Caring for Scented Geraniums

Scented geraniums, also known as Pelargoniums, are perennial plants characterized by their aromatic leaves laden with special cells that produce a strong fragrance at the slightest touch. The scent the plant produces depends on the particular variety and ranges from chocolate to citrus to the sweetest rose. A few types are prized for their flowers as well as their scent, though most scented geraniums are light bloomers.

Most scented geranium plants fit easily onto a sunny windowsill and thrive indoors, although they can be grown outdoors in warm climates. In cooler climates, Pelargoniums grown outdoors must be dug up and brought indoors over winter. Most gardeners prefer to grow the plants in containers for easier transport indoors when temperatures drop in the fall and winter.

Growing Indoor Scented Geraniums

Growing indoors is the easiest way to cultivate scented geraniums, as they require consistently warm temperatures to grow and thrive. Common houseplants, pelargoniums never become completely dormant, which makes for year-round interest and fragrance indoors. Plants live for 3 to 4 years indoors when provided with the proper growing environment and care.

• Light – Provide scented geraniums with bright, direct sunlight for at least four hours per day. A south- or west-facing window sill is an ideal location.
• Temperature – Scented geranium plants require average room temperatures not to exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit or drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Fertilizing – Feed plants every two weeks during spring through fall with a balanced houseplant fertilizer that includes micro-nutrients according to the manufacturer’s directions. Do not feed during winter.
• Watering – Water scented geraniums only after the top 5 inches of soil are completely dry, about once every 10 to 14 days. Water less frequently in winter, but never allow the roots to dry out completely.
• Soil – Use any good, well-drained houseplant potting mix. Never use garden soil to grow indoor scented geraniums, or any other houseplants, as it is typically not well-drained and may contain pests.
• Repotting – Repot plants once per year in early spring, just before active growth resumes, for the best results. Provide fresh potting soil and move to a slightly larger container if necessary.
• Special Care – Allow plants to remain outdoors in full sun when the temperatures allow. Bring indoors any time it becomes too hot or cold for the plants to survive.

Cultivating Pelargoniums Outdoors

Outdoors, pelargonium plants are also easy to maintain, but they will require additional winter care. Although they are hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11, it often becomes too hot for the plants to thrive even in these areas. For the best results, grow outdoor scented geraniums in containers and bring indoors when temperatures leave the recommended range. Space plants at least 12 inches apart in the ground to allow room for growth.

• Light – Provide plants with full sun or partial afternoon shade when temperatures rise. Plant in the ground in zones 10 and 11 only if afternoon shade can be provided, or scorching may occur.
• Temperature – Scented geraniums thrive when temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They may survive warmer temperatures if protected from the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
• Fertilizing – Pelargoniums are light feeders and require only monthly applications of balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season when grown in the ground. If grown in containers, feed twice per month during spring through fall using a fertilizer with added micro-nutrients. No supplemental fertilization is required during winter.
• Watering – Water plants when the top few inches of soil become dry to the touch. Container-grown geraniums may require more frequent watering, particularly when grown in full sun, but be careful not to over-water.
• Soil – Well-drained soil of average fertility is best for scented geranium plants. Avoid heavy, clay or wet soils, as geraniums cannot tolerate wet feet. If growing in containers, use well-drained potting soil.
• Winter Care – When grown in the ground, scented geraniums must be dug up and brought indoors during winter. Dig up plants before the first frost when nighttime temperatures are around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Pot them in containers and place in a well-lit, warm location, watering once every two weeks until spring.

Remember to push new growth only during the spring and summer. Although scented geraniums do not really enter dormancy, they still need a period of rest during the winter months. Some growers prefer to store plants in a cool, dark place during winter, although this is not necessary. Plants kept in bright light year-round will be healthier when the growing season begins.

References:

Pleasant, Barbara. The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual: Essential Gardening Know-How for Keeping (Not Killing) More Than 160 Indoor Plants. North Adams: Storey Publishing, LLC, 2005. Print.

Smith, Miranda. Your Backyard Herb Garden: A Gardener’s Guide to Growing Over 50 Herbs Plus How to Use Them in Cooking, Crafts, Companion Planting and More. Emmaus, Pa.: Rodale Books, 1999. Print.