When to Bring Up Geraniums From the Basement in Spring?
Dormant storage is the traditional method of overwintering garden geraniums, dating to periods when most people had root cellars. Provided you have a cool (45 to 50 degrees F) basement, this is the easiest method to overwinter geraniums until repotting for spring. Does this Spark an idea?
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Dormant Storage Tips
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To prepare for basement storage over winter, remove soil from the plant's roots and then hang upside-down. Because geraniums have succulentlike stems, they can survive extended periods without water; do not worry if leaves fall off. During winter, occasionally soak roots in water for one or two hours.
Potting Up for Spring
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From late winter through March, prune stems so that they are one third of their original length before repotting. Place geranium pots near a sunny window, preferably with a southern exposure, fertilize and resume regular watering. Alternatively, wait until safely past your last-frost date to trim back stems and then plant directly into the ground outside in May.
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Other Considerations
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Before bringing up to repot, discard any plants with shriveled or brown stems; stems should be firm and green. If your garden geraniums have been overwintered successfully, after repotting you will see plants developing new buds and shoots within a few weeks.
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References
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