When I started working at Gardener’s Supply in the 1990s, my Vermont backyard was pretty green—with grass. Today, just a tiny bit of the original lawn remains. Most of the available space has given way to trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and stonework.
While working at Gardener’s Supply, I also worked in the gardening division at Church Hill Landscapes. In that role, I maintained dozens of gardens and planted thousands of perennials, shrubs, and trees.
I left Gardener’s Supply in 2017 to get a master’s degree in ecological landscape design from the Conway School. Explore my portfolio from that training. You can reach me via LinkedIn. Horiculture review by
Maria Genovese is our staff Copywriter at Gardeners Supply. Maria holds an MA in Writing & Publishing from DePaul University—and her passion for gardening is just as strong as her writing skills. She recently worked as a Landscape Gardener at Mama’s Gardens in the Champlain Islands and completed the “Thriving Gardens” course through the Vermont Garden Network. She is participating in the University of Vermont Master Gardener program in 2025.
Weve seen them in every greenhouse and garden center for decades – the classic, annual geranium (officially known as pelargonium; not to be confused with the perennial hardy geranium). If youre a gardener looking for hope in the middle of an icy January day, theres no better balm than a geranium seedling. The tiny leaves have the characteristic rounded shape, with contrasting bands of maroon. Aw, shucks theyre cute! But the power — the thing that tells you spring is coming and gives you hope — is in the smell, that one-of-a-kind geranium fragrance. Even in the dead of winter, those tiny leaves smell like summer on the porch.
Many gardeners know about starting geraniums from cuttings. Its a great way to share treasured plants, and it feels thrifty. And gardeners love things that are thrifty. But if you start plants from seed, you get to choose from a range of colors: bright red, scarlet, bicolors, orange-salmon, coral, pink, white and lavender. And instead of feeling thrifty, you feel clever.
“There is no trick to growing geraniums from seed,” says Valerie Ryan, who grows dozens of seedlings each year. “Patience and care is all that is needed.” She usually grows 40 seedlings at home, but this year, shes planted another 200 that grow under lights in our Burlington, VT, call center, where she works.
Growing geraniums from seed is a fun and rewarding way to add beautiful color to your garden. Though it takes patience and care, geraniums are relatively easy to grow from seed and will produce vibrant blooms within a few months. With proper preparation and care, you’ll have gorgeous geranium plants come spring.
Why Grow Geraniums from Seed?
Many gardeners pick up mature geranium plants that are already blooming from nurseries and garden centers in spring. However, starting geraniums from seed has some advantages
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Wider variety of colors – You can choose from a rainbow of shades like bright red pink, coral purple, orange, white, and bicolors when growing from seed.
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Cost savings – Packet of seeds is an inexpensive way to grow dozens of plants compared to buying individual nursery plants.
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Sense of accomplishment – Taking a seed and nurturing it to a flowering plant is extremely rewarding.
So if you’re looking for beautiful blooms on a budget and enjoy caring for plants from an early stage, growing geraniums from seed is very appealing!
When to Plant Geranium Seeds
Geranium seeds need plenty of time to produce flowering plants, so start them in late winter. The ideal time is January or February for most climates. This gives the slow-growing seedlings 12-16 weeks before the frost-free planting season arrives in spring.
Some quick-blooming varieties may be ready in 10-12 weeks. Check the seed packet for estimated time to flower. Starting too late will result in leggy, weak plants.
Gather Your Geranium Growing Supplies
Before planting your geranium seeds, make sure you have the necessary supplies:
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Geranium seeds – Look for hybrid varieties bred for lush flowers and vigorous growth. Packets available at garden centers or online.
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Seed starting mix – Sterile, soilless mix designed for optimal seed germination. Avoid reusing old potting soil.
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Containers – Multi-cell seed trays or small starter pots with drainage holes work best.
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Lighting – Grow lights or bright, sunny window. Geraniums need 12-16 hours under lights daily.
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Heat mat (optional) – Maintains soil temperature between 70-75°F for best germination.
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Plastic dome or wrap – Creates a greenhouse environment to keep seeds moist.
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Fertilizer – Use water-soluble fertilizer formulated for seedlings once they sprout.
Step-By-Step Guide to Growing Geraniums from Seed
Follow these simple steps for successful geraniums grown from seed:
1. Fill Containers with Moistened Seed Starting Mix
Fill seed trays or small starter pots with moistened seed starting mix, leaving 1/2 inch at the top. Gently firm the mix and let drain any excess water.
2. Sow Seeds and Cover Lightly
Place 1-2 geranium seeds in each cell or pot. Cover with a thin layer of mix, about 1/8 inch deep.
3. Create a Greenhouse Environment
Place the seeded containers in a warm spot (70-75°F is ideal), then cover with plastic wrap or a dome. This keeps seeds moist for germination.
4. Watch for Germination
Check for sprouting every few days. Remove plastic covering as soon as the first seedlings emerge. This may take 3 days to 4 weeks.
5. Provide Light and Moderate Temperature
Once germinated, move seedlings to bright light. Avoid direct hot sun. Daytime temps of 70-75°F and nights above 60°F are best.
6. Transplant Seedlings When Roots Fill Cells
When seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves, transplant into 3-4 inch pots filled with sterile potting mix.
7. Begin Fertilizing
Apply soluble houseplant fertilizer at 1/4 strength once a week after transplanting. Increase to full strength as plants grow.
8. Gradually Expose Plants to Outdoor Conditions
When frost risk has passed, set plants outside in partial shade for a few hours, building up to full sun exposure over 7-10 days.
9. Enjoy Months of Vibrant Blooms!
Transplant geraniums into garden beds or containers after hardening off. Flowers will arrive in late spring and continue through summer.
Tips for Growing Strong, Healthy Geraniums
Here are a few more pointers to help your homegrown geraniums thrive:
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Pinch off the main stem when seedlings are about 4 inches tall. This promotes bushier, fuller plants.
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To stimulate more blooms, deadhead spent flowers by pinching them off. Don’t cut back the entire flower stalk.
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Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and discourage weeds. Replenish as needed.
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Geraniums love full sun – at least 6 hours per day. Morning sun is essential.
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Water whenever the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. Don’t let plants wilt.
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Tall, leggy plants can be cut back by up to one third their height in midsummer to rejuvenate.
Enjoy Months of Vibrant Geranium Color
Growing geraniums from seed does require starting months before you want blooms. But the extra effort pays off in vibrant flower colors that are expensive to find at garden centers. You’ll also have the satisfaction of nurturing your plants from seed to blossom. With proper care both indoors and out, homegrown geraniums will reward you with months of spectacular color in garden beds, containers, and window boxes.
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When I started working at Gardener’s Supply in the 1990s, my Vermont backyard was pretty green—with grass. Today, just a tiny bit of the original lawn remains. Most of the available space has given way to trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and stonework.
While working at Gardener’s Supply, I also worked in the gardening division at Church Hill Landscapes. In that role, I maintained dozens of gardens and planted thousands of perennials, shrubs, and trees.
I left Gardener’s Supply in 2017 to get a master’s degree in ecological landscape design from the Conway School. Explore my portfolio from that training. You can reach me via LinkedIn. Horiculture review by
Maria Genovese is our staff Copywriter at Gardeners Supply. Maria holds an MA in Writing & Publishing from DePaul University—and her passion for gardening is just as strong as her writing skills. She recently worked as a Landscape Gardener at Mama’s Gardens in the Champlain Islands and completed the “Thriving Gardens” course through the Vermont Garden Network. She is participating in the University of Vermont Master Gardener program in 2025.
Last updated: March 27, 2025 | 4 min read
Weve seen them in every greenhouse and garden center for decades – the classic, annual geranium (officially known as pelargonium; not to be confused with the perennial hardy geranium). If youre a gardener looking for hope in the middle of an icy January day, theres no better balm than a geranium seedling. The tiny leaves have the characteristic rounded shape, with contrasting bands of maroon. Aw, shucks theyre cute! But the power — the thing that tells you spring is coming and gives you hope — is in the smell, that one-of-a-kind geranium fragrance. Even in the dead of winter, those tiny leaves smell like summer on the porch.
Geranium seedlings, before being “potted up” to larger containers.
Many gardeners know about starting geraniums from cuttings. Its a great way to share treasured plants, and it feels thrifty. And gardeners love things that are thrifty. But if you start plants from seed, you get to choose from a range of colors: bright red, scarlet, bicolors, orange-salmon, coral, pink, white and lavender. And instead of feeling thrifty, you feel clever.
“There is no trick to growing geraniums from seed,” says Valerie Ryan, who grows dozens of seedlings each year. “Patience and care is all that is needed.” She usually grows 40 seedlings at home, but this year, shes planted another 200 that grow under lights in our Burlington, VT, call center, where she works.
- Seeds:There is a wide selection available at garden centers and online. The key is to start early: Youll need 12 to 16 weeks to get flowering plants. Some varieties come in to bloom faster than others, so check the seed packets.
- Pots and soil: Although you can start seeds in any container with good drainage and sterile “potting soil,” its a good idea to start with a multi-cell tray thats designed for seed starting. “We use the GrowEase system and have had almost 100 percent germination,” Valerie says. “Of 200 seeds, only two failed to germinate. For potting soil, use a sterile mix, such as Seed Starting Mix.
- Light:Your seedlings will need light — lots of it. You can get pretty good results in a south-facing window, but its easier to ensure ideal growing conditions by growing the seedlings under lights.
- Fertilizer:Choose a water-soluble plant food, such as Plant Health Care for Seedlings/Houseplants.
How to Grow Geraniums from Seed
FAQ
How long does it take for geraniums to grow from seed?
Geranium seeds should be sown in early to mid-February to produce flowering plants for spring. Flowering occurs approximately 13 to 15 weeks after sowing.
How do you start geranium seeds indoors?
Geranium seeds prefer temps to reach 75°F to germinate. This temperature can be reached by placing your starts on top of your refrigerator or by using a heat mat. Geraniums love sunlight, so choose a sunny south-facing window and watch for germination that can happen in one to four weeks.
Do seed geraniums like sun or shade?
For success with geraniums, you need to know what kind you have so you can choose the best spot for planting. Most annual geraniums need a spot in full sun, except for the ivy geranium, which grows best in light shade. Perennial geraniums, on the other hand, grow in either sun or shade, depending on the type.
What is the secret to growing geraniums?
The key to thriving geraniums lies in providing them with the right balance of sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent watering. They need ample sunlight (4-8 hours daily), well-draining soil to prevent root rot, and regular watering, but not overwatering.