Scented geranium
Pelargonium spp.
Also known asScented pelargonium · Rose geranium · Sweet-scented geranium · Pelargonium
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 9–11 (winter low around -7°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.6 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.3 |
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
Easy container herbs for greenhouse or indoor growing. Use a container (10 L) with well-drained media. EC 1.0-1.6 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.0. Temperature: 15–28°C (frost-sensitive). Moderate to high light (DLI 14-22 mol/m2/day). Growth is moderate, and the plants become woody sub-shrubs (30–80 cm) over time, benefiting from a hard spring pruning to stay compact and bushy. Harvest leaves as needed; the aroma is released by rubbing or bruising the surface. For rose-flavoured sugar, layer fresh rose-scented leaves with granulated sugar in a sealed jar for 2-3 weeks; for cake, lay leaves face-down in a buttered pan before adding batter so the fragrance infuses during baking. Propagate by stem cuttings, which root easily in moist perlite. The plants are long-lived and low-maintenance, and a scented-geranium collection is among the most rewarding aromatic projects for a greenhouse or sunny windowsill.
Notable varieties
| Cultivar | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rose (P. graveolens) | open pollinated | The most-grown scented geranium and the source of geranium essential oil. Deeply cut grey-green leaves, strong rose-citronella scent. The variety to pick if you want one and only one; works for almost every culinary use the others do. |
| Lemon (P. crispum) | open pollinated | Small crinkled leaves, sharp lemon scent. Compact upright habit, good in containers. The traditional variety for finger bowls; also makes a clean lemon syrup for cocktails and shortbread. |
| Peppermint (P. tomentosum) | open pollinated | Large velvety soft leaves, distinct mint scent. Sprawling habit, good for hanging baskets. Less common in culinary use than rose or lemon but the textured foliage is striking. |
| Nutmeg (P. fragrans) | open pollinated | Small grey-green leaves, warm spicy scent. The most compact of the common scented types. Used in baking syrups and infused sugars where a hint of nutmeg without the bite of the spice is wanted. |
| Apple (P. odoratissimum) | open pollinated | Round soft leaves, sweet apple scent. Trailing habit; good in pots. Lighter, sweeter flavor than rose, pairs well with fruit jams and apple desserts. |