Tango Red

Family: Geraniaceae Zonal Geranium

Velvety, saturated Tango Red blooms open in generous clusters, their petals glowing like fresh lacquer against deep, healthy foliage.

Expect a compact, tidy habit with a steady rhythm of flowering from early summer through fall, producing a rich tapestry of color that holds its charm in beds and containers alike. Ideal for showy mass plantings, window boxes, and patio pots where you want dependable, long-lasting color and a lush, textured look.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Clumping

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Bedding geraniums (Pelargonium × hortorum) are often used as ornamentals, and while some Pelargonium types have edible flavors, this cultivar isn’t reliably confirmed as food-grade. Treat Tango Red as non-ingestable unless you can verify a specific edible Pelargonium preparation for this exact plant source.

Flavor Profile

Not reliably culinary—edibility not sufficiently established for this specific bedding geranium cultivar If used, expect an aromatic, slightly herbal floral note; any bitterness would be likely

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Pelargonium × hortorum (Tango Red), and how can I control it?

Pelargonium often suffers from fungal leaf spots and gray mold (Botrytis), especially when leaves stay wet and airflow is poor. Remove affected leaves, water at the soil line (not overhead), and space plants so foliage doesn’t crowd. If the problem keeps returning, use a labeled fungicide for ornamental geraniums and re-treat according to the label’s schedule.

How often should I water Tango Red during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil feels dry, which usually means about every 2–4 days in summer heat depending on container size and sun. Pelargonium × hortorum prefers consistently moist soil but will struggle in soggy conditions—avoid daily light watering. In containers, ensure fast drainage and empty any saucer water so the root zone doesn’t stay wet.

How do I know when Tango Red is ready to harvest?

Pelargonium × hortorum is typically grown for flowers rather than a harvestable edible crop, so “ready” means strong bloom production. Harvest by removing spent flower heads as soon as they fade; this keeps the plant producing and helps prevent seed set. If you’re growing it for cut flower stems, cut when blooms are fully colored and just beginning to open, and harvest early in the morning for best flower life.