If you are a plant lover and planning to buy a new plant, you can consider the rose-scented geranium, as it is a beautiful plant with a divine smell and multiple uses. Rose-scented geranium, a member of the Pelargonium family, is popular for its blooms and aromatic oils.
When gently crushed, their soft green leaves release a rosy fragrance that instantly refreshes the mood.
It grows to about 1 meter tall, produces delicate pink flowers in spring, and can withstand tough conditions such as frost or drought. This blog will help you understand the use, method to grow healthy rose-scented geranium, and care tips.
What is Rose Scented Geranium?
Rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Herit ex Ait) is a high-value aromatic crop that thrives for years and can be harvested multiple times. It contains an essential oil which is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, and the flavor industry. Hence, it is among the top 20 essential oils in the world. In some countries like India, the current demand for geranium essential oil is around 200 tonnes each year. However, only 20 tonnes are produced locally, and the rest are imported from other countries.
It is crucial to increase oil production by enhancing farming practices, particularly nutrient management, to reduce the gap between demand and supply. Effective nutrient management will significantly increase the yield and quality of geranium oil. Before starting with the geranium cultivation, it is crucial to explore organic and inorganic nutrient management methods.
Culinary Use of Rose-Scented Geranium
Rose-scented geranium leaves are not edible, but they are used to bring a lovely rose flavor to multiple dishes. They are also used to scent ice cream, sorbet, jams, cakes, biscuits, and other desserts. They are easy to use: just pick fresh, healthy leaves, rinse them well with clean water, and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Later, use the dry leaves in your recipe to infuse their flavor and scent. Always remove the leaves before serving the dish, as they are meant only for flavour, aroma, and presentation, and not for eating.
Use of Rose Scented Geranium in Cocktails
Rose-scented geranium leaves are also used in cocktails for flavor and fragrance. You can use it to make herbal tea, or mix it with other herbs like lemon balm or chamomile for a richer flavor.
Another better way to enjoy their fragrance is to make a rose geranium and strawberry shrub for cocktails. You can also add soda water for a refreshing and non-alcoholic drink. Again, avoid consuming the leaves when drinking.
3 Step Care Tips for Rose Scented Geranium
Water Your Rose Scented Geranium
Like every other plant, this plant also requires moderate watering. A rose-scented geranium in a 5-inch pot needs about 0.8 cups of water every 9th day, on average, when not exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure to check the soil before watering; if the top layer feels dry, it’s a sign to water them. It is recommended not to overwater, as soggy soil can damage roots. To keep track of the watering cycle, you can also use a water calculator app to keep your plant healthy.
Arrange Light for Rose Scented Geranium in Your Home
Rose-scented geranium requires bright light and sunshine to thrive. Therefore, it is suggested to keep them within one foot of a south-facing window to ensure they receive plenty of sunlight. Since they don’t do well in low-light atmospheres, it is advised to avoid keeping them in dark areas or rooms with limited sunlight. Before purchasing the rose-scented geranium, check the weather in your region to ensure it stays healthy and lives a long time.
Provide Nutrients and Fertilize Timely
Most potting mixes contain ample nutrients for your plant’s initial growth. However, these nutrients are utilized over time and require a larger pot as the plant grows. You can either repot your rose-scented geranium once a year or when it grows to twice its original size. It is important to repot the plant to keep the soil fresh and healthy.
How to Grow Rose-Scented Geranium?
December is the best time to grow scented-leaved geraniums from seeds indoors.
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First: fill a shallow tray with seed-starting mix, then spread the seeds evenly on top. Once done, cover them lightly with about ⅛ inch of soil. Gently mist the soil with water to keep it moist without becoming too wet or soggy.
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Second: Put the tray in a warm, bright spot, like near a sunny window, and mist them regularly to maintain their moisture. If done properly, seeds may sprout within 3 weeks.
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Third: Keep the seedlings in a bright, warm location after germination, and mist them frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. When the seedlings start to grow, make sure to maintain enough space between plants by thinning out any that are too close together.
Once the weather gets warm and the risk of frost decreases, you can move the young plants outdoors and plant them either in garden soil or in pots, based on the location you’d like to grow them. With proper care and maintenance, a rose-scented geranium can easily get strong and healthy.
Conclusion
It is normal for the leaves of a rose-scented geranium plant to drop once they mature, but if the fresh leaves start to deteriorate, then it’s a sign of improper care. Root rot can easily occur, making recovery difficult. However, with effective care and patience, one can make their plant lush green, healthy, and aromatic.
