How to Grow Geranium Seeds: Sowing Methods and Care Tips

Geranium seeds are the main material for propagating geraniums from seed. Geranium, also known as zonal geranium and fish geranium, is an ornamental flower of the genus Pelargonium in the family Geraniaceae, and its base often becomes semi-lignified as the plant matures. Its seeds are spindle-shaped, with a slender tail-like appendage at the tip, and turn dark brown when mature. Selecting plump, evenly colored seeds for sowing usually gives a more reliable germination rate.

Sowing is generally done in spring or autumn, when the temperature is moderate and favorable for seed germination. Before sowing, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for a few hours, then sown into a loose, breathable, well-drained medium. The soil covering should not be too deep, and the soil should be kept slightly moist. Placed in a warm, bright spot, the seeds will gradually germinate and sprout in about one to two weeks.

After the seedlings grow several true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots for final planting. During the growing period, keep the light adequate and water by the rule of letting the soil dry before watering again, avoiding long-term waterlogging in the pot that causes root rot. Geraniums prefer cool conditions and dislike high temperatures, so provide shade and ventilation in summer. Regularly pinching off the growing tips will make the plant shape fuller, with more branches and more abundant blooms.

Geraniums come in a rich range of flower colors, commonly red, pink, purple, white and many others, and are very suitable for potted display on balconies and windowsills. It should be noted that offspring propagated from seed may show trait segregation. If you want to keep the flower color and flower form of the original variety, you can also use cuttings for propagation; combining the two methods works even better.