Scented geraniums are those classic summer favorites that you just can’t get enough of. Honestly, the only thing stopping most of us from filling every square inch of the garden or balcony with them is, well, actual square footage! But if you’ve managed to find a little extra room for a new plant, you don’t have to run to the nursery—you can easily propagate them right at home.
Two Methods That Work Like a Charm
Whether you have a favorite scented geranium variety or want to try something new, you can propagate them using either cuttings or seeds. Which method you choose usually depends on how much time you have and what you’re looking for:
- Cuttings give you an exact clone of your original plant—perfect for duplicating your favorites.
- As long as you have one healthy plant, you’ll have a never-ending supply of cuttings.
- Seeds are a budget-friendly way to grow a whole bunch of geraniums at once.
- Starting from seed saves space initially, but it does require a bit more patience.
- Growing from seed is a great option if you treat your geraniums as annuals and don’t have a spot to overwinter them.
Quick Tip:
Did you know that the leaves and flowers of the scented pelargonium (the “official” name for these beauties) are actually edible? Plus, varieties that smell like lemon or pine are fantastic for keeping mosquitoes and wasps away from your patio!
How to Propagate Scented Geraniums from Cuttings
The best time to start your cuttings is between July and mid-September. You can do this right outside while the weather is still nice. It usually takes about six weeks for them to root (you’ll know they’re ready when you see fresh new leaves popping up). Here’s the step-by-step:
- Fill small individual pots with a good seed-starting mix.
- Use a dibber or a pencil to poke a planting hole in the center of each pot.
- Look for healthy, thick stems—try to find ones that don’t have flowers or buds on them.
- Snip off a cutting about 4 inches (10 cm) long.
- Strip off the lower leaves, leaving just 2 to 4 leaves at the very top. If there are any flowers, pinch those off too.
- Pro tip: Let the cuttings air-dry for about two hours before planting. This helps prevent rot.
- Plant your cuttings about 1 inch (2 cm) deep. Make sure the remaining leaves aren’t touching the soil.
- Give them a little water and place them in a bright spot (around 68-72°F), but keep them out of direct, scorching sunlight.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Note:
These “babies” will need to overwinter indoors in a cool, bright spot. Wait until the danger of frost has passed in mid-May before moving them back outside.
Growing Scented Geraniums from Seed
If you’ve harvested seeds from your own plants in the fall, keep them in a cool, dark, and dry place until you’re ready to plant in January or February. Here’s what you need to know for a successful start:
- Light is key: These seeds need light to germinate, so only cover them with a very thin dusting of soil.
- Use a low-nutrient seed-starting mix.
- Keep the soil damp using a spray bottle so you don’t wash the tiny seeds away.
- Aim for a cozy temperature of 70-72°F (20-22°C).
- Place them in a bright area away from direct sun.
- Once they have four true leaves, it’s time to “prick them out” (transplant them) into their own pots.
- When they hit about 8 inches (20 cm) tall, pinch off the tips to encourage the plant to grow bushy rather than leggy.
- Start hardening them off gradually in May.
Friendly Advice: Cover your seed tray with plastic wrap or a glass pane to create a mini-greenhouse effect. Just remember to lift the cover daily to let in some fresh air and prevent mold!
