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).