How to Propagate Scented Geraniums

How to propagate scented geraniums from cuttings to create new plants. Includes how to take cuttings, plant them, and aftercare. Unlike more common garden geraniums, scented types have rosy-scented leaves and flowers.

People often ask me how they can have a great garden when they don’t have a lot of money. My answer is always the same. Buy perennials and herbs that are easy to divide or propagate from cuttings. While they do have small, pretty flowers, scented geraniums’ leaves are their claim to fame. Just brushing against the leaves releases their aromatic oils into the air. This makes them perfect for a scented garden, grouped into pots on the patio, lining your walkway, or on your kitchen windowsill. Scented geraniums are usually found in the perennial or herb section of the nursery.

I buy new scented geraniums from a friend who grows herbs. Once I have them, I can propagate new plants from cuttings throughout the growing year. It’s easy to propagate scented geraniums, and once you have the method down, you can use it to create many new plants for free.

Scented Geraniums are Pelargoniums

When buying your scented geraniums, don’t be fooled by the name. They are different from the garden geraniums we buy at our local garden center, known for their colorful flowers. Scented geraniums are tender perennials from the Pelargonium family, and it’s mainly their leaves that are rosy-scented.

Scented Geranium Varieties

• Rose geranium
• Lemon-scented geranium
• Mint-scented geranium
• Spice-scented geranium
• Pungent Scented Geranium
• Oakleaf Scented Geranium

With over a hundred varieties, I’m sure there is at least one every gardener will love. Names such as Attar of Roses, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Apricot, Nutmeg, Southernwood, and Pheasant Foot, make you want to become a collector of Scented Geraniums. There is even a Chocolate Mint!

How to Propagate Plants

• Tips for Propagating Rosemary
• How to Propagate Lavender
• Tips for How to Propagate Iceplant

How to Propagate Scented Geraniums

You can propagate at any time of year, but in the fall, the flowers have grown all summer, and you’ll have plenty of stems to choose from for a root cutting. Begin by choosing a healthy stem and go up at least three leaf joints above where the growing point of the stem begins. With a clean, sharp knife, cut the stem just below that leaf joint. Take more cuttings than you think you will need in case you lose a few. You can always share any extra with your friends.

Remove any new leaf growth nubs with your finger. Just push them up with your thumb. Remove any leaves that will be below soil level. Next, fill a small pot that will drain well with your choice of potting soil. I just use regular potting soil that doesn’t contain fertilizer. Some people recommend sand and perlite, while others say just plain sand. I think the most important thing is that the pot will drain well. Your cutting will rot if it is overwatered, or your pot will not drain.

Planting Scented Geranium Cuttings

You may use a rooting powder if you like, but I don’t. If you choose to, tap off any excess powder. With rooting powder, less is better. With your finger or pencil, create a hole in the soil, and place your cutting in it. Do not place any leaves under soil level.

Firm down the soil around the cutting and water sparingly. Don’t saturate the mix. Pinch back the top of the plant to encourage it to put its energy into making roots. You can either place outside in indirect light or bring inside in bright indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. The stem will rot if it is overwatered. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent your cuttings from cooking.

Waiting for the Cuttings to Root

You can tell the cutting is taking when the pinched-back top starts branching out and starts forming a bushy little plant. It can take anywhere from several days to several weeks for scented geranium cuttings to form roots. As long as your cutting stays healthy and green, it’s okay.

Bring indoors before the first frost to overwinter. A sunny window is a great place to enjoy your cuttings. Scented geraniums are so easy to propagate and care for that there is no reason you shouldn’t have these fragrant plants in your garden. And remember: when you take cuttings, take enough to share with your friends.

Caring for Scented Geraniums

• While they prefer lots of sun, the leaves will sunburn if they don’t have some protection when the sun is at its strongest.
• Don’t overwater. Scented Geraniums do not like wet feet and will rot if overwatered. If they are in pots, make sure they drain well, and use a well-draining potting soil.
• If in the garden, choose soil that’s free-draining and never has standing water.
• Fertilize lightly and sparingly. Scented geraniums tend to become leggy, and over-fertilizing will only make this worse. You will need to trim back to keep their shape bushy.
• Before the first frost, bring indoors.
• Keep the pots in a sunny window. Water when the soil becomes dry, and pinch back regularly to maintain shape.
• After a few years, you may want to discard your original plant. They tend to become woody and produce fewer and fewer leaves and flowers.