Mastering the Art of Overwintering Geraniums
Overwintering Geraniums
So, you've spent the summer nurturing your geraniums, watching them bloom with vibrant colors that brighten up your garden or balcony. But as the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, you might be wondering: "Do I have to say goodbye to my beloved plants until next year?" The good news is, you don't! Overwintering geraniums is a fantastic way to keep your plants thriving year after year, and it's easier than you might think. I did it last year and it worked out perfectly!
In this guide, I'll walk through everything you need to know to successfully overwinter your geraniums.
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Why Overwinter Geraniums?
First off, why go through the trouble? Geraniums are perennial plants in their native climates, which means they can live for several years. However, they aren't frost-tolerant, so in colder regions, they won't survive the winter outdoors. Overwintering allows you to preserve your favorite varieties, save money on buying new plants each spring, and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing your plants through every season.
Understanding Your Geraniums
Before diving into the how-to, it's helpful to understand a bit about these plants. The geraniums we're talking about are actually pelargoniums, a close relative. They're popular for their bright blooms and fragrant leaves. Knowing their natural preferences—like loving sunlight and well-drained soil—will help you make better decisions when overwintering.
Methods for Overwintering Geraniums
There are several ways to overwinter geraniums, and the best method for you depends on the space you have and how much effort you're willing to put in. Here are the most common methods:
Bringing Them Indoors as Houseplants
Dormant Storage
Taking Cuttings
Let's break these down.
This is the pink geranium I overwintered in my garage last year. It is healthy and blooming beautifully.
1. Bringing Them Indoors as Houseplants
If you have the space and enjoy indoor plants, this method keeps your geraniums growing (and sometimes even blooming) through the winter.
Steps:
Inspect and Clean: Before bringing them inside, check for pests or diseases. Remove any dead leaves or spent flowers.
Repot if Necessary: If they're in large garden beds, transplant them into pots with good drainage.
Location: Place them in a sunny window where they can get at least 6 hours of light. South or west-facing windows are ideal.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater—geraniums don't like soggy roots.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month to keep them healthy.
Tips:
Acclimate Gradually: If possible, bring them in before the first frost to reduce shock.
Watch for Pests: Indoor conditions can sometimes encourage pests like spider mites. Regularly check the underside of leaves.
2. Dormant Storage
This method involves letting the plants go dormant in a cool, dark place, like a basement or unheated garage. I used this method and stored my geraniums in my garage.
Steps:
Uproot the Plants: Dig up your geraniums before the first frost.
Shake Off Soil: Gently remove excess soil from the roots.
Storage: Place the plants in paper bags or hang them upside down.
Environment: Keep them in a cool (around 45-50°F or 7-10°C), dark place.
Monthly Check-ins: About once a month, take them out and soak the roots in water for a couple of hours to prevent them from drying out completely.
Tips:
Not for the Forgetful: This method requires periodic maintenance.
Spring Revival: In early spring, pot them up again, trim back dead stems, and place them in a sunny spot indoors to wake them up. Then once it is warm enough you can move them outside.
3. Taking Cuttings
Propagating new plants from cuttings is a space-efficient way to keep your geraniums going.
Steps:
Select Healthy Stems: Choose non-flowering stems about 3-4 inches long.
Cut Just Below a Node: This is where leaves attach to the stem.
Remove Lower Leaves: Leave only the top couple of leaves.
Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional): This can speed up root development. Here is a good one.
Plant in Potting Mix: Use a sterile, well-draining mix.
Cover : Placing a plastic bag over the pot can maintain humidity but ensure it's ventilated to prevent mold.
Place in Indirect Light: Avoid direct sunlight until roots develop.
Watering: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Tips:
Patience Pays Off: Roots may take a few weeks to develop.
Transplanting: Once roots are established, you can repot them into regular pots.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Leaf Drop: This can happen due to shock. Ensure a gradual transition when moving plants indoors.
Pest Infestations: Keep an eye out and treat promptly with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Overwatering: Remember, geraniums prefer to be on the drier side rather than too wet.
RELATED: Why Your Geranium Leaves Are Turning Yellow and Solutions
Overwintering geraniums might seem like a lot of work at first glance, but it's a rewarding process that gets easier each year. Not only do you get to keep enjoying your favorite blooms, but you'll also deepen your understanding of plant care. Plus, come spring, you'll have a head start on a vibrant garden without the extra cost of new plants.
