/Establishment

3-6 weeks

Plants develop bushy growth with multiple stems and increasingly fragrant leaves; 6-12 inches tall

Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness. Increase light to full sun. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Water when top soil dries.

Flowering

6-12 weeks (continuous in growing season)

Small clustered flowers appear in pink, red, purple, or white depending on variety; foliage remains the main feature

Continue regular watering and feeding. Deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms and neater appearance. Ensure good air circulation.

Mature/Harvesting

Throughout growing season

Plant is full-sized, established, and continuously producing fragrant leaves and flowers

Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushiness. Reduce watering in fall/winter. Prune heavily in late winter to rejuvenate. Use consistently for culinary or household purposes.

Dormancy (Winter)

2-4 months (varies by zone)

Growth slows dramatically in cool season; plants may drop some leaves

Reduce watering significantly. Keep in bright light but tolerate cooler temperatures (50-60°F). Minimal feeding. Prune in late winter before growth resumes.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Rosemary Lavender Thyme Sage Marigolds Nasturtiums

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (may affect flavor) Fennel (allelopathic) Plants requiring constant moisture

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Increase humidity.
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil. Improve air circulation.
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Manually remove or scrape off. Apply horticultural oil in dormant season.
Ensure excellent drainage. Reduce watering. Repot in fresh, sterile soil if needed. Remove affected plant portions.

Uses

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Flavoring & Teas

Culinary

Mint-scented geranium leaves add unique minty, fruity flavors to herbal teas, lemonades, cocktails, and desserts. The leaves can be used fresh or dried in culinary applications for a sophisticated flavor twist. [source]

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Fragrance & Aromatics

Household

Dried leaves release fragrance in potpourri, sachets, and drawer fresheners. The essential oils provide natural home fragrance without synthetic chemicals. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Historically used in folk medicine to support digestion and calm nerves when steeped as tea. Contains aromatic compounds that may have mild calming properties. [source]

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Crafts & Decorative Uses

Craft

Pressed leaves and delicate flowers are used in crafts, card-making, and botanical art. Fresh sprigs serve as natural table decorations. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Small flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to gardens and containers, supporting local ecosystems. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Pinch or cut leaves regularly starting when plant is 6-8 inches tall to encourage bushiness and continuous harvest. Pick individual leaves or stem tips as needed. Best flavor and scent in morning after dew dries. Harvest just before flowering for peak essential oils. Can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season.

Fun Facts

🌱 Scented geraniums are not true geraniums but belong to the Pelargonium genus; the confusion arose from early botanical classification. True geraniums are hardy perennials in cooler climates, while scented geraniums are tender plants.
🌱 Different cultivars offer distinct scents beyond mint—including rose, apple, lemon, chocolate, strawberry, and even coconut fragrances—making them a fragrant collector's item for enthusiasts.
🌱 Victorian gardeners were obsessed with scented geraniums, creating hundreds of cultivars and enjoying them as parlor plants. They were status symbols because the diverse fragrances indicated wealth and horticultural expertise.

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