Bullseye Salmon

Geranium

Zone 8b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Bullseye Salmon

🌱 70d to harvest Upright

A velvet wash of warm salmon-pink blooms draws the eye first—each flower’s center rings with a crisp, bullseye-like flare that fe…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 12th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 16th
Harvest Begins	May 25th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

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)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest problem is most common on Pelargonium × hortorum (bullseye salmon), and how do I control it?

Watch closely for aphids, which cluster on new growth and flower buds of Pelargonium × hortorum. Spray affected areas with insecticidal soap, repeat every 5–7 days for 2–3 rounds, and remove heavily infested tips to reduce reinfestation. Keep plants well-spaced and avoid overhead watering to limit rapid spread.

How often should I water bullseye salmon during the main growing phase?

During active growth (after establishment), water only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, then water thoroughly until excess drains. Aim for consistently moist—not soggy—soil to prevent root issues; Pelargoniums typically decline in wet, cool conditions. In full sun, this often means watering every 2–4 days, but adjust based on how quickly your soil dries.

How can I tell when Pelargonium × hortorum is ready to harvest?

Pelargonium × hortorum is grown for blooms rather than a single harvest window, so harvest when flowers are fully open and clearly colored (bullseye pattern visible) and the petals are firm. Deadhead by cutting the spent bloom with a short stem, and continue removing new faded flowers to keep the plant producing through its ~70-day cycle. If you’re harvesting for drying, cut only the freshest, fully open blooms and dry immediately to preserve color.

A velvet wash of warm salmon-pink blooms draws the eye first—each flower’s center rings with a crisp, bullseye-like flare that feels almost luminous against the soft petals. Bullseye Salmon forms a tidy bedding mound with abundant, continuous flowering and a pleasantly rounded, velvety texture that looks as good in mass plantings as it does in a window box. Ideal for bright borders, patio containers, and long-season color where you want dependable, showy geranium performance.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 50°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start indoors early for fuller bloom timing, then transplant only after nights are reliably warm and keep plants evenly moist but not waterlogged.