How to Grow Scented Geranium Mint Apple

Scented Geranium Mint Apple

Pelargonium graveolens var. 'Mint Apple'

herb

Scented Geranium Mint Apple is a fragrant perennial herb prized for its distinctive mint and apple-scented foliage. The plant produces delicate pink or white flowers and soft, velvety leaves that release their aroma when brushed. It's an excellent container plant and garden accent valued in aromatherapy, culinary applications, and crafts.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

💧

Water: Water when soil surface feels dry; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering causes root rot.

📏

Spacing: 12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 45-60 days to establish; continuous harvest after 8-10 weeks

🌱

Planting depth: 0.25 inches for seeds; transplants at same depth as original pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining, light loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Perlite or sand for drainage Aged compost Avoid heavy clay soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9b-11; grow in containers indoors or move to shelter in cooler zones

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 leaves emerging from soil; very delicate and light green

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright, indirect light; maintain 70-75°F temperature

Vegetative

4-6 weeks

Plant develops bushy form with soft, hairy leaves; foliage becomes more aromatic; height 6-12 inches

Pinch tips to encourage branching; increase light to full sun; maintain moderate watering; begin light fertilizing

Flowering

6-12 weeks (repeating throughout growing season)

Delicate clusters of pink or white flowers appear on tall stems above foliage; blooms last several weeks

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; maintain consistent watering; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer

Mature/Harvest Ready

Continuous from week 8 onward

Full-sized plant at 12-18 inches tall with abundant aromatic foliage; flowers continue throughout season

Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth; reduce fertilizer if excessive; adjust watering based on season

Dormancy/Winter

2-4 months in cold climates

Growth slows dramatically; leaf drop may occur; plant becomes semi-dormant indoors

Reduce watering significantly; move to bright location indoors; maintain 55-65°F; minimal fertilizing

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Rosemary Sage Thyme Catmint Roses Salvia

Avoid planting near:

Tomatoes Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) Fennel High-water-need plants

Common Pests

Spray with water mist; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation; increase humidity
Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil; improve air circulation
Remove manually with brush; spray with horticultural oil; prune heavily infested stems
Improve drainage; reduce watering; repot in fresh soil; ensure pots have drainage holes

Uses

🍳

Herbal Tea & Beverages

Culinary

Fresh or dried leaves brew into a delightful mint-apple flavored tea with a subtle fruity sweetness. The leaves can also flavor desserts, lemonades, and cocktails for a unique aromatic twist. [source]

🌿

Essential Oil & Fragrance

Aromatherapy

The distinctive mint-apple fragrance is released when leaves are touched or rubbed, and can be used in potpourri, sachets, and dried arrangements. The aroma has been used traditionally to promote relaxation and mental clarity. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Scented geranium leaves have been used in traditional medicine as an herbal tea to support digestion and calm the nervous system. Topically, the leaves can be infused into creams for skin care applications. [source]

🏠

Natural Air Freshener

Household

Fresh leaves placed in bowls, sachets, or dried for potpourri naturally freshen indoor spaces without synthetic fragrances. Hang dried bundles in closets or drawers for pleasant, lasting aroma. [source]

🎨

Culinary Garnish & Crafts

Craft

Delicate flowers serve as beautiful, edible garnishes for desserts and drinks. The attractive foliage is excellent in floral arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and decorative displays. [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 leaves anytime after plant is well-established (8+ weeks); pinch leaves from top and side stems to encourage bushy growth; harvest in morning after dew dries for peak aroma; flowers are edible and decorative; remove no more than 1/3 of plant at once

Fun Facts

🌱 Scented geraniums are not true geraniums (Geranium genus) but belong to Pelargonium, a distinct genus with over 200 scented varieties featuring fragrances ranging from rose and mint to chocolate and coconut.
🌱 The volatile oils that give Mint Apple geranium its distinctive aroma are released through tiny oil glands on the leaf surface called trichomes, which is why touching the leaves intensifies the scent.
🌱 Victorians were obsessed with scented geraniums and bred hundreds of varieties; they were popular parlor plants grown in pots and brought indoors for winter in cool climates, making them accessible to wealthy households.

Want personalized planting timelines?

Get started free