Pelargonium Seeds UK: How to Sow, Grow, and Care for Pelargoniums from Seed
Growing pelargoniums from seed in the UK is a rewarding way to produce vibrant summer plants at low cost. Although many gardeners grow pelargoniums from cuttings, seed-raising offers the chance to grow uncommon varieties, experiment with colours and types, and produce larger numbers of plants from a small packet of seeds.
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This guide explains what pelargonium seeds are, where to buy them in the UK, how and when to sow them, and how to care for seedlings so they develop into strong flowering plants.
What Are Pelargonium Seeds?
Pelargonium seeds are produced by the plant after flowering. Each seed head can contain many seeds, which are typically:
- Flat or slightly elongated
- Brown to black in colour
- Lightweight with a small tuft or tail on some varieties
Seeds from scented pelargoniums, zonal types, ivy-leaved/trailing plants, and species varieties are all available from suppliers.
Pelargoniums grown from seed are true to type only if they are not hybrids — many decorative hybrid pelargoniums grown in gardens do not come true from seed.
Types of Pelargoniums You Can Grow from Seed
You can sow seeds of many pelargonium types, including:
Zonal Pelargoniums
- Classic bedding types
- Upright growth and large flower clusters
- Come in many colours
Ivy-Leaved (Trailing) Pelargoniums
- Ideal for baskets, window boxes, and railings
- Cascading stems
Scented Pelargoniums
- Grown for fragrant foliage (e.g., rose, lemon, mint)
- Often grown for scent rather than large flowers
Species Pelargoniums
- More unusual pelargonium species
- Interesting foliage and flower forms
Note: If you buy hybrid seed mixes, results may vary and plants may not look exactly like the parent plant.
Where to Buy Pelargonium Seeds in the UK
UK gardeners can find pelargonium seeds from a variety of sources:
Seed Specialist Shops
Many online and mail-order seed specialists offer pelargonium seed packets, often with variety descriptions and sowing advice.
Garden Centres
Seasonal gardening centres sometimes stock pelargonium seed packets for sowing in spring.
Online Marketplaces
Pelargonium seed mixes and specialist pelargonium seeds are available on major marketplaces — but check seller ratings and reviews before buying.
Heirloom & Rare Seed Suppliers
For unique or unusual pelargonium varieties, specialist seed suppliers provide rare and heirloom seed strains.
When buying, always check whether the seeds are open-pollinated (OP), hybrid (F1), or unlabelled — as this affects the outcome and uniformity.
When to Sow Pelargonium Seeds (UK)
Timing makes a big difference to success and flowering time.
Indoor Sowing
- January to March — good for early flowering plants
Starting early indoors gives seedlings time to develop before planting out.
Outdoor Sowing
- April to May — direct sow in warmer soil
Soil temperatures must be reliably warm before sowing outdoors.
Pelargoniums need a long growing season, so earlier sowing often produces better results.
How to Sow Pelargonium Seeds
Pelargonium seeds are small and need light to germinate well.
What You’ll Need
- Seed trays or small pots
- Fine seed compost
- Water spray or gentle watering can
- Labels
Step-by-Step Sowing
- Fill trays with moist seed compost — firm gently but don’t compact.
- Place seeds on the surface — do not bury deeply.
- Lightly cover with a thin layer of vermiculite or fine compost.
- Water gently — use a spray to avoid displacing seeds.
- Place in a warm, bright position — ideally 18–22 °C.
- Keep compost moist but not waterlogged.
Pelargonium seeds benefit from light during germination.
How Long Do Pelargonium Seeds Take to Germinate?
Pelargonium seeds typically begin to germinate in:
- 7–21 days
Warmer temperatures speed up germination, while cooler conditions slow it. Some seeds may take longer.
Caring for Pelargonium Seedlings
Once seedlings appear:
Light
- Give bright light
- Avoid dark windowsills (leggy growth)
Watering
- Keep compost moist — not soggy
- Water from below if possible
Thinning and Pricking Out
- Thin overcrowded seedlings
- Prick out into individual pots when they have 2–3 true leaves
When to Transplant Outdoors
Pelargoniums rooted from seed should only be planted outdoors after the last frost — usually late May to early June in most UK areas.
Before planting out, harden off seedlings over 7–10 days to acclimatise them to outdoor conditions.
Where to Grow Pelargoniums from Seed
Pelargoniums prefer:
- Full sun
- Well-drained soil
- Sheltered positions
They are excellent in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, or patio beds.
Feeding and Maintenance
To keep seed-grown pelargoniums healthy:
- Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once planted out
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Pinch back stems to promote bushier growth
Growing Pelargoniums from Seed vs Cuttings
From Seed
✔ Cheaper
✔ Can grow many plants
✔ Greater variety available
✘ Flowering takes longer
From Cuttings
✔ Faster flowering
✔ Plants true to parent type
✘ Slightly more specialised technique
Growing from seed is ideal when you want large numbers of plants or unusual varieties.
Common Problems When Growing from Seeds
Poor Germination
- Too cool
- Seeds buried too deep
Leggy Seedlings
- Too little light
Damping-Off
- Overwatering
- Poor air circulation
Most problems are avoided with correct timing, warmth, and airflow.
Are Pelargonium Seeds Worth Growing?
Yes — especially if you want:
- Cost-effective plant production
- Unique or rare varieties
- Large numbers of plants
- The satisfaction of growing from seed
With the right timing and care, pelargoniums from seed will reward you with strong plants and abundant colour.
Final Thoughts: Pelargonium Seeds UK
Growing pelargoniums from seed in the UK requires warmth, light, and patience, but it is an excellent way to produce colourful, vigorous plants at low cost. By choosing good seed sources, sowing early indoors, and carefully caring for seedlings, you can grow a wide range of pelargonium types for containers, baskets, and borders.