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What Do Geranium Seeds Look Like? (Description & Further Information)

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Geraniums are a common plant in the South. They offer aromatic leaves and vivid blossoms wherever they are planted. So, “What do geranium seeds look like?” is one of the most asked questions regarding geranium farming. 

You should sow Geranium seeds in early to mid-February to yield blooming plants for the spring. Seed-grown hybrid geraniums have outstanding vigor, heat tolerance, disease resistance and are free-blooming.

If you want to grow geranium for your own, or maybe just curious, the following information will serve you what you need.

What Do Geranium Seeds Look Like
Geranium Seeds via Youtube

What Do Geranium Seeds Look Like?

Geranium seeds are brown, tiny, and oval in shape, with a mark in the center that resembles an oat seed except that they are darker.

In fact, you can’t see these seeds by just looking at the plant since geranium is relatively quiet and secret while making seeds. So if you want to collect them, you have to pay attention and take a closer look. 

Geranium seeds are encased in a seed head that resembles a stork’s or crane’s beak. The outer section curls up as the seed head dries, and you may discern a little hook on end.

This hook is intended to fling the seeds over vast distances. So if you are not quick enough, the breeze will whisk them away.

What Do Geranium Seeds Look Like 2
Geranium Seeds via Flickr

How To Collect Geranium Seeds?

You have a decent chance of gathering the seeds if you detect the distinctive stork beak seed heads. However, when it comes to harvesting geranium seeds, you have two options. 

One method is to wait for the seed head to dry up before placing a paper bag or mesh bag on it and closing it up with a twist tie so that when the seeds are ready to develop, they will collect within the bag instead of being blown away.

The other one is to collect the seed head as it begins to dry out and let it finish drying inside the house. Simply place the seed head in a brown paper bag and store it in a warm, well-ventilated location for at least two weeks.

When the seed heads are completely dry, harvest the seeds and set them on a baking sheet to dry further. Plump, plump seeds are likely viable geranium seeds, but shriveled, malformed seeds are not. 

If the seeds become moist, mold might emerge while they are kept. You may now store them in a labeled paper envelope in a dry location until you’re ready to plant them.

Facts About Geranium 

So, let’s explore some interesting facts about this flower. 

Geraniums come in a variety of species

This is a genus that contains 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants known as geraniums or cranesbills. They may be found throughout the world, including the temperate zones and the tropics’ mountains, although they are most common in the eastern Mediterranean.

Geraniums can withstand drought

Geraniums grow in any soil that is not wet. In the summer, semi-ripe cuttings are used for propagation, followed by seed or division in the autumn or spring.

Geranium leaves and flowers can be used in cooking

The palmately cleft leaves have a wide circular shape. Its flowers have five petals and can be white, pink, purple, or blue in color, with unique veining. Geranium blooms and fragrant leaves are both edible and may be used in cooking. 

According to The Southern Living Garden Book, “fresh leaves of all species may be used to flavor jellies and iced beverages; dried leaves can be used in sachets and potpourri.” Thus, sugar, iced tea, lemonade, pastries, pound cakes, and salads can all be flavored with them.

Containers are ideal for growing geraniums 

Geraniums flourish when grown in containers. Containers are ideal for them since they keep the plants corralled and can be readily changed to ensure they receive adequate strong sunshine. Some geraniums thrive in a bit of midday shade as well.

Geranium in Container What Do Geranium Seeds Look Like
Geranium in Container via Pxhere

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are geraniums easy to grow from seed?

Yes. Geraniums are a pretty simple plant to cultivate from seed. However, their seedlings grow slowly. So if you want to grow some, stay patient. 

2. Do seed geraniums come back every year?

It depends. Though most geraniums are planted as annuals, in Zones 10–11, they are perennials. Bring them inside to overwinter if desired, then replant outside in April.

To keep them over winter, you should dig out the entire plant before frost and carefully shake the dirt away from the roots to overwinter geraniums in dormant storage. 

For the winter, place the plants in open paper bags or hang them upside-down from the rafters in a cool, dark spot. Ideally, the temperature should be between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. When should I plant geranium seeds?

Geranium seeds should be planted in mid to late December for flowering in late April and early May. Alternatively, a seeding in early January should result in blossoms in mid to late May. 

These seeds develop and produce blooms about 18-20 weeks. This is affected by the time of year the seeds are planted and light and temperature levels.

So if you want to gain a head start on the growing season the following year, you may sow your seeds in the fall and simply overwinter the young plants. 

>> Related Post: 14 Amazing Red Perennial Flowers for any Garden


Conclusion 

That brings us to the conclusion of our article on “What Do Geranium Seeds Look Like?” So now you know what they look like, ways to collect them and some other interesting information. 

Since geranium has many benefits, such as being decorative, edible, or easy to grow, you can try cultivating some yourself.

If you have any further questions or ideas on this issue, please leave them in the comments section. Also, please spread the knowledge you just know to others!