Pelargonium sidoides – 5 Seeds

Pelargonium sidoides is a plant native to South Africa.
Common names: black pelargonium (Eng.) kalwerbossie, rabassam (Afr.), ikubalo, iyeza lesikhali (Xhosa), khoara-e-nyenyane (Southern Sotho), umckaloabo (German remedy). People also commonly call this plant African Geranium, which is factually incorrect as this plant is not a geranium. Geraniums and Pelargoniums are completely different plants.

A tufted pelargonium with velvety silver leaves and almost black flowers that is a well known medicinal plant in South Africa. The plant is an evergreen in cultivation, but dies back in nature during droughts and in winter. The system of thickened underground root-like branches is a special adaptation which enables the plant to survive grass fires which occur almost annually over much of its range. Pelargonium sidoides can be planted in rockeries in full sun. It is also an excellent pot plant.

Pelargonium sidoides Benefits
This plant has long been used in South African traditional medicine. When used in traditional African medicine, the South African geranium is often referred to as umckaloabo, kaloba, or umcka.

• The root of the plant is typically distilled into an extract and used in cough and cold remedies to alleviate symptoms and reduce the duration of illness.
• It can help fight upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

Growing Pelargonium sidoides

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.