From my perspective, a dormant geranium seed, the answer is a resounding yes. While many of my kind are propagated from cuttings to ensure an exact replica of the parent plant, I hold within my tiny shell the complete genetic blueprint to become a unique, thriving individual. Growing from seed offers a wider variety of cultivars than you might find as starter plants. It requires more patience, as my journey from germination to first bloom is a slow and deliberate one, often taking 12-16 weeks. But for those willing to nurture me, the reward is a strong, bushy plant grown and adapted to its environment from the very beginning.
My journey begins with a need for warmth and a gentle touch. My outer coat is notoriously hard. To help me emerge, many gardeners gently scarify me by rubbing me lightly with fine-grit sandpaper or soaking me in lukewarm water for a few hours. This weakens my shell and signals that it's time to wake up. I should be sown in a sterile, light seed-starting mix, barely covered with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. I am not a sun worshipper at this stage; I need consistent warmth, ideally between 70-75°F (21-24°C), provided by a heat mat. The growing medium must be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged, as my fragile new roots are susceptible to rot. A clear plastic dome covering my tray will help maintain the high humidity I crave until I sprout.
Once I push my first set of leaves (cotyledons) through the soil, my needs change dramatically. I must be moved immediately to a very bright light source, such as a south-facing window or, better yet, under grow lights positioned just a few inches above me. Without sufficient light, I will become leggy and weak, stretching desperately for a energy source I cannot find. The plastic dome should now be removed to prevent damping-off disease, a fungal menace that can swiftly end my life. As my true, crinkled geranium leaves develop, you must keep the soil moist but allow the top surface to dry slightly between waterings. A gentle breeze from a small fan will strengthen my stem and prepare me for the outdoors.
Before I can take my permanent place in your garden or containers, I must be acclimatized to the harsh realities of the outside world—a process you call "hardening off." This is a gradual, week-long process where I am placed outdoors in a sheltered, shady spot for a few hours each day, slowly increasing my exposure to sun and wind. This tough love is crucial; moving me directly outside would shock my system, stunting my growth or killing me. Once the danger of frost has passed and I am accustomed to the elements, you can plant me in well-draining soil where I will receive ample sunlight. With consistent care, I will mature into a robust plant, eventually producing clusters of vibrant blooms that are entirely my own.
