Pelargonium sidoides Seeds | Umckaloabo

Categories：Herb

Umckaloabo seeds (Pelargonium sidoides)

LATIN NAME: Pelargonium sidoides

COMMON NAME: Umckaloabo

Plant Profile

Known to gardeners as Umckaloabo, Pelargonium sidoides is a low, clumping perennial in the geranium family. It stands heat and dry spells well. It likes sun, and light, well-drained soil. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers freely through the season. For the small amount of care it requires, the return is remarkable.

Science & Biotechnology

The species features in the wider study of the geranium family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. In the geranium family, the South African pelargoniums have a recognised place in studies of medicinal plants, and sidoides species appears in research on root chemistry and dry-summer growth. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.

Uses & Benefits

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Umckaloabo has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In dry, sunny garden, umckaloabo velvets border with dark flowers. It grows in light, well-drained, sunny ground. Dark flowers come within the season. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.

Scented geraniums perfume gardens and flavor sugars with rose, lemon and mint notes; the South African Pelargonium sidoides root is the basis of a clinically tested cold remedy sold worldwide.

Growing from Seed

Raising Umckaloabo from seed is straightforward. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.

Our Take

Umckaloabo repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.

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