Geraniums are a garden favorite for their vibrant flowers, pleasant fragrance, and long blooming season. While many gardeners choose to buy young plants from nurseries, growing geraniums from seed is both rewarding and cost-effective. With the right technique, you can take geraniums from tiny seeds to stunning blooms faster than you might expect—even if you’re short on gardening experience.
Whether you’re working with a windowsill, balcony, or backyard, this guide will show you how to successfully germinate, grow, and harvest geraniums from seed to flower with impressive results.
Why Grow Geraniums from Seed?
Growing geraniums from seed offers several benefits:
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Cost-effective: Seeds are far more affordable than nursery plants.
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Wider variety: You’ll have access to unique colors and species.
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Healthier plants: Starting from seed reduces the risk of pests and diseases carried over from store-bought plants.
The process is straightforward, but timing, temperature, and light play crucial roles in successful germination and fast growth.
Choosing the Right Seeds
Start by purchasing high-quality geranium seeds from a reputable supplier. Opt for hybrid or zonal geraniums if you want fast-growing, flowering varieties. Read the seed packet to confirm germination time and recommended growing conditions.
Note: Geranium seeds have a hard outer coating, so lightly nicking the seed coat with a nail file (a process called scarification) can help speed up germination.
When to Start Seeds
The best time to start geranium seeds is 12–16 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. For most regions, this means starting indoors in late winter or early spring.
Step-by-Step: Germinating Geranium Seeds
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Prepare the Containers
Use seed trays or small pots with drainage holes. Fill them with a sterile seed-starting mix—avoid regular garden soil, which can retain too much water or introduce disease. -
Sow the Seeds
Sow the seeds about 1/8 inch deep and lightly cover them with soil. Geranium seeds need darkness to germinate, so ensure they are well-covered. -
Water and Cover
Mist the soil surface with water until evenly moist but not soggy. Cover the tray or pots with a plastic lid or clear plastic wrap to retain humidity. -
Provide Warmth
Geranium seeds germinate best at 70–75°F (21–24°C). Use a heat mat if necessary to maintain consistent warmth. -
Wait for Germination
Germination typically occurs in 7 to 14 days. Once sprouts appear, remove the plastic cover and move the seedlings to a bright, warm area with indirect light.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings have grown their second set of true leaves, it’s time to transplant them into individual containers. Use a lightweight potting mix and pots about 3–4 inches in diameter.
Place the seedlings in a sunny window or under grow lights for 12–14 hours a day. Geraniums love light, and sufficient exposure is key to fast, healthy development.
Feeding and Watering
Feed young plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 10–14 days. As the plants grow, you can gradually increase to full-strength feeding every two weeks.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Geraniums prefer slightly dry conditions over soggy soil.
Moving Outdoors (Optional)
If you plan to move your geraniums outside, harden them off first. Over 7–10 days, place them outdoors for increasing periods each day, gradually exposing them to direct sunlight and wind.
Once night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C), transplant them into garden beds or larger outdoor containers.
Encouraging Fast Blooms
To speed up flowering:
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Pinch off early growth tips to encourage bushier plants.
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Ensure plenty of direct sunlight (at least 6 hours daily).
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Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers that promote leaf growth over blooms.
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Deadhead faded flowers regularly to encourage new blossoms.
With these practices, you can expect your geraniums to flower within 12–16 weeks from the time of sowing—sometimes even faster in warm, sunny conditions.
Harvesting Geranium Flowers
Geraniums are typically harvested for decorative use, essential oil extraction, or propagation. To harvest:
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Use sharp scissors or pruners to snip flower stems just above a leaf node.
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Pick flowers in the morning when they’re most vibrant.
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Remove old or fading blooms to keep the plant productive.
Final Thoughts
Growing geraniums from seed may seem slow at first, but with the right preparation and care, you can take your plants from germination to full bloom in just a few months. It’s a fulfilling process that delivers not only beautiful flowers but also a deeper connection to your garden.
Whether you’re growing them on a sunny balcony or a kitchen windowsill, geraniums will reward your efforts with vivid blooms and aromatic foliage—proving that even the smallest spaces can produce stunning results.
