Advice on Overwintering Geraniums

Geraniums can be successfully overwintered using one of three methods.

Geraniums, or Pelargonium, are popular garden flowers. With some planning and minimal care, this traditional plant can be kept indoors over winter. One of several methods can be used for overwintering geraniums, depending on personal preference and space allowance.

Methods

There are three methods for overwintering geraniums: as cuttings, as potted plants or placed in dormant storage. For cuttings, three- to four-inch sections are removed from the plant's stem using a sharp knife. The stem is then dipped in rooting hormone and placed in rooting medium in containers. When potting indoors, prune geraniums to 1/2 their original height, place in a six-to eight-inch pot, preferably in a sunny window. Geraniums put in dormant storage should be free of soil and hung upside down in a dry, cool (45 to 50°F) location.

Winter Care

Potted plants should be kept in moderate heat (65°F) and watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Water cuttings regularly and cover with a clear plastic bag to prevent wilting. Dormant plants should be taken down every few weeks and the roots soaked in water for one or two hours.

Tip

To ensure successful overwintering, it is essential that geraniums brought indoors are healthy and free of both insects and disease. Outdoors, aphids and whiteflies are not as problematic as they are indoors, where there are few predators to minimize pests.

References

• UNL Extension in Lancaster County: Overwintering Geraniums
• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Overwintering Geraniums
• Horticulture & Home Pest News: Overwintering Geraniums
• University of Illinois Extension Gardener's Corner: Overwintering Geraniums
• Weekend Gardener: Overwintering Geraniums