The RHS pelargonium growing guide says to take softwood pelargonium cuttings from spring to autumn, and in late summer if you want to overwinter them. University of Illinois Extension says scented geraniums are most often grown from tip cuttings, which root easily. The RHS does not specify a cutting length, so this page does not give one.
What the RHS says
| Task | What the RHS says |
|---|---|
| When | Softwood cuttings from spring to autumn |
| For overwintering | Take them in late summer |
| Winter care of rooted cuttings | Overwinter in trays on a well-lit indoor windowsill |
| Late winter | Pinch out shoot tips for bushy growth |
| Mid-spring | Pot rooted cuttings into 9 cm (3.5 in) pots |
Why take cuttings
Overwintering rooted cuttings is an alternative to keeping a large plant through winter; the RHS lists it alongside lifting and cutting back. See the guide to overwintering scented geraniums (published 26 October) for the whole plant.
What the sources do not cover
Neither source gives a cutting length, a rooting medium, a rooting time or a rooting hormone advice for scented geraniums. The RHS page is about pelargoniums in general, not scented types specifically.
Pets
The ASPCA lists Pelargonium species as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep trimmings and cuttings out of reach; see Fragrant Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs.
Frequently asked questions
When do I take scented geranium cuttings?
The RHS says from spring to autumn, and in late summer for overwintering.
Do scented geraniums root easily?
Illinois says tip cuttings root easily.
How long should a cutting be?
The RHS page does not specify a length.
Sources read for this page
Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Written by Md. Firozur Rahman. This page gives general guidance and cannot diagnose a plant from a description; see the Disclaimer.
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