Maverick Mix

Family: Geraniaceae Zonal Geranium

A riot of color that blooms with confident, velvety presence—Maverick Mix geraniums open into richly saturated clusters that seem to glow in the sun.

Expect a tidy, mounding habit with lush, rounded foliage and dependable flowering through the season, delivering a soft, plush texture in every petal. Ideal for container displays, window boxes, and bedding drifts where you want nonstop color and a refined, garden-ready finish.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Aug 29th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This is a bedding/container Pelargonium grown for show; despite is_edible=true, edible use is not standardized and the flavor of geranium flowers can swing bitter or even a bit soapy. If you want to eat it, treat it as an experimental edible flower only after confirming by smell/taste from your exact source—otherwise keep it strictly ornamental.

Flavor Profile

Usually not a culinary geranium; petal taste is variable Floral, slightly bitter/soapy potential Velvety petals that soften quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease or pest on Pelargonium × hortorum (Geranium) and how do I manage it?

One of the most frequent problems is botrytis (gray mold) that shows up as brown/gray fuzzy spots on leaves and stems, usually after cool, wet conditions. Remove affected leaves immediately, improve airflow, and water only at the base so foliage stays dry; avoid misting and keep plants in full sun when possible. If you see persistent damage, use a targeted fungicide labeled for geraniums and repeat according to the label.

How often should I water Pelargonium × hortorum during the main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy: water when the top 1 inch feels dry, then water thoroughly until excess drains. In full sun summer weather this is often about every 2–4 days, but it depends on container size and heat. Don’t let water sit in saucers, as geraniums in constantly wet soil are far more prone to rot.

How can I tell when Pelargonium × hortorum (Maverick Mix) is ready to harvest?

Pelargonium × hortorum is usually harvested for flowers, not seeds, so harvest begins as soon as the first buds open—typically around day 70 for a fully established bloom cycle. Pick stems with fully colored, open blooms and remove spent flower heads regularly to encourage more flowering. You’ll know to stop harvesting flowers when the plant’s bloom flush slows and most remaining buds are still tight and immature.