How to Grow Scented Geraniums? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods
Scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Morocco, Algeria, France, Egypt and other countries. It was introduced by the Kunming Institute of Botany in 1962, and after successful cultivation in Kunming, Yuxi, Shiping, Binchuan and other places, it has been cultivated in gardens everywhere. Because the plant has a volatile fragrance, it is widely popular and can be used to make essential oil. Let us take a look at how to grow scented geraniums!
Growth Habits of Scented Geraniums
Scented geraniums like warmth and tolerate drought, but are not cold-hardy and fear waterlogging. They have low water requirements and are suitable for growing in neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Their growth requires ample sunshine, so when choosing a cultivation area, a sunny spot with plenty of sunlight should be preferred. They require deep soil that is loose in texture and rich in humus, either fertile sandy soil or loam, while heavy clay soil and low-lying land with poor drainage are not suitable for cultivation. The suitable planting range requires areas below 1800 m in altitude with a frost period of less than 10 days.
Propagation Methods for Scented Geraniums
Scented geraniums are mainly propagated by cuttings, and can also be grown from seed or by tissue culture. In April and May or September and October, cut sturdy branches with terminal buds, 5-8 cm long, and insert them as cuttings after the cut surface has dried, keeping 2-3 terminal buds. Keep them shaded and moist, and they will take root and survive in about 15-20 days. When breeding new varieties, artificial pollination is often used, and the seeds are then collected and sown. At a temperature of 20°C, they germinate and emerge in 7-10 days.
Cultivation Methods for Scented Geraniums
1. Soil: Scented geraniums require fertile, well-drained soil. For potted plants, the growing medium can be made from 1/3 leaf mold, 1/3 rice husk ash and 1/3 garden soil, with a small amount of superphosphate added and mixed evenly.
2. Watering: Scented geraniums tolerate drought and fear waterlogging. Therefore, during growth, water should be controlled appropriately. Too much watering, causing excessive water content in the potting soil, will lead to leggy growth or root rot. In spring and autumn, when growth and flowering are vigorous, a little more water can be given, but the potting soil should still be kept moist. In winter, when temperatures are low and plant growth is slow, watering should be minimized as much as possible.
3. Fertilizing: When cultivating scented geraniums, in addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer, during the growing season, especially at the peak of flowering, a dilute liquid fertilizer can be applied once every 7-10 days. Diluted rotted livestock and poultry manure is even better, or rotted cake fertilizer water can also be used for watering. Starting 3-5 days before fertilizing, water less or not at all; applying fertilizer when the potting soil is on the dry side is more conducive to root absorption.
4. Light: Scented geraniums originate from South Africa and prefer environment conditions with ample sunlight, warmth and good ventilation. In spring and early summer, when sunlight is not too intense, the flowerpot can be placed in a spot with ample light so the plant receives sufficient sunlight, but in the hot seasons of midsummer and early autumn, it should be placed in a shaded spot, avoiding direct strong light, otherwise the branches and leaves will be scorched.
5. Pruning: To keep scented geraniums neat in shape and make them bloom more, if the plants grow too vigorously in spring, branch thinning and pruning can be carried out. After flowering, promptly cut off spent flowers and overly dense branches. During the dormant period, prune once more, cutting off yellowed old leaves, thinning out overly dense branches, and shortening overly long branches, so that after the dormant period new branches will sprout and continue to form buds and bloom. In addition, scented geraniums themselves have a special odor and are rarely affected by pests, so no control is needed.