| Botanical Name: | Geranium |
| Life Cycle: | perennials or annuals |
| Planting Time: | spring or summer |
| Height: | 6" up to 3' to 4' |
| Exposure: | full sun or partial shade |
| Soil: | rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil |
| Hardiness: | depends on variety |
| Bloom Time: | all season |
| Flower: | variety of colors including white, red, pink, salmon, purple, magenta and violet; single or double blossoms |
| Foliage: | green or concentric markings on leaves depending on variety |
| Propagation: | seeds (5 months to flower) or cuttings |
| Suggested Use: | pots, beds, borders, window boxes and hanging baskets |
| Growing Hints: | The best way to start Geraniums is by purchasing plants, because seeds take around 5 months to flower. After acquiring one plant, take 4-inch cuttings and keep them as house plants over winter until transplanting them in the spring after danger of frost has passed. In non-tropical zones, mature plants can be potted and kept indoors over winter. Place them in a cool room (50º to 55º F) with bright light and barely moist soil. Cut stems back by 1/2 to 2/3 in the spring to encourage bushy new growth. |
| Interesting Facts: | Geraniums are native to South Africa. Instead of offering up dazzling flowers, some geranium varieties produce a scent-rose, apple, orange, peppermint-just to name a few. Look for these varieties next to the herbs at nurseries. |
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