What to Do With Overwintered Geraniums in the Spring: Essential Guide for Optimal Blooms
What to Do With Overwintered Geraniums in the Spring?
To overwinter geraniums in the spring, you have a few options.
You can take cuttings by using a sharp knife to remove stem cuttings, dip them in rooting hormone, and place them in a rooting medium.
These should root in about six to eight weeks and can be planted in their own pots.
Another option is to keep geraniums as potted plants by digging them up, watering thoroughly, and placing them in a sunny window or under artificial lighting with cool indoor temperatures.
Water potted geraniums about every two weeks and prune back in March to encourage growth.
Alternatively, you can overwinter geraniums as bare-root plants by digging them up before the first fall frost, removing soil from the roots, and storing them in a cool, dry location in a paper sack or by hanging upside down.
In March, prune or cut back each plant, pot them up, and water thoroughly.
Key Points:
- Take cuttings by removing stem cuttings, using rooting hormone, and planting them in a rooting medium
- Keep geraniums as potted plants by digging them up, watering thoroughly, and placing them in a sunny window or under artificial lighting
- Water potted geraniums every two weeks and prune back in March to encourage growth
- Overwinter geraniums as bare-root plants by digging them up, removing soil from the roots, and storing them in a cool, dry location
- Prune or cut back each plant in March, pot them up, and water thoroughly
- Geraniums can also be planted in their own pots once cuttings root in about six to eight weeks
Did You Know?
1. Overwintered geraniums can be propagated easily by taking stem cuttings in the spring. All you need to do is cut a 4-6 inch section of a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, dip it in a rooting hormone, and place it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Within a few weeks, roots will start to develop, and you’ll have a brand new geranium plant.
2. While it may seem counterintuitive, geraniums shouldn’t be watered from above during the winter months. This is because wet foliage can lead to the growth of mold or mildew. Instead, water the plants from the bottom by placing the pot in a tray filled with water. The plant will take up water through the drainage holes, ensuring hydration without risking damage to the leaves.
3. Overwintered geraniums can be moved outdoors once there is no more threat of frost. However, it’s advisable to gradually acclimate them to the new environment by exposing them to a few hours of sunlight each day. This process helps to prevent sunburn and allows the plant to adjust to the stronger UV rays that outdoor conditions typically offer.
4. If you’re planning to plant your overwintered geraniums directly in the garden during the spring, keep in mind that they prefer well-draining soil. Heavy clay or compacted soil can lead to root rot, so it’s beneficial to amend the soil with organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve drainage. This will provide a better growing environment for the geraniums.
5. Overwintered geranium leaves can be infused to make a natural insect repellent spray. Boil a handful of leaves in a pot of water, strain the liquid, and let it cool. Pour the cooled liquid into a spray bottle and use it to repel common garden pests like aphids and whiteflies. This homemade repellent is both eco-friendly and effective in keeping pests at bay.
Taking Geranium Cuttings For Overwintering Indoors
Geraniums are beautiful flowering plants that can struggle in harsh winter conditions. However, with some simple techniques, you can take geranium cuttings and overwinter them indoors, ensuring their survival and optimal growth in the spring season.
To take geranium cuttings:
- Select healthy and disease-free plants
- Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to take three-to-four-inch stem cuttings from the plant
- Cut just below a node to promote new root formation
- Remove any lower leaves from the cutting to prevent decay underwater
Next, dip the base of the cuttings into a rooting hormone powder or gel to stimulate root formation and improve success rate. Finally, stick the cuttings into a rooting medium like perlite and peat moss mixture or well-draining potting soil.
Place the cuttings in a warm, well-lit area with indirect sunlight. Regularly mist the cuttings to maintain humidity and provide moisture. After about six to eight weeks, you should see new root growth. Once roots are established, transplant the cuttings into individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged and place the pots in a bright, indirect sunlight area.
Overwintering Geraniums As Potted Plants
Another popular method for overwintering geraniums is by keeping them as potted plants indoors. This method allows you to enjoy the beauty of the geraniums even during the colder months.
To overwinter geraniums as potted plants, start by carefully digging up each plant from the garden bed, being mindful not to damage the roots. Shake off excess soil and examine the plant for any signs of disease or pests. Remove any dead or damaged foliage.
After digging up the geraniums, water each plant thoroughly to ensure they are hydrated before bringing them indoors. Place the potted geraniums in a sunny window or under artificial lighting. It’s essential to provide cool indoor temperatures, ideally between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 degrees Celsius).
Water the potted geraniums approximately every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. In March, before the arrival of spring, prune back the geraniums to encourage new growth. Cut back the plants by one-half to two-thirds, leaving only healthy stems and removing any dead or weak foliage. With proper care and attention, the geraniums will develop into attractive specimens, ready for planting outdoors in May.
Overwintering Geraniums As Bare-Root Plants
If you prefer to store your geraniums as bare-root plants during the winter months, follow these simple steps to ensure their survival:
- Dig up each geranium from the garden bed before the first fall frost. Be careful to preserve the integrity of the roots.
- Shake off the excess soil and inspect the plants for signs of disease or pests. Remove any dead or damaged foliage.
- Clean the roots and store the bare-root geraniums in a cool and dry location, such as a basement or garage. You can either use a paper sack or hang the plants upside down to ensure good air circulation. Both methods help prevent rot and maintain the plants’ dormant state.
- Periodically check the bare-root geraniums during their winter storage. Remove any dried or decaying material and discard any plants that show signs of disease or pest infestation.
- In March, as spring approaches, prune or cut back each plant by removing all dead material and cutting back to live stem tissue.
- After pruning, pot up the geraniums in well-draining potting soil and water them thoroughly.
- Place the pots in a sunny spot indoors, providing them with cool indoor temperatures and regular waterings.
- With proper care and attention, the bare-root geraniums will come back to life and be ready for planting outdoors when the weather warms up.
Pruning And Care For Indoor Overwintered Geraniums
Once you have successfully overwintered geraniums indoors, it’s crucial to provide them with the necessary care and attention to ensure their continued growth and optimal blooms.
In late winter, preferably in March, prune back the indoor overwintered geraniums to promote new growth. By cutting back the plants by one-half to two-thirds, you encourage branching and the development of compact and bushy plants. Remove any dead or weak stems, as well as any foliage that shows signs of disease or pests.
During spring, continue to provide the indoor geraniums with bright, indirect sunlight. Maintain cool indoor temperatures of around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 degrees Celsius). Water the plants thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as geraniums are susceptible to root rot.
Regularly inspect the plants for any signs of pests or disease. Treat any issues immediately to prevent the spread and potential damage to the plants. Fertilize the indoor geraniums with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.
With proper pruning and care, the indoor overwintered geraniums will reward you with vibrant foliage and abundant blooms, bringing a touch of color and beauty to your indoor space.
Pruning And Care For Bare-Root Overwintered Geraniums
If you have opted to overwinter geraniums as bare-root plants, proper pruning and care are essential to ensure their successful growth during the spring season.
In March, just before the arrival of spring, prune the bare-root geraniums by removing all dead material and cutting back to live stem tissue. This pruning stimulates new growth and prevents any disease or pest issues from spreading.
After pruning, pot up the geraniums in well-draining potting soil, ensuring that the pots have drainage holes. Water the plants thoroughly, allowing any excess water to drain away. Place the pots in a sunny location indoors, preferably near a window or under artificial lighting that provides bright, indirect sunlight.
Maintain cool indoor temperatures of around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 degrees Celsius) to promote healthy growth. Water the potted geraniums approximately every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to strike the right balance.
Regularly monitor the plants for any signs of pests or diseases. Treat any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading to other plants. Fertilize the bare-root geraniums with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for optimal growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.
By following these pruning and care guidelines, your bare-root overwintered geraniums will thrive and prepare for planting outdoors when the weather permits.
Remember to enjoy the process and take pride in the results of your hard work. Happy gardening!
- Proper pruning and care are essential for overwintered geraniums.
- Prune bare-root geraniums by removing dead material and cutting back to live stem tissue.
- Pot up geraniums in well-draining soil with drainage holes.
- Water thoroughly and place in a sunny indoor location.
- Maintain cool indoor temperatures.
- Water every two weeks, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings.
- Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly.
- Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer following manufacturer’s instructions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start geraniums after winter storage?
To start geraniums after winter storage, begin by preparing a potting mixture with moist soil. Plant the geraniums by burying them two leaf nodes deep to encourage root formation, and water them generously to ensure proper hydration. Afterwards, place the newly planted geraniums in a sunny window to reintroduce light and stimulate new growth. Be patient, as it may take approximately 2-4 weeks for the plants to initiate their growth after their dormant period.
Should I cutting back overwintered geraniums?
Yes, it is recommended to cut back overwintered geraniums. Geraniums tend to grow tall and lanky during the winter months, so pruning them in March can help maintain their shape and promote healthy growth. By removing one-half to two-thirds of each plant, you can encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
Do geraniums grow back?
Yes, geraniums have an impressive ability to grow back. Annual geraniums, specifically Pelargonium hybrids, exhibit remarkable resilience as they can be dug up and stored over winter only to thrive again in the subsequent spring. These hardy plants demonstrate their tenacity by blooming abundantly from spring until frost, requiring minimal maintenance. Thanks to their ability to survive and reemerge after a period of dormancy, geraniums offer a continuous cycle of growth and beauty in gardens.
Will geraniums regrow after winter?
Geraniums have a remarkable ability to regrow after winter. When the plants become tall and lanky by late winter, it is recommended to prune them back in March. By cutting the geraniums back by one-half to two-thirds, new growth is encouraged. Within a few days, the geraniums will start growing again, and by May, they should emerge as attractive specimens. This cycle of regrowth allows geraniums to rejuvenate and flourish after the winter season.