Pelargonium fragrans

Sweet

Nutmeg geranium

Geraniaceae Edible: Leaves - flavouring 126 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa

Summary

An evergreen shrub growing 0.3 m tall and 0.3 m wide, hardy to UK zone 9 and frost-tender. Retains foliage year-round with flowers May to August. Thrives in light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils across mildly acid to basic pH. Requires full sun and adapts to dry or moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

The crushed leaves are used to flavour jellies, cakes, fruit dishes, and vinegars, and they add a spicy note to coffee.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are used to flavour jellies, cakes, puddings, stuffings, punches, coffee and tea. They have a pungent spicy scent like nutmeg.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

All parts of the plant are astringent. The leaves are also used externally as a rub for aching feet or legs, and can be harvested as needed and used fresh.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa,

Cultivation

Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country. They can also be grown in containers that are placed outdoors in the summer and then brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for the winter. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter. Very tolerant of pruning, they can be cut right down to the base in the autumn when bringing them back indoors, or in the spring to encourage lots of fresh growth. The leaves have a strong scent of pine. There are some named varieties, selected for their ornamental value.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse, or in early spring if using stored seed. A minimum germination temperature of 13°C is recommended; seeds usually sprout within 2 weeks, though germination can sometimes take several months. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle and overwinter them under glass for at least their first year. If planting outdoors, do so in early summer and consider extra winter protection. Cuttings can be taken at almost any point during the growing season, though early summer is ideal to allow the new plant to establish before winter.