Flower Garden · Seed to Bloom

How to grow geranium

Grow seed geraniums for rounded foliage and durable clusters of scarlet, salmon, pink, violet, white, and bicolor flowers.

Start early and warmGive strong lightDeadhead whole clusters
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Botanical illustration of scarlet salmon pink violet and white geraniums
Botanical namePelargonium × hortorumSeed geranium
Sow depth¼ inchCover lightly
Germination7–14 days72–75°F
Spacing10–14 inchesMaverick types
BloomSummer to frostWarm conditions

Flower profile

Start early for a full summer of color.

Seed geraniums grow steadily but need an early indoor start. Warm germination, bright light, restrained watering, and regular deadheading produce dense plants.

Avoid a constantly wet crownAllow the surface to dry slightly between waterings. Saturated mix and poor airflow invite stem and root problems.

geranium at a glance

From seed to a productive garden display

01Sow12–16 weeks early02Sprout7–14 days03Pot onTrue leaves04HardenAfter frost05BudEarly summer06BloomUntil frost

Planting

Sow warm, then grow seedlings bright.

Cover seed lightly and provide bottom warmth. Pot on before roots circle and transplant only after frost.

01

Cover about ¼ inch

Keep warm mix evenly moist.

02

Give strong light after emergence

Use airflow and avoid wet leaves overnight.

03

Space 10–14 inches apart

Keep crowns level with the soil.

Ongoing care

Keep plants healthy and productive

Give full sun

Afternoon shade helps in extreme heat.

Water at the base

Let the surface begin to dry.

Feed regularly but lightly

Container plants benefit from balanced fertilizer.

Remove spent clusters

Snap or cut the entire stalk at its base.

Season checkpoints

Follow the plant’s visible progress.

7–14 days

Seedlings emerge

12–16 weeks

Plants are transplant-ready

Warm weather

Bud clusters expand

Until frost

Flowers continue

Garden display

Remove whole faded flower stalks.

Geraniums are best enjoyed on the plant. Remove each spent cluster at the base of its stalk to redirect energy into new buds.

  1. Use clean snips if stalks resist.
  2. Remove yellow leaves.
  3. Do not leave debris on the crown.

Urban Farmer selections

Choose a Maverick color

Maverick Mix product imageF1 · mixed colorsMaverick MixA coordinated color range on uniform rounded plants.Checking availability…Shop Maverick Mix →Scarlet Maverick product imageF1 · scarletScarlet MaverickBright scarlet clusters for strong garden impact.Checking availability…Shop Scarlet Maverick →Appleblossom Maverick product imageF1 · blush bicolorAppleblossom MaverickSoft appleblossom clusters for pale combinations.Checking availability…Shop Appleblossom Maverick →

Questions flower gardeners ask

Geranium growing FAQ

When should geranium seed be started?

Start 12–16 weeks before frost.

How deep should seed be planted?

Cover about ¼ inch.

How long does germination take?

Usually 7–14 days.

When can plants go outside?

After frost and careful hardening.

How far apart should plants be?

Space Maverick types 10–14 inches.

Does geranium need full sun?

Full sun is best, with afternoon shade in extreme heat.

How often should plants be watered?

Water deeply when the surface starts to dry.

How are flowers deadheaded?

Remove the whole flower stalk at its base.

Can geranium grow in containers?

Yes, with drainage and regular feeding.

Can plants be overwintered?

Yes, clean plants or cuttings can be kept indoors.

Ready to plant?

Fill beds and containers with dependable clustered color.

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