
Cultivation
of Scented Geraniums
Site:
Scented Geraniums like a sunny, well ventilated
postion. Use a well drained potting compost. Average
fertility is fine; you do not want to grow your scented
geraniums in excessively rich soil as this can cause
the leaves to have less fragrance. The pH should be
neutral to slightly acid, about 6.0 is fine. They
are easy to grow in containers, both indoors and outside
during warm weather.
Propagation:
Stem cuttings, can be rooted in water and then planted
in soil to start a whole new plant. This is a common
method for propagation of scented geraniums as they
are slow to germinate from seed.
Growing:
Do not over fertilize your scented geraniums.
This is a case where it is better to underfeed than
oversupply the plant with nutrients, especially Nitrogen.
Use your favorite complete organic formula fertilizer
Fertilizer from spring through fall, do not fertilize
during the winter when growth naturally slows or stops.
Scented geraniums are quite drought tolerant and do
not need frequent watering. This is one of the reasons
they are so easy to care for. Do not allow them to
dry out completely between waterings, but do not over
water. Do not keep the soil saturated as this can
cause root rot problems. If you tend to over water,
use a terra cotta clay pot rather than plastic for
your scented geranium.
Harvesting:
Pick leaves just before flowers open
Culinary
Uses: Use flowers in salads. Chop leaves
finely or infuse in liquid and then discard leaves
and use to flavor sauces, custards, jellies, buns,
water ices, butters, jams, sugar, syrups and vinegars.
Crystallize
to decorate cakes. Lay leaves under baked apples or
cakes to impart flavor. Infuse as a tea or add to
a wine cup (Rose-peppermint scent).