How to Bring in Geraniums in the Fall

Plant geraniums in pots and bring indoors for the winter.

There are several methods of caring for geraniums over the winter. One old method called for keeping the plants in the basement, but modern heated basements do not provide the best conditions for overwintering geraniums. Some gardeners take cuttings of their geraniums and root them in the fall, providing a ready source of new plants in the spring. The recommended method to bring in geraniums in the fall is to pot the plants and enjoy them in the house over the winter.

Things You'll Need

• 6-inch pots
• Trowel
• Pruning shears
• Houseplant fertilizer

Instructions

1. Cut away the top two-thirds of the plant, leaving at least 6 inches of growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears.

2. Dig up the plant, being careful to avoid damaging the roots.

3. Transplant the plant into a 6-inch pot. Give it plenty of water and place it in a sunny window.

4. Water the plant two to three times a week as needed to keep the soil moist.

5. Fertilize once a month with a houseplant fertilizer formula.

References

• North Dakota State University Extension: Saving Geraniums over Winter
• North Carolina University Extension: Geranium Culture for the Home Gardener