1. Seed Preparation:

• Geranium sanguineum seeds can benefit from a period of cold stratification to improve germination rates.
• You can mimic this by placing seeds in a moist paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag and refrigerating them for 4-6 weeks before sowing.

2. When to Sow:

• Sow seeds indoors in late winter to early spring (February to March) to give seeds enough time to germinate and seedlings to grow before planting out.
• Alternatively, sow seeds directly outdoors in mid to late spring (April to May) after the last frost.

3. Sowing Medium:

• Use a well-draining seed compost or a mix of equal parts of peat-free compost and sharp sand.
• Fill seed trays or pots with the compost mix.

4. Sowing Method:

• Sow seeds thinly on the surface of the compost.
• Lightly cover seeds with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite (about 2-3 mm).
• Mist the surface gently to avoid displacing seeds.

5. Germination Conditions:

• Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.
• Maintain a temperature of around 18-20°C (64-68°F).
• Germination usually takes 2 to 4 weeks but can sometimes be longer.

6. Aftercare:

• Once seedlings develop true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
• Gradually harden off seedlings by exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or two before planting out.

7. Planting Out:

• Plant out in a sunny or partially shaded site with well-drained soil after the risk of frost has passed, typically late spring to early summer.
• Space plants about 30 cm (12 inches) apart.

Additional Tips:

• Geranium sanguineum prefers soil that is not too rich to avoid overly lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
• Regular deadheading encourages prolonged blooming.