Geraniums tolerate dry soils better than overly wet conditions, and over-watering causes indoor geraniums to rot. If you notice a stem that has turned soft and black, the best course is to dispose of the entire plant immediately. If you would like to maintain the plant at its current size, put it into the same pot or another pot of the same size. ), you’re in for a treat. Varieties in the fruit group that are fun to use in dish gardens and topiaries include fingerbowl, ‘Crispum’, golden lemon, ‘French Lace’, lime, and strawberry. If you have a corner with a southern and western window and some hanging basket room and floor space, you can choose larger varieties from all the groups. Scented geraniums aren’t really very new: I remember a rose geranium in Grandma’s cool room when I was a child. Maintain temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Some gardeners give scented geraniums a rest period in winter to encourage vigorous growth, and better flowering in spring and summer. Scented Geraniums are a fascinating and diverse group of aromatic plants with highly fragrant leaves. They languish in wet, clay soil. A Scented Geranium that does not get enough light … Kingsley’, ‘Old Scarlet’, and ‘Scarlet Unique’, • Rose: ‘Atomic Snowflake’, ‘Attar of Rose’, and ‘Snowflake’ I can’t stress it enough: keep your scenteds and their surroundings clean, and you will enjoy pest- and disease-free plants. account? Sign in with your online account. Soil preparation: Grow scented geraniums in well-draining, loamy soil. If the plants become leggy, with long distances between leaf nodes, and the leaves appear pale, lower the lights a few inches. The citrus-scented geraniums are dainty plants that can sit on a sunny windowsill. Besides using a sterilized potting mix, other strategies for preventing disease include providing good air circulation, keeping healthy plants away from infected ones, and removing dead and damaged leaves. You’ll need to shade it somewhat during the summer, but in winter, your scented geraniums will thrive. Pelargonium / ˌ p ɛ l ɑːr ˈ ɡ oʊ n i ə m / is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 280 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums, pelargoniums, or storksbills. Scented geranium care is pretty basic. They prefer a full sun location. Scented geraniums will tolerate most average soils, but not wet soil. Scented geraniums (actually Pelargoniums) adapt quite well to indoor conditions. Scented geraniums prefer full sun, but they may need protection from the hot afternoon sun, especially in Southern climates. Easier still is Osmocote, a time-release pelleted fertilizer that is placed on the soil. Offers. • Pine: fern leaf, staghorn, and ‘Dean’s Delight’ ... How to grow hardy geraniums. Best wishes, Groom your scenteds regularly, and topdress the soil with fresh potting mix, pebbles, bark, or marble chips to give the plants a clean look. However, scenteds grow best in relatively high humidity. Use your finger to make a two-inch deep hole in the soil. • Spice: cinnamon and nutmeg Trim the plants to promote lush growth and make them bush out nicely. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Unless the humidity is normally high where you live, growth will be enhanced by placing pots in waterproof trays of gravel filled with water to just below the top of the gravel. release a burst of fragrance when you brush against their leaves or rub them gently between your fingers. Whiteflies seem to be the biggest pests of scented geraniums. Each time you water, apply enough so that the excess runs out the bottom of the pot. Scented geraniums should receive direct sunlight during at least half of the daylight hours. Give them a brightly lit exposure, or they may stretch toward the light and start to look leggy. If I had to choose one group of plants that I couldn’t live without, it would definitely be a close tie between scented geraniums and plectranthus. What you sought in the pages of Mother Earth Living can be found in Mother Earth News. We welcome you to our sister publication Mother Earth News. This offers a great opportunity to take a look at these plants. But keep in mind that the plants also need five to six hours of darkness per day. We look forward to going on this new journey with you and providing solutions for better health and self-sufficiency. Both of these products are available at garden centers. They prefer lots of sun, but may need some protection when the sun is at its strongest. Both the flowers and leaves of Pelargoniums are edible; the common garden geraniums are not. In general, allow three pairs or sets of leaves to form before pinching off the new growth; smaller-leaved varieties, such as ‘Crispum’, may be pinched more often. Plant scented geraniums in full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Allow the soil to dry to within one-half inch of the surface, and then water the pot thoroughly. You’ll need to shade it somewhat during the summer, but in winter, your scented geraniums will thrive. Scented geraniums are like people: they need food. Aug 6, 2017 - Explore Paul Houston's board "Pelargonium Bonsai" on Pinterest. Or line a cake pan with whole leaves before pouring in batter and baking. This is difficult to replicate on even the sunniest windowsill. If you have only a small area on a windowsill, you’ll probably want to consider the fruit group. They all have small leaves, they grow more slowly than the others, and the mature plants are smaller. A plant that’s relatively easy to grow and propagate indoors, that grows lush and green and smells great, and that offers a wide variety of visual qualities and scents to match your decor and preferences? Scented geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) Scented Geraniums do not require a lot of fertiliser, however, a regular fortnightly feed, half strength to your usual pot plants, during active growth is recommended. Judy Lewis of Manchester, Ohio, has been in the business of growing herbs since 1974. Special fluorescent tubes that simulate the sun’s light — full-spectrum tubes or “grow lights” — are available at garden centers and hardware stores. Because moisture is lost more slowly in the cool of the night, plants watered then may stay too wet; the solution is to water in the morning. • Pungent: ‘Clorinda’, ‘Mrs. Citrus. Give them a couple of days to adjust before exposing them to direct sunlight, and wait until the soil is almost completely dry an inch below the surface before you water. The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual; Barbara Pleasant, House Plants A to Z; Sunset Magazine Editors. make cheery houseplants when kept indoors from autumn through spring -- or even all year. If you want a larger plant, consider apple (P. odoratissimum) or rose (P. graveolens) scented species. I classify scenteds into six groups according to fragrance: rose, fruit (which includes all the lemons), spice, mint, pine, and pungent. The necessary amount and frequency of watering vary according to the type of heating system you have (some dry the air more than others), temperature of the room, amount and nature of light, type and size of container (clay pots draw moisture from the soil; plastic pots do not), and whether a plant is by itself or one of several in a group. Place the plant in the light of a sunny, south-facing window. If you don’t happen to have appropriately sunny windows, you can supplement with artificial grow lights for about 14 hours a … You can substitute regular cool white fluorescent tubes, which are considerably less expensive, but you’ll need to keep them on a couple of hours longer and hang them closer to the plants than you would full-spectrum tubes. Scented geraniums grow best when they receive at least five hours of sunlight daily. Looking for a new and interesting herb for your windowsill? Common kitchen uses include chopping fresh scented geranium leaves to add to cake or cookie batters. Even when grown indoors geranium requires exposure to direct sun in order to thrive and bloom. ‘Attar of Roses’ is one of the best known scented-leaf pelargoniums and has both foliage and flowers that release a lovely rose scent. See more ideas about scented geranium, geraniums, plants. Every time you water, the appropriate amount of fertilizer is released; one application lasts for as long as three months. • Pine: ‘Fair Ellen’ and ‘Oak Leaf’ Botrytis, or gray mold, is a fungal disease that appears when conditions are damp and cold. Soil too rich in nitrogen can lessen the strength of the … Full sun generally provides the best flowering, but they will tolerate part shade. Did you know that there are more than 100 varieties of scented geraniums in with interesting varieties such as mint, rose, apple, apricot, nutmeg, lemon, orange, lime, ginger, cinnamon and coconut? The plant doesn't die back when it is dormant, but it stops growing and flowering. Her home-and-garden and nature articles have appeared in "Birds & Blooms" and "Alamance Today." The most common varieties are the zonal hybrids (Pelargonium x hortorum), featuring rings on their foliage and perennial in U.S. Department … Clean the base of the cutting and remove any leaves that could end up buried in the soil. From these starting heights, adjust according to the reaction of the plants, as described above. To induce dormancy, move the plant out of direct sunlight and reduce temperatures to 45 F. Indoors, scented geraniums are versatile. Leaves can be used fresh in the kitchen or dried to make potpourri. If the soil is constantly wet, the roots will die from oxygen starvation. If you don’t have a garden room or a window with good light, you can still have beautiful scented geraniums with the help of artificial light. Remove debris that collects at the base of the plant, as it is a prime place for mold spores to develop. In winter, I supplement the light from a sunny window with about eight hours of artificial light. Scented Geraniums, Pelargoniums are excellent house plants for indoors all year round that is why we say they are 'Living Natural Fragrance for Homes and Gardens' It really was a very happy and life changing day for me when I came across these beautiful and versatile plants. Check for damage or defects, and make sure you’ve received what you ordered. Here’s how to grow the scented geranium in easy steps. How to Care for an Umbrella Plant Capella, How to Keep a Creeping Fig in Pots Outside. Growing scented geraniums indoors is easy with these helpful tips. Learn about scented geraniums whose foliage is the star of the show. Better garden centers are now carrying good selections of scented geraniums, or you can purchase them by mail order. These lights provide full-spectrum light at a higher intensity and over a larger area than fluorescent tubes can, and they are mounted much higher above the plants. Pinch out the tips of vigorous stems in spring and summer to keep the plant neat and bushy. Container-grown Scented Geraniums will need continual fertilization with an all-purpose organic fertilizer throughout the growing season. Connie Krochmal Scented geraniums were chosen as Herb of the Year for 2006. Watering is an essential aspect of scented geranium care. Both genera belong to the family Geraniaceae. This will kill the adults but not the eggs; spray again a week later to take care of the next hatching. Watering should be at the soil level; misting the plants can cause the leaves to become spotted. How to Grow Scented-Leaved Geraniums . I use this treatment as often as once a month, and I don’t find it necessary to rinse off the soap; it doesn’t seem to spot the leaves or hamper growth. Scented Geraniums Indoors. An inexpensive timer turns my lights on about 5 p.m. and off about 2 a.m. release a burst of fragrance when you brush against their leaves or rub them gently between your fingers. For example, a 175-watt metal halide light is sufficient to illuminate a 3-by-3-foot area from a height of about 3 feet above the plants; a 250-watt light covers a larger area and can be raised to about 6 feet. She and her husband, John, currently operate Lewis Mountain Herbs, a thriving farm that includes eight acres of herbs and everlastings and 125 varieties of scented geraniums. How to Grow Scented Geranium Indoors. Lighting Scented Geraniums. The rose scented and lemon scented geraniums do better as potted plants for the windowsill or summer patio since their growth habit is more upright. You're sure to fall in love with the sweet scent of orange, lemon, grapefruit, or other citrus … Scented geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) Jackie Carroll has been a freelance writer since 1995. Use a sterilized knife or clean pruning scissors to cut the stem. See more ideas about pelargonium, bonsai, geraniums. Geranium is also the botanical name and common name of a separate genus of related plants, also known as cranesbills. Your friends at Mother Earth Living and Mother Earth News. Growing scented geraniums indoors provides color and scent to your living space. Start exploring the world of scented geraniums and you'll be amazed at the range of aromas these fragrant plants offer: Choose from rose, lemon, lime, nutmeg, ginger, or chocolate scents, just to name a few. plant of the week. • Pungent: ‘Little Gem’. She holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from the University of North Carolina. Already a Member but And as with people, too much food is as bad as too little. Geraniums are a firm favorite for almost every gardener. Plants can grow and be happy, even in the bleak, gray winter, with a combination of natural and artificial light. If you can’t keep the geranium near a sunny window use 40-watt supplemental fluorescent tube lighting fixed 12 inches over the plants for minimum 14 hours each day to help them growing. Use a quality potting mix for indoor plantings or grow them outdoors in … Trim the long stems on vigorous varieties just above a leaf node if necessary to control the size of the plant. For over 50 years, “The Original Guide to Living Wisely” has focused on organic gardening, herbal medicine, real food recipes, and sustainability. Geranium | Genus: Pelargonium The Geraniaceae family of plants includes Geranium (430 species), Pelargonium (280 species) and Erodium (80 species).. Pelargonium common names include: zonal, scented, ivy-leafed, and Martha Washington geraniums. As with other pelargoniums, regular deadheading will ensure a regular supply of flowers. After all, this is what makes them different from other plants, and what makes them such great conversation pieces. Scented-leaved geraniums are generally purchased as small nursery plants. Do take time to touch the leaves of your scented geraniums and enjoy their aromas. Before the temperatures drop to freezing, take cuttings or bring your potted plants indoors for the winter. If planted in the semi-shade […] Get the latest on Natural Health and Sustainable Living with Mother Earth News! Transplant if it is very root bound then give it a larger pot. • Mint: ‘Chocolate Mint’, ‘Mint’, and ‘Joy Lucille’ don't have an online Looking for a new and interesting herb for your windowsill? Geraniums are sun lovers and need at least 6-7 hours of sun per day. Scented Geranium It is true that some Geraniums have no scent but there are others with amazing fragrance that can fill up your home fresh scent of lemon, lime and rose. We will strive to be a useful and inspiring resource during this critical time and for years to come. • Fruit: apple, coconut, and filbert By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $12.95 (USA only). Tags: Taylor Miller, The Garden Gnome, Indoor Gardening, Geraniums, Scented Geraniums, Scented geraniums are rooted deep in the culture of herbal tradition, finding their prominence in 17 th century homes freshening hallways and masking body odors. There are many different varieties and many grow well indoors during the winter. Their growing requirements are easy to meet because they enjoy the same comfortable temperatures as humans and don't balk at the dry air found inside most homes. Scented geraniums are hardy in zones 10 and 11 and must be moved indoors for the winter in most areas. Scented geraniums need 12 to 14 hours of light per day. And many have soft, fuzzy foliage that's as fun to touch as it is to smell. Overall, Scented Geraniums are easy to grow, especially when given the right amount of fertilizer, bright light and dryness between watering. Scented Leaf Pelargonium, as well as being intensely perfumed plants, are classified as herbs and the leaves have many uses recipes, aromatherapy, herbal and medicinal preparations and recently have become popular as a sensory aid. • Mint: pungent peppermint Is placed on the soil to dry to a depth of 2 inches between waterings in winter, your at. Cuttings or bring your potted plants indoors for the winter need bright light and start to look.. Genus in the bleak, gray winter, I supplement the light and dryness watering. 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