When to Plant: Geraniums in general like the warmth over cold, however, they do enjoy a crisp morning. Plant in pots and move in and out when frosts occur. Or, plant in ground when danger of last frost has passed.

Click here to find your last frost date.

Light: Partial Sun to Full Sun

Soil: Well-drained soil is best, but geraniums can grow in many conditions. If planting in a container, use general-purpose potting mix.

Provide moisture when the top 2” of soil/mix is dry or when you notice wilt. Time between watering cycles is determined by your soil type and climate. If in a container, daily watering may be necessary. To contain growth, hold water as plants can get leggy with excess nutrients and water .

If planted in a container, try a slow-release fertilizer for easy care, following the recommended bottle rates. Sometimes, potting mixes incorporate slow release fertilizer that lasts for 6 months. Geraniums are known as “heavy feeders” and can tolerate more fertilizers than other plants.

Fertilizing while planted in ground may not be necessary if soil quality is good.

All parts of geraniums are edible. Use the flowers in preserves, baked goods & teas. And… don’t forget to invite me to teatime!

As with other edible flowers… Be careful to only consume geraniums that have been marketed as edible. Consuming plants from retail centers marketing plants as ornamental may have sprayed chemicals that are not rated for consumption. My plants are readily edible!

Scented geraniums are bred in many different scents—chocolate, apple, rose, cinnamon and… lemon. Did you know that citronella is actually a type of scented geranium?

My particular variety smells of sweet citrus, but not quite as pungent as citronella. It hails from my alma mater—Kansas State—where I propagated its parent plant in my first propagation class.