How to Save Geranium Plants
Geraniums are grown as annuals in most locations, but these colorful plants are actually classified as tender perennials. They're quite hardy and, while unable to survive winter's cold, they can endure dry conditions and temperatures that range from the 40s to lower 50s. For this reason it's simple to save geranium plants through the winter by either potting them to bring indoors or by hanging the dormant roots in a cool location until spring's arrival. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Containers
- Gravel (optional)
- Garden spade
- Potting soil
- Pruning shears
- All-purpose fertilizer
- Twine
- Hooks
- Fungicide
Instructions
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Container Method
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1
Choose containers that are 6 to 8 inches wide to accommodate the geranium's root ball. The pots should have several holes in the bottom to provide sufficient drainage and prevent damage to the roots from excessive moisture. You can increase the drainage by putting a one-inch layer of pea-sized gravel in the bottom before adding the soil.
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2
Dig up the healthiest geraniums in your garden. Loosen the soil around the plants a little at a time with a garden spade to prevent damage to the roots.
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3
Replant in pots taking care not to heap soil more than two inches above the top of the root ball, as this could result in stem rot.
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4
Trim the geraniums by clipping individual stems back to the main plant stalk until the flower is one-third of its original height. Add enough water to moisten, but not soak, the soil.
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5
Move containers to a light location that remains between 55 and 65 degrees.
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6
Water only when the soil begins to look completely dry, just enough to keep the plant alive without promoting growth.
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7
Feed once per month with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Hanging Method
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8
Choose a location to store geranium plants that is dark and dry with a temperature that stays between 40 and 55 degrees.
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9
Dig up the healthiest geranium plants in your garden before the first frost occurs in your area. Gently shake off excess soil, taking care not to damage the roots.
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10
Tie the stems of the geraniums together with garden twine and hang from hooks in the chosen location.
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11
Soak the roots in water for one or two hours once per month to prevent them from drying out too much. Add a fungicide, also known as bulb dust, to help prevent disease after each soaking.
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12
Cut back to one-third of the plant's original height before replanting in your garden.
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1
Tips & Warnings
It is normal for the leaves of dormant geranium plants to fall off.
Remove spindly portions of potted geraniums before replanting outdoors in spring.
Do not attempt to overwinter geraniums that look unhealthy as they have less chance of survival and could spread disease to other plants.
