The Ideal Plant To Sow In December For Gorgeous Blooms In Spring

December is generally a quiet time for gardeners who live in temperate climates. The perennials are likely dormant, annuals are done for the year, and it's too early to start sowing most seeds for the next season. There are some slow-growing seeds you can start planting indoors, though. One such slow-to-mature flower you may want to start planting in December is the classic zonal geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum). These beautiful blooms function as annuals in most of the United States ... unless you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, in which case, they're actually perennials.

Geraniums are quintessential bedding flowers thanks to their relatively low height of about 18 inches and their wide variety of colors. It's also easy to look after geraniums, as they are known for being relatively low maintenance. One of the big advantages of growing your geraniums from seeds instead of picking up young plants at the garden center is the range of different cultivars you can choose from. 

Zonal geraniums can take around 20 weeks to flower after planting. So if you want to put your plants out as soon as your last frost date passes and see flowers quickly, December could be an ideal time for indoor seed sowing. However, if your last frost date isn't until late spring, it could be better to hold off until February or so.

Plant your geranium seeds in moist seed-starting mix and keep the temperature in the low 70s Fahrenheit all throughout December. Make sure your growing medium doesn't dry out, especially if you're going to be traveling over the holidays. Once the seeds begin to germinate, provide them with bright grow lights. When the geranium plants have true leaves — not just the initial buds that sprout when they first emerge – you can transplant them to containers of potting mix. Continue to keep the seedlings under bright lights for around 12 to 16 hours a day, and fertilize the young geraniums with diluted fertilizer every two weeks or so. 

When your last frost date arrives, you can begin hardening off your geraniums. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Don't worry if your last frost ends up coming later than expected and your geraniums begin to flower indoors. They actually make excellent houseplants. And because they will continue flowering as long as you deadhead the geraniums, you'll still have plenty of blooms to enjoy once you can finally bring them outside, too. Consider pairing your geraniums with companion plants like nasturtiums and salvias for additional interest and variety in the garden.