Do you love the vibrant colors and delightful blooms of your geraniums?
Don’t let the cold weather put an end to your garden’s beauty.
By learning how to winterize your geraniums, you can preserve these lovely plants and enjoy them year after year.
Not only will you save money by not purchasing new plants each spring, but you’ll also experience the joy of nurturing your geraniums through every season.
Understanding Geraniums
Before looking into the winterizing process, it’s helpful to understand your plants a bit better.
Geraniums come in various types from zonal to ivy-leafed. They are perennials in USDA zones 10 and 11, where they can flourish outdoors all year long.
In cooler climates, they are typically grown as annuals.
Knowing whether your geraniums are treated as perennials or annuals in your region will help you decide the best method to overwinter them.
When to Start Winterizing
Timing is everything when it comes to winterizing geraniums.
You’ll want to begin the process before the first frost arrives, as exposure to frost can damage or kill the plants.
When nightly temperatures start dropping below 55°F, it’s a good indicator that it’s time to act.
Keep an eye on your local weather forecasts to pick the perfect time, ensuring your geraniums are healthy before you begin the winterizing process.
Method 1: Bringing Geraniums Indoors as Houseplants
Turning your outdoor beauties into indoor companions is a great way to keep your geraniums thriving through the winter.
Start by gently digging up your geraniums, taking care not to damage the roots. Choose pots with good drainage and fill them with fresh potting soil.
Before repotting, trim back about one-third of the plant to encourage new growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Place your potted geraniums near a sunny window, preferably south or west-facing so they receive at least six hours of light daily.
Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and water when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding overwatering.
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or spider mites, treating any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap.
With proper care, your geraniums will continue to bloom and brighten your home throughout the winter months.
Method 2: Propagating Geraniums from Cuttings
Propagating geraniums from cuttings is an easy and space-saving way to multiply your plants.
Begin by selecting healthy, green, non-flowering stems that are 4-6 inches long.
Make a clean cut just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two sets. This reduces moisture loss and encourages root growth.
Dip the cut end into rooting hormone (gel or powder) to promote faster rooting, tapping off any excess powder if using powder rooting hormone.
Plant the cuttings into small pots filled with damp, well-draining potting mix, and firm the soil around the stem for stability.
Keep the cuttings in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Once rooted, treat them as houseplants until spring, when you can gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions.
This method doesn’t just preserve your favorite geraniums it also gives you new plants to enjoy or share.
Method 3: Storing Geraniums Dormant in Pots
Allowing your geraniums to rest in a dormant state over the winter is another effective method.
Start by cutting back your geraniums by about half and removing any diseased or damaged foliage.
Let the soil in the pots dry out until it’s mostly dry to the touch. Place the pots in a cool (45-60°F), dark area like an unheated basement or garage.
To protect the plants from dust and light, place a paper bag over each pot.
Throughout the winter, check the soil moisture monthly, ensuring it doesn’t become completely dry.
Lightly water if needed, but avoid saturating the soil. As temperatures warm in the spring, bring the pots back into light and resume regular watering.
With patience, you’ll see new growth emerge, ready to be transitioned back outdoors.
Method 4: Storing Bare-Root Geraniums Dormant
If space is a concern, storing your geraniums as bare-root plants is a great option.
Remove the plants from the ground before frost arrives and gently shake off excess soil. Trim the stems back by half, discarding any unhealthy parts.
Allow the plants to air dry for a day to prevent mold during storage.
Place the plants upside down in paper bags or lay them in a cardboard box with lightly moistened newspaper.
Store them in a cool, dark place where temperatures remain above freezing but below 60°F.
Every few weeks, inspect the plants for signs of shriveling or mold. If they appear dry, mist the roots lightly.
In the spring, replant the geraniums outdoors, water thoroughly, and watch as they come back to life.
Caring for Dormant Geraniums Over Winter
Even though your geraniums are dormant, they still require occasional attention. Regularly inspect them for mold, rot, or extreme dryness.
Adjust storage conditions if you notice any issues, such as increasing humidity if the plants are too dry or improving air circulation to prevent mold.
Setting calendar reminders can help you stay on schedule with your checks, ensuring your geraniums remain healthy throughout the winter.
Reviving Geraniums in Spring
As the threat of frost passes, it’s time to bring your geraniums back to life. Begin by reintroducing dormant plants to indirect sunlight to prevent shock from sudden light exposure.
Water them thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away, and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength to encourage growth.
Prune the plants to remove dead stems and shape them, promoting bushiness.
Gradually acclimate your geraniums to outdoor conditions over a week, protecting them from harsh winds or direct midday sun initially.
With proper care, your geraniums will flourish, rewarding you with beautiful blooms once again.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Winterizing
To ensure your geraniums thrive through the winter and beyond, keep a few expert tips in mind.
Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause root rot, especially in dormant plants.
Provide adequate light for indoor plants; if natural light is limited, consider using grow lights.
Stay vigilant against pests by inspecting your plants regularly and treating any issues promptly.
Don’t forget to share the love, propagate extra cuttings to share with friends or swap varieties, spreading the joy of gardening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Winterizing your geraniums is cost-effective and allows you to preserve cherished varieties that you might not find at the nursery next year.
If you notice pests, isolate the affected plant to prevent spreading. Use natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat the infestation.
Don’t be discouraged. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a plant may not survive. Consider trying different winterizing methods next year and take multiple cuttings as backups.
From Winter Rest to Spring Revival
By taking the time to winterize your geraniums, you can enjoy their beauty year after year.
Whether you choose to bring them indoors, propagate cuttings, or store them dormant, each method offers its own rewards.
Enjoy the journey, and let your geraniums brighten your home and garden through every season.
Want More?
Do you feel like you have mastered the art of winterizing geraniums?
Perhaps it is time to consider learning how to winterize hydrangeas or overwinter ferns , dahlias & hostas.
Winter garden preparation is important to keep your garden alive and healthy during the cooler winter months.
