Pelargonium graveolens – 10 Seeds

Pelargonium graveolens  is a perennial plant with strongly scented leaves and pinkish white flowers. This plant is confined to two separate areas in southern Africa, one in Limpopo Province, where it receives summer rain, and the other in the south-eastern part of the Western Cape, where it receives rain throughout the year. In both these regions, the summer is hot and the winter is mild, and the plant is found growing on the mountains, in sheltered positions such as kloofs, usually in relatively moist habitats.

The plant is used in the production of geranium oil. Geranium essential oil and Rose Geranium essential oil both come from P. graveolens – they are just from different varieties. The full botanical name of “Rose” Geranium is Pelargonium graveolens var. Roseum while “regular” Geranium is just known as Pelargonium graveolens. Pelargonium graveolens var. Roseum has a similar aroma to Pelargonium graveolens, but smells just a little bit more “rosy”. Both varieties do not actually smell identical to a rose, but instead have a more lemony, herbaceous aroma with a subtle rosy undertone.

Pelargonium graveolens is an erect, much-branched shrub, that can reach a height of up to 1,3 m and a spread of 1 m. The hairy stems are herbaceous when young, becoming woody with age. The deeply incised leaves are velvety and soft to the touch due to the presence of numerous glandular hairs. The leaves are strongly scented. The showy white to pinkish flowers are borne in an umbel-like inflorescence .

Growing Pelargonium graveolens

Indoor Sowing: Late Summer and Early Autumn.

Direct Sowing: Late Summer and Early Autumn.

• Pelargoniums can be grown from seed in late summer and early autumn.
• Surface sow the seeds in a light, well-drained potting soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
• Water thoroughly, but gently and provide light shade.
• Germination usually takes place within 1 month, but may take longer.
• Pelargoniums grown from seed are generally more vigorous than those made from cuttings.
• The plant can grow easily in a garden where the soils are fairly damp and moist.
• It is a relatively fast-growing, showy, long-flowering but relatively short-lived (5 years) perennial that brings spring color to any mixed border.
• It can be used as a bedding plant to create a dense band of color.
• It also does very well in containers or pots.