Geraniums are beloved for their vibrant blooms and easy maintenance, making them a popular choice for many gardeners.
However, as colder months approach, it’s important to take steps to ensure these plants survive the winter and flourish again come spring. By properly overwintering your geraniums, you can enjoy their beauty for years to come without needing to purchase new plants annually.
This guide on how to keep geranium plants over winter will walk you through simple and effective techniques to care for your geraniums during the winter season.
Why Overwintering is Important for Geraniums?
Unlike perennials, geraniums are considered tender perennials, meaning they cannot withstand the freezing temperatures of winter.
If left outside during the winter months, geraniums will die due to frost and extreme cold. By overwintering your plants indoors, you can protect them from these harsh conditions and allow them to continue growing and thriving.
Needed Materials
Before you begin the process of overwintering your geraniums, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. These include:
Pruning Shears or Scissors:
You will need these to trim back your geraniums before bringing them indoors.
Pots or Containers:
Geraniums can be overwintered in their existing pots or transferred to smaller containers. Make sure the containers have good drainage holes and are large enough to accommodate the root system of your plant.
Potting Soil:
If you plan on transferring your geraniums to new pots, make sure you have potting soil ready for them to thrive in.
Fertilizer:
During the winter months, geraniums may not receive as much sunlight and nutrients as they do during the growing season. Consider using a slow-release fertilizer to give your plants the necessary nutrients.
Watering Can:
Make sure you have a watering can or spray bottle to keep your geraniums hydrated during the winter.
Location:
Choose a suitable location indoors for your geraniums. This can be a sunny windowsill, an unheated room with natural light, or even a basement with grow lights.
8 Steps on How to Keep Geranium Plants Over Winter
Step 1: Prune Your Geraniums
Start by cutting back your geraniums to encourage healthy growth and reduce the risk of pests or diseases during the winter months. Use clean pruning shears or scissors to remove any dead or yellowing leaves, as well as faded flowers.
Trim the stems, leaving about 4 to 6 inches of healthy growth. Pruning not only helps your plants conserve energy but also makes them more manageable when moving indoors. Be sure to discard any plant debris to prevent contamination or pests.
Step 2: Inspect for Pests and Diseases
Before bringing your geraniums indoors, carefully inspect each plant for any signs of pests or diseases. Look for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies on the leaves, stems, and soil surfaces. Check for discoloration, spots, or unusual growths that may indicate a disease. If you notice any pests, wash the plant with a gentle stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.
For diseases, remove affected leaves or stems, and if necessary, apply an appropriate fungicide. This step ensures that you prevent pests and diseases from spreading to your other indoor plants during the overwintering process.
Step 3: Decide on Which Method to Use
There are three common methods for overwintering geraniums: storing them as dormant plants, taking cuttings, or keeping them actively growing. Depending on your preference and available space, choose the method that works best for you.
Storing Dormant Plants:
This method involves digging up the entire plant and storing it in a cool and dry location until spring. This is ideal if you have limited space indoors.
Taking Cuttings:
With this method, you will take cuttings from your geraniums and grow them into new plants during winter. This allows you to save space while still enjoying fresh blooms.
Keeping Actively Growing
This method involves keeping your geraniums in their existing pots and caring for them as you would during the growing season. This requires more space but allows your plants to continue blooming through the winter.
Step 4: Dig Up Your Geraniums (Optional)
If you choose to store your geraniums as dormant plants, the first step is to carefully dig them up from their outdoor locations. Use a garden trowel or spade to loosen the soil around the plant, being mindful not to damage the roots. Gently lift the entire plant out of the ground, shaking off excess soil while leaving some around the roots to help protect them during storage.
After removing the plants, inspect them once more for pests or diseases. Once clean, they are ready to be prepared for dormancy and stored in a cool, dry place such as a basement, garage, or storage area that stays above freezing.
Step 5: Prepare Your Pots or Containers
If you are keeping your geraniums actively growing indoors or taking cuttings, it’s essential to prepare your pots or containers properly. Start by selecting pots or containers that have adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot. If you are reusing old pots, make sure they are cleaned thoroughly to remove any residual soil, pests, or diseases.
Fill the containers with fresh potting soil that is light and well-draining. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be too heavy and may hold excess moisture. If transferring your geraniums to new pots, gently place the plant into the container, making sure the roots are covered with soil, but the crown of the plant remains slightly above the soil line. Pat the soil down lightly to secure the plant, and water it thoroughly to help the roots settle into their new environment.
Step 6: Keep Your Geraniums Hydrated
Regardless of which method you choose, it’s crucial to keep your geraniumswell-hydratedd during the winter months. Water them thoroughly, but avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. Check the soil regularly and only water when the top inch is dry. You can also use a spray bottle to mist the leaves occasionally, especially if your indoor environment is warm and dry.
It’s essential to know that geraniums require less water during dormancy, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Step 7: Provide Adequate Light
Geraniums require plenty of light to thrive, even during the winter months. Place your actively growing geraniums near a sunny south-facing window where they can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights to supplement their light needs. Position the grow lights about 6 to 12 inches above the plants and keep them on for 12 to 14 hours a day to simulate a full day of sunlight.
For dormant geraniums, light is less critical, but keeping them in a dimly lit or dark area such as a basement is ideal. Proper lighting ensures healthy, vibrant growth and may even encourage occasional blooms during winter.
Step 8: Keep at Optimal Temperature
Geraniums are native to warm, tropical climates and prefer temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C). During the winter months, keep your indoor geraniums within this temperature range for optimal growth. Avoid exposing them to drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations, as this may cause stress and affect their overall health. If you are storing dormant plants in a cool location, ensure the temperature stays above freezing to prevent damage to the plant.
The overwintering process may seem daunting, but with proper care and attention, your geraniums can survive the winter and continue to thrive for many seasons to come. By following these steps on how to keep geranium plants over winter, you can enjoy fresh blooms and vibrant foliage even during the coldest months of the year. Remember to inspect for pests and diseases regularly and adjust your care routine accordingly. Happy overwintering!
How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of overwintering geraniums can vary depending on the method you choose and the supplies you already have on hand. Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:
Pots and Containers:
If you are keeping your geraniums actively growing or taking cuttings, you may need to purchase pots or containers. These can range from $2 to $20 each, depending on their size and material. If old pots are reused, this cost can be eliminated.
Potting Soil:
A bag of potting soil typically costs between $5 to $10 and can fill multiple containers. You may also choose to make your own potting mix using a combination of materials such as peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
Grow Lights:
If natural light is insufficient for your actively growing geraniums, you may need to purchase grow lights. These can range from $20 to $50 or more, depending on their size and quality.
Storage Space:
If storing your geraniums as dormant plants, you will need adequate space in a cool and dry location. This may require additional storage space, which can range from free if using a garage or basement to a monthly rental fee for a storage unit.
Pest and Disease Control:
If your plants have pests or diseases, you may need to purchase pest control products or treatments. Costs for these items vary depending on the type and severity of the issue. Be sure to monitor your plants regularly to catch any problems early and avoid additional expenses.
Overall, the cost of overwintering geraniums is minimal compared to purchasing new plants in the spring. With proper care and attention, your investment will provide beautiful blooms and healthy foliage year after year. Consider it an investment in your gardening hobby!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Geraniums Survive Outside During Winter?
A: Geraniums are not frost-tolerant and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures. It is best to bring them indoors for the winter or use a layer of mulch to protect them in milder climates.
Q: What is the Best Location to Store Dormant Geraniums?
A: Look for a cool and dry location that stays above freezing, such as a basement, garage, or storage area. Avoid areas with high humidity or moisture, as this may cause rotting.
Q: Can I Take Cuttings from My Geraniums During Winter?
A: Yes, you can take cuttings from your geraniums during winter and grow them into new plants. This method allows you to save space while still enjoying fresh blooms.
Q: How Often Should I Water My Overwintering Geraniums?
A: It’s essential to check the soil regularly and only water when the top inch is dry. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to adjust your watering schedule according to your plant’s needs.
Q: Do Geraniums Require Fertilizer During Winter?
A: No, it is not necessary to fertilize geraniums during winter as they are in a dormant state and do not require additional nutrients. You can resume fertilizing once they begin actively growing again in spring.
Conclusion
By following these steps on how to keep geranium plants over winter, you can successfully overwinter your geraniums and enjoy their vibrant blooms for many seasons to come. Remember to choose the method that works best for you and adjust your care routine accordingly.
With proper care and attention, your geraniums can thrive year-round and bring beauty to your home or garden. So don’t let the winter season stop you from enjoying these beautiful plants – give overwintering a try! Happy gardening!
