Growing and Sowing Geranium

This description refers to the Pelargonium geranium, a geranium species often used for balcony pots and containers. They belong to the Geraniaceae family. Pelargoniums originate from Namibia and South Africa and are frost-intolerant summer bloomers. This species of geranium is known for its large flower clusters and is an easy plant for in pots, balcony boxes or hanging baskets.

Sowing and growing Geranium

Pelargoniums, or geraniums, originate from South Africa and are known for their lush flowers, often consisting of several small flowers on one stem that together form a flower cluster. This type of geranium is widely used as a balcony, pot and bedding plant. They have a long flowering period and bloom with colourful, full flowers.

Sowing Geranium Seeds

To be able to enjoy this type of geranium in the summer, it is important to start sowing  early. This way, the plants have enough time to grow. Start pre-sowing indoors in a seed tray in winter, from January onwards, and transplant the plants to a larger pot when they are big enough. The plants can go outside from May.

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Position and soil of Geranium

Geraniums (Pelargoniums) like a sunny location. So place them in a spot in full sun or partial shade. The soil must be well-drained, slightly acidic and rich in nutrients.

How to care for your geranium plants

Geraniums need some care. Water the plants regularly and remove dead flowers for richer flowering. Give the plants some nutrition regularly. It can also help to add a bottle of beer to a watering can. This promotes growth and flowering.

Is a geranium bee- and butterfly friendly?

Whether a geranium is insect-friendly depends a bit on the species. There are species that attract bees and other pollinators, but also species that they chase away. Depending on where you are going to put the geranium, you could make use of this.

Geranium in a vegetable garden

Geraniums can be a great addition to the vegetable garden. For example, as ground cover, to control weeds or to repel harmful insects. This does depend on the species, so look at this carefully. Geraniums are also edible.

Is geranium edible and/or medicinal?

Most types of geranium are edible. Depending on the species, they have different smells and tastes. So it depends on the species whether they are really tasty. The leaves and flowers are used for example to garnish drinks or in salads. Geranium oil is made from certain varieties, which is said to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antispasmodic effects.

Please note, we at Dutch Garden Seeds do not give medical advice. Always ask a professional if and how the plant can be used medicinally.

Geranium Seeds in our collection

We have 2 types of geranium seeds in our range, a mixed variety, called 'Magic Beauty' and a red variety, called 'Mustang'. Both are from the brand 'Horti Tops'.

Tips for growing Geranium

• Remove the faded flowers regularly, this can extend the flowering period.
• Start sowing early, for example at the end of winter, to obtain strong plants for the summer.

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