Scented Geranium — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Pelargonium graveolens |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–91.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–76.2 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 9–11 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Root cuttings in well-drained, lean to moderately fertile soil in full sun to light shade; scented geraniums are a diverse group of Pelargonium species grown primarily for their extraordinary aromatic foliage rather than their flowers. The rose-scented P. graveolens is the classic, with deeply lobed leaves smelling of rose-lemon; other varieties offer scents of peppermint, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut, apple, apricot, pine, and many other aromas, achieved by rubbing or crushing the leaves. The dried leaves are used to flavor sugar, pound cake, jams, and teas; fresh leaves infuse a subtle rose flavor into cream, sorbet, and pound cake. They are more heat-tolerant than zonal geraniums and can survive Gulf Coast summers in partial shade with adequate water. All scented geraniums root easily from cuttings taken in late summer to bring indoors for the winter in zone 8a.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · scented-geranium
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0