How to grow Lemon Scented Geranium

Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position. Plants are tolerant of some shade. In order to maintain their native habit, plants require fairly dry conditions in a very sunny position.

Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3° c. They generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country. They can also be grown in containers that are placed outdoors in the summer and then brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for the winter.¹ The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter.

Very tolerant of pruning, they can be cut right down to the base in the autumn when bringing them back indoors, or in the spring to encourage lots of fresh growth.

Usually takes one to two weeks, but Pelargoniums can be erratic with germination and may take up to a month. Nicking the seed coat can be done to encourage germination.

Propgation from cuttings, however, are very easy and are recomended. Stems with 2 leaf sets work well. Stems can be planted in moist potting soil and kept in a humid condition untill cutting is set; 1-2 weeks. If desired, use a rooting hormone to encourage propagation, however, in most cases, this is not needed.

Soil temperature should be kept higher than 13°C / 55°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Lemon scented geranium about 42 days before your last frost date .

Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13° c, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter.

Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.

As Lemon scented geranium is tender, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

By our calculations*, you should look at planting out Lemon scented geranium about 0 days after your last frost date.

These estimates for how long Lemon scented geranium takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Our when to plant Lemon scented geranium estimates are relative to your last frost date.

Scented geranium, Lemon-scented geranium, Lime scented geranium, Lime-scented geranium, Kiwi scented geranium, Gooseberry geranium, Peach scented geranium

Geranium crispum, Pelargonium fragrans, Pelargonium odoratissimum

¹ Scents and Sensibility