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If you opt not to grow your non-hardy geraniums as houseplants, you have the option to let them go dormant over the winter. Essentially, you’ll be storing the geraniums in their containers in a cool, dark location. During this time, they will enter a period of dormancy and cease growth until the weather warms up again. This can be a viable approach for overwintering.
Cut back your geraniums so they are about half the size to prepare them for dormancy.
To begin, trim the geranium down to about half of its original size. Next, find a suitable location for overwintering the plant.
A cool, slightly humid basement is an excellent choice for keeping non-hardy geraniums alive over the winter. Alternatively, an unheated shed or garage with some level of insulation or residual warmth can also work, as long as temperatures don’t drop below freezing, which could be fatal for the geranium.
Cover the geranium with a brown paper bag to block light from reaching the foliage. Make sure the soil is reasonably dry before covering it to prevent mold growth. This careful preparation will help ensure the geranium remains healthy throughout its dormant period.
Maintaining Dormant Geraniums – How To Overwinter & Save Geraniums In The Fall
Be sure to check your dormant, non-hardy geranium every two weeks to ensure the leaves aren’t drying out excessively. If you observe this, lightly water the soil to provide a touch of moisture. Remember not to over-saturate the soil.
As spring emerges, uncover the plant and transition it outdoors. Begin by placing it in a sheltered area and resume regular watering, keeping an eye out for signs of new growth. Once the weather permits, you can move the geranium to its designated spot for the summer. A generous application of all-purpose fertilizer at this stage will aid in its swift rejuvenation.
Any of these three straightforward methods can effectively preserve your geraniums through the winter, offering them a fresh start to flourish and beautify your space come spring! Happy gardening!
