Also known as Geranium · 149 saves
Pelargonium
Pelargonium, the genus most gardeners know as geranium. We track 27 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Pelargonium varieties
See all 27 Pelargonium varieties →Search this genus →
6 species of Pelargonium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Pelargonium in Sow
Save the Pelargonium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pelargonium
Whats common across all Pelargonium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 27 most-grown of them.
The Pelargonium year
- FertilizeMay–September100% of varieties
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, especially in containers
- DeadheadMay–October89% of varieties
Remove entire spent flower stalk down to the main stem for continuous bloom
- Winter PrepOctober and November63% of varieties
Bring plants indoors before the first hard frost if overwintering
- Pinch TipsMay and June59% of varieties
Pinch growing tips when young to encourage bushier growth
- PlantMay and June48% of varieties
Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
Do
- Water when the topsoil feels dry 🌱
- Use balanced fertilizer monthly
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry 🌱
- Use a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
Avoid
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Allow soil to stay soggy
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Pelargonium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Whiteflies | White flying insects on undersides of leaves | Use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Spider Mites | Cause fine yellow stippling on leaves, especially in hot, dry conditions. | Increase humidity and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Reduce watering and improve soil drainage |
| Botrytis blight | Gray mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and remove affected parts |
| Botrytis (Gray Mold) | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and remove affected parts |
Making more Pelargonium
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in early summer
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist soil and keep humid for 6 weeks
Seeds
- Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil in early spring.
- Lightly cover with a thin layer of soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in warm, bright location.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle.
Pelargonium questions
How many types of Pelargonium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 27 distinct Pelargonium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 149 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pelargonium grow in?
Across its varieties, Pelargonium covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pelargonium bloom?
Most Pelargonium varieties bloom in late spring, summer, early fall, late spring, early summer, spring to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pelargonium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.