Can You Bring Geraniums Inside for the Winter and Ensure their Survival?
Can You Bring Geraniums Inside for the Winter?
Yes, you can bring geraniums inside for the winter.
There are several methods to overwinter geraniums, such as taking stem cuttings, potting them, and rooting them in vermiculite or perlite and sphagnum peat moss.
Potted geraniums can also be dug up and placed in a large pot, while bare-root plants can be dug up, cleaned, and stored in a cool, dry location.
Geraniums can also be overwintered in a greenhouse or cold frame by transplanting them into plastic pots with fresh potting mix.
Alternatively, geraniums can be brought indoors as houseplants, placed in a sunny location with temperatures at 55-65°F, and cared for by watering, pruning, and providing proper lighting and humidity.
Key Points:
- Geraniums can be brought inside for the winter.
- Different methods for overwintering geraniums include taking stem cuttings and rooting them in vermiculite or perlite and sphagnum peat moss.
- Potted geraniums can be dug up and placed in a large pot, while bare-root plants can be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry location.
- Another option is to overwinter geraniums in a greenhouse or cold frame by transplanting them into plastic pots.
- Geraniums can also be brought indoors as houseplants and placed in a sunny location with temperatures between 55-65°F.
- Care for indoor geraniums includes watering, pruning, and providing proper lighting and humidity.
Did You Know?
1. Geraniums actually belong to the family Geraniaceae and are not truly geraniums. The correct name for the popular flowering plant commonly referred to as geraniums is actually Pelargonium.
2. If you live in a cold climate and want to bring your geraniums inside for the winter, it’s important to prune them before doing so. Pruning not only helps control their size but also stimulates new growth, resulting in bushier and healthier plants.
3. Geraniums are not only beautiful but also have insect-repellent properties. The smell of their foliage naturally deters mosquitoes, making them a great addition to your indoor collection during the summer or to keep near open windows in warm weather.
4. While geraniums can be brought indoors during winter and kept as houseplants, they prefer a dormant period. To ensure their long-term health, keep them in a cool, dark place with temperatures around 50-55°F (10-13°C) for a few weeks to induce dormancy.
5. Geraniums are not only grown for their attractive flowers but also for their aromatic foliage. The leaves of certain varieties, such as Pelargonium graveolens, emit a delightful fragrance similar to roses when touched or brushed against.
Overwintering Geraniums Indoors By Taking Stem Cuttings
Geraniums, with their vibrant blooms and delightful fragrance, are a beloved addition to many outdoor gardens. But as winter approaches, gardeners are faced with the dilemma of what to do with their prized geraniums. Thankfully, geraniums can be easily overwintered indoors by taking stem cuttings.
To start this process, select a healthy geranium plant with strong stems. Using sharp pruning shears, cut off several 4-6 inch stems just below a leaf node. Remove any lower leaves from the stem, leaving at least two or three leaves at the top.
Prepare a pot filled with a mixture of vermiculite or perlite and sphagnum peat moss. Dip the cut end of each stem into rooting hormone powder to encourage root formation. Insert the stems about an inch deep into the potting mixture, making sure they are evenly spaced.
Place the pot in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight, as this can cause the cuttings to wilt. Provide bottom heat using a heating mat or by placing the pot on top of a warm surface. This will help stimulate root growth.
Keep the potting mixture consistently moist, but not waterlogged, by misting or lightly watering every few days. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to rotting.
After a few weeks, roots should begin to develop. You can gently tug on the cuttings to check for resistance, which indicates the presence of roots. Once the cuttings have established a good root system, they can be transplanted into individual containers with well-draining potting soil.
By taking stem cuttings and promoting root growth, gardeners can successfully overwinter geraniums indoors, ensuring their survival and enjoyment throughout the winter months.
- Select a healthy geranium plant with strong stems
- Cut off several 4-6 inch stems just below a leaf node
- Remove any lower leaves from the stem, leaving at least two or three leaves at the top
- Prepare a pot filled with a mixture of vermiculite or perlite and sphagnum peat moss
- Dip the cut end of each stem into rooting hormone powder
- Insert the stems about an inch deep into the potting mixture, making sure they are evenly spaced
- Place the pot in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight
- Provide bottom heat to stimulate root growth
- Keep the potting mixture consistently moist, but not waterlogged
- After a few weeks, check for root development by gently tugging on the cuttings
- Transplant the cuttings into individual containers with well-draining potting soil.
Overwintering Potted Geraniums In Large Pots
To overwinter potted geraniums, follow these simple steps:
- Dig up the entire geranium plant, being careful not to disturb the root system.
- Choose a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the original pot.
- Fill the new pot with a high-quality potting mix that has good drainage.
- Gently place the geranium plant into the new pot, ensuring it is centered and upright.
- Backfill around the root ball with additional potting soil, gently pressing it down to remove any air pockets.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
- During the winter months, water the potted geraniums every two weeks, avoiding overwatering to prevent rot.
- Place the pot in a location that receives indirect sunlight. Use grow lights if necessary to provide adequate lighting.
- Maintain a temperature range of 55-65°F, as geraniums prefer slightly cooler temperatures in winter.
- Avoid exposing the plant to drafts or extreme temperature fluctuations.
- With proper care and attention, potted geraniums can successfully overwinter indoors, providing continued beauty and enjoyment throughout the winter season.
Overwintering Bare-Root Geraniums In Cool, Dry Storage
Another method of overwintering geraniums is by storing bare-root plants in a cool, dry location. It is essential to perform this process before the first frost to ensure the plant’s survival.
Begin by carefully digging up the geranium plant, making sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Shake off any excess soil and carefully remove any damaged or dead foliage.
Next, trim back long roots to a manageable length, as this will make it easier to store the plant. Use clean pruning shears to make a clean cut.
Prepare a storage container, such as a cardboard box or plastic bin, by lining it with newspapers or shredded paper. Arrange the geranium plants in a single layer on top of the paper, making sure they do not touch each other.
Store the container in a cool, dry location, such as a basement or garage, where the temperature does not drop below freezing. The ideal temperature range for storing bare-root geraniums is between 45-55°F.
Periodically check on the stored geraniums to ensure they are not drying out or showing signs of decay. Use a misting bottle to lightly moisten the paper and prevent excessive dryness.
In early spring, as the weather begins to warm, gradually reintroduce the geraniums to sunlight by placing them in a bright location for a few hours each day. This will acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them back into the garden.
By properly preparing and storing bare-root geraniums in a cool, dry location, gardeners can successfully overwinter these plants and enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep geraniums alive indoors?
To keep geraniums alive indoors, it is crucial to provide them with adequate sunlight and the right watering routine. Place them in a location where they can receive at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure that the room temperature is normal, as extremes can hinder their growth. When watering, be mindful not to overdo it. Moderately water the plants to keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allowing the top half-inch of the soil to dry out between waterings helps prevent root rot and promotes healthy growth. With proper light exposure and controlled watering, your indoor geraniums will thrive and bloom beautifully.
How do you take care of geraniums inside the winter?
To take care of geraniums during the winter, it is important to allow the soil in the pot to dry out and then cover each plant with an overturned paper bag. These dormant plant containers should be stored in a cool, dark, unheated area such as a slightly damp basement or garage. Checking on the geraniums every few weeks is recommended to ensure that the leaves and stems are not shriveling, indicating a need for more moisture. With these steps, geraniums can successfully survive the winter months indoors.
Can I keep geraniums in pots over winter UK?
Yes, it is possible to keep geraniums in pots over winter in the UK. To ensure their survival, it is crucial to place them in a location that receives sufficient light and is protected from frost. Proper air circulation and ventilation are also essential for their well-being during this period. By providing these conditions, your geraniums should be able to thrive and continue to beautify your space throughout the winter months.
Can I leave my geraniums in pots over winter?
Yes, you can certainly leave your geraniums in pots over winter. In fact, growing them in containers provides the flexibility to easily transfer them indoors before the arrival of frost. Prior to the onset of winter, simply relocate the potted geraniums to a sheltered space like a greenhouse or conservatory, ensuring they receive ample light and protection from freezing temperatures. This practice allows your geraniums to survive the winter months and continue to thrive for future seasons.
