It just occurred to me that scented geraniums would make splendid gifts!
I've seen some really wonderful collections online and I want them all!
Does anyone know how hard it is to start them from seeds? Is there a seed source where I can buy the seeds from? Anyone know anything about scented geraniums?
I have a rose scented one and a (i think) gooseberry one. They both smell wonderful and are wintering in my garage/studio in a sunny window along with my regular geraniums.
All comments, tips and seed sources are welcome! I was just looking at a collection online that I am going to order, but thought it might be fun to start from scratch. I think starting them from scratch would be fun, and an excellent source of teacher's gifts, small welcome to the neighborhood gifts, etc.
* * * * Plants: 458 | From: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 69.139.4.81
posted
I think those are great ideas, esp. the welcome to the neighborhood. People have gotten away from alot of the old "traditions" or just being courteous. I have never started them from seeds, but you never know how to do it if you don't try. Then next winter, you can tell us what worked best for you when you started yours! Plants: 253 | From: Virginia | Registered: Oct 2002
| Seeded: 206.208.228.251
posted
I grow all sorts of Geraniums from seed each year. They germinate quickly and grow easily from seed. Usually I will start between 75-100 Geraniums each spring....but I do give a lot of these away.
I make up "Mother's Day baskets" and use these along with some tailing Lobelia.
posted
Can you start geraniums from cuttings of an established plant? I have a few Martha Washington geraniums and one crazy trailing guy that I would like to propogate. Any suggestions? Or is it better to start from seed?
* * * * Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. Plants: 766 | From: The real OC in sunny So. Cal. | Registered: Aug 2003
| Seeded: 216.114.206.2
posted
Taking geranium cuttings and potting them is a real easy and economical way of increasing your number of plants. I used to do this....but I find now that I just do not have the space to over winter them and take cuttings.....but if you do....check out this link to find out how....
posted
Thanks Flower! I thought I had read somewhere how easy it was to do that, but then I couldn't remember if it was geraniums or not. I think I'll give it a try.
Thanks again!
* * * * Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. Plants: 766 | From: The real OC in sunny So. Cal. | Registered: Aug 2003
| Seeded: 216.114.206.2
posted
Wow, that site also has hydrangea cuttings. Basically the same principal. I have two lovely hydrangeas that I would love to propogate.
* * * * Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. Plants: 766 | From: The real OC in sunny So. Cal. | Registered: Aug 2003
| Seeded: 216.114.206.2
posted
Barb, Bill has a glossary in the Garden Helper and this is what it states for pinching:
Utilizing the thumb and forefinger to nip back the very tip of a branch or stem. Pinching promotes branching, and a bushier, fuller plant
Hope that helps.
* * * * Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. Plants: 766 | From: The real OC in sunny So. Cal. | Registered: Aug 2003
| Seeded: 216.114.206.2
posted
Barb H, I wonder...when the weather gets better....one could ship you cuttings ???? I have coconut, nutmeg, rose, mint, chocolate, lemon and lemon-rose scented..... Would we get into trouble?
* * * * Plants: 1985 | From: Ugh...Van Nuys, CA | Registered: Nov 2003
| Seeded: 152.163.252.161
posted
Richters has a big selection of scented geramiums. Some as seeds too. Also tried one from there called Umckaloabo, a south african medicinal geranium. The flowers are small but pretty. When in bloom, this plant will perfume a room. Seeds are expensive, but grew easy. Plants do produce seeds too. haven't tested them yet, but have a few. The plant root is supposed to have potent antibacterial properties. They grow nice in hanging baskets. Rick
Plants: 107 | From: Northern lower Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 198.108.224.173
posted
Lynne, yeah, I think there are even more "flavors" than we already have. One thing, tho....the flowers on scented geraniums aren't any great shakes; the foliage is the thing...especially the mint; the leaves get HUGE and they have a silvery, downey fuzz on them..If you walk by any of these guys and brush them...or when you water them...they all smell sooo good.
* * * * Plants: 1985 | From: Ugh...Van Nuys, CA | Registered: Nov 2003
| Seeded: 152.163.252.161
quote:Originally posted by Jillie: Barb H, I wonder...when the weather gets better....one could ship you cuttings ???? I have coconut, nutmeg, rose, mint, chocolate, lemon and lemon-rose scented..... Would we get into trouble?
Jillie,
Hi! I've been offline a bit and not following my threads, sorry! I would LOVE it if you'd do that! And, I would be happy to pay for the postage and send you whatever you'd like! What would you like?
I really want to get into growing them....they smell so beautiful and until last year i never knew there were scented geraniums! I am going to buy a book about them i found in a catalog.
Thanks for the offer!! Barb
* * * * Plants: 458 | From: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 69.139.4.81
Thanks for the head's up...I was having trouble locating seeds, so I'll check it out. I was going to do all my plant ordering this weekend.
I realize the scented ones don't flower all that beautifully....but i think they look great in a pot with some other pretty little things. I'll get my husband to photograph the little pot i made for him for V-day and post it.
barb
* * * * Plants: 458 | From: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 69.139.4.81
posted
Jillie, Do you grow those in pots??? And what soil/mix did you grow them in???
Could you go to the HERB section, and type some of the growing info for Amie *Muskrat* in Germany, Herb Balcony she's interested in growing some herbs in pots on her porch.... Any hints would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Weezie
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
Done, Weez! Although, I'm a knucklehead when it comes to soil alchemy...I buy a bag o' soil and stick plants in it.... But...I typed a blurb about it...Hoping an expert on herbs can give Muskrat the real poop.
* * * * Plants: 1985 | From: Ugh...Van Nuys, CA | Registered: Nov 2003
| Seeded: 64.12.96.73
I ordered apple scented, strawberry scented, attar of roses, clorinda (pleasant scent/hint of eucalyptus...it has a large showy rose/pink flowers)coconut scented, Prince of orange...pretty flowers on that one.
Also some mixed seed....they said that germination can be erratic, so bottom heat was recommended. I guess i'll have to get something to heat the bottom.
I also got a book on scented geraniums so I hope I will learn more about them and be able to propagate them. I got them from Richters, my first purchase there, so we'll see how it goes. The catalog was really GREAT and interesting, so I'd recommend going on the website and getting one sent to you.
Barbara
* * * * Plants: 458 | From: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 69.139.4.81
posted
I don't even want to guess what peacock scented might be. A chicken coop keeps coming to mind. It definitely seems the best scented plants are not the showiest. The Umkcaloabo, a wild relative of scented geraniums produces very small flowers, with a strong fragrance. Mine are setting more seeds. Going to set up a germination test and see if they're any good. Richters is selling it for $11 a very small packet. It looks like these, here and here. If the seed are good, I'll post it and a SASE will get them. Rick
Plants: 107 | From: Northern lower Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 204.38.224.197
I'll be glad to send you some of my seeds when they arrive, if you'd like? Or, even a few cuttings once they start growing from the plants that are coming.
Peacock....a delicious intense rose fragrance. Send for Richter's catalog...it's really terrific!
Barb
* * * * Plants: 458 | From: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 69.139.4.81
quote:Originally posted by Rick: I don't even want to guess what peacock scented might be. A chicken coop keeps coming to mind. It definitely seems the best scented plants are not the showiest. The Umkcaloabo, a wild relative of scented geraniums produces very small flowers, with a strong fragrance. Mine are setting more seeds. Going to set up a germination test and see if they're any good. Richters is selling it for $11 a very small packet. It looks like these, here and here. If the seed are good, I'll post it and a SASE will get them. Rick
Hiya, Rick!
Peacock is rose scented! LOL, I sneaked a peak at the catalog and that's what it says.
I'll be glad to send you some seeds when I get my seeds I ordered. I'd love to get some of your seeds when they are available! I think they say that you need bottom heat for them....i wonder if you just waited until it warmed up a bit and then i could start them outside when things warm up? What do you think? Barbara
* * * * Plants: 458 | From: Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jan 2004
| Seeded: 69.139.4.81
posted
Barb, The term "pungent" does make you wonder. I'm just guessing, but I would guess that they may be describing a scent that some find pleasant and some don't. Just a guess. Richters does sell good plants. I have yet to get one that didn't arrive in good shape. That isn't saying that I haven't managed to kill a few of them afterwards. I have several scented geraniums growing, including a couple of rose scented ones. I don't know where I'd put more. I need a bigger greenhouse just to handle what I have going. Haven't grown the regular scented geraniums from seeds. With the Umkcaloabo, I put 9 seeds (the whole packet) in a single pot of compost, about 1/4" deep. They came up fairly quick. Got 6 plants. The pot was just sitting on a shelf in the greenhouse, with soil temps averaging in the 70s. They seems to set seed at any time of the year. No real cycle to them as far as I can tell. They do like full sun. I keep mine in hanging pots, indoors during the cold and in the garden during the summer. Most scented geraniums are not at all frost hardy. If you want to plant them outside, be prepared to protect them or wait til summer. Rick
Plants: 107 | From: Northern lower Michigan | Registered: Jan 2003
| Seeded: 204.38.224.23
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I thought I had read somewhere how easy it was to do that, but then I couldn't remember if it was geraniums or not. I think I'll give it a try.![[kissies]](graemlins/kissies.gif)
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