Folks, winter is coming, which can mean only one thing! It’s time to protect your geraniums from the cold months that are about to hit your garden. But they are a bit different from other plants because geraniums require some special care during winter!
I planted these flowers five years ago, and they are still thriving in my garden. They were definitely one of the easiest plants I’ve ever grown until winter arrived!
In the beginning, I didn’t pay as much attention to my geraniums as I should have and they almost didn’t survive the first cold month. Luckily, I rushed to bring them inside and quickly helped them recover!
Then I found out that these plants just can’t stand frost and cold outdoor conditions. But that’s not the only thing I learned! I also discovered some amazing tips and tricks on how to overwinter them so they come back every year.
After using these effective methods, I found my geraniums became healthier and stronger each year! Let’s take a look at the first trick.
Easiest Way To Winterize Geraniums By Using A Cardboard Box
Believe it or not, cardboard boxes play an important role when it comes to winterizing your geraniums! What you actually need to do is grab your geranium from the base and pull it out gently. Be careful not to disturb the roots too much. Once out of the pot, shake off any excess dirt from the root ball.
Place your geraniums in a cardboard box (make sure it’s large enough to comfortably hold the plant). Then, cover the roots with newspaper or paper towels to help protect them from drying out.
The cardboard box serves as a dark, cool space for the geraniums to rest while they stay dormant. Store the box in a cool, dry spot like a basement or unheated garage where the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing.
This method can help you avoid the risk of frost and keeps your plants alive and protected during the cold months.
Why a cardboard box? You may wonder. Cardboard is breathable and provides a low-humidity environment, which helps prevent rot while the plants stay dormant.
Can Geraniums Survive The Winter Outdoors?
Before we get into the indoor methods, let’s take a minute to discuss whether it’s possible to keep your geraniums outside during winter.
It depends on where you live. Geraniums are hardy in USDA zones 10-11, meaning they tolerate mild winters, but in colder regions, you’ll need to bring them inside to survive.
If you’re determined to leave them outdoors, you can try a few things to protect your geraniums and extend their lifespan in colder climates.
Consider mulching around the base of your geraniums to help insulate the roots and prevent frost damage. Some people even cover their plants with a frost cloth on particularly chilly nights.
However, this is a temporary solution, and it’s best to bring your geraniums indoors before the first hard frost hits.
Bring Your Geraniums Indoors And Grow Them As Houseplants
Bringing geraniums into the house is also a great way to overwinter them! One of the most important steps is to repot them before they start their winter dormancy.
Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one and fill it with fresh, well-draining potting soil. While geraniums don’t mind being a little rootbound, they’ll appreciate the extra room to spread out, especially after being exposed to indoor conditions.
Be sure to water the plants lightly before repotting, and always remove any dead or dying leaves. Trim back your geraniums by about one-third to help them conserve energy over the winter. This also encourages new growth come spring.
Once repotted, place your geraniums in a location that’s bright but not too sunny. A windowsill with indirect light is ideal. Keep them away from drafts or heat sources like radiators, as this can stress them out and cause premature drying.
Pro tip: Geraniums can go into a dormancy phase during winter, meaning they’ll need very little water. Water them sparingly, ensuring the soil dries out completely before rewatering.
Tips For Geranium Care During Winter
To make sure your geraniums are comfortable while resting over winter, there are a few extra tips that I’ve found helpful throughout the years:
• Check the leaves regularly – geraniums can attract pests like aphids and whiteflies even while dormant, so inspect the plant regularly. If you spot any pests, gently wash the leaves with a diluted soap-water solution or a neem oil spray.
• Avoid overwatering – the key to success is not to overdo it with watering. Geraniums need very little moisture when they’re not actively growing. Water only when the soil is completely dry. If the roots are waterlogged, they can rot.
• Humidity and temperature control – these plants do best in a dry, cool environment. Don’t let the humidity levels get too high, as this could cause fungal problems. Ideal winter temperatures range from 45-55°F. Keep your plants in a room where temperatures remain stable and avoid any sudden temperature changes.
Don’t Forget To Take Cuttings Before Colder Days Arrive
Last but not least, the method of the day is overwintering geraniums from cuttings. You can take geranium cuttings at any time of year, but it’s best to do it now if you want to winterize them!
Look for new shoots, and then use sharp scissors or secateurs to cut just below the leaf node and remove any leaves left. Once you have done this, get a pot of compost, place the geranium cutting in it, and water it.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully propagated your geranium!
Bringing Geraniums Back To Life In Spring
Once the weather warms up, your geraniums will need a little more attention to help them bounce back after dormancy.
Around early spring, you’ll want to gradually reintroduce them to sunlight. Start by moving them to a spot with indirect light for a few hours each day. Then, slowly increase their exposure to direct sunlight over the course of a week.
Prune any dead or damaged growth as soon as new growth appears. This not only improves the appearance of your geraniums but also encourages new, healthy blooms.
You’ll also want to fertilize them lightly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage healthy spring growth.
By the time summer rolls around, your geraniums will be ready to show off their bright blooms once again!
What Happens If You Don’t Winter Your Geraniums?
If you neglect to properly overwinter your geraniums, you may face some challenges come springtime.
The plants might suffer from root rot, stunted growth, or fewer flowers. Some geraniums may even completely deteriorate if they are exposed to frost for too long.
Even if you decide to keep your geraniums outside, winterizing them indoors is still the best option. Proper care over the colder months means healthier plants and bigger, more vibrant blooms in the spring.
The Benefits Of Overwintering Geraniums
Taking the time to properly winter your geraniums isn’t just about survival – it’s about ensuring that your plants come back stronger and more beautiful than ever.
By following these tips, your geraniums will thank you with lush, fragrant flowers next season.
In addition to the financial savings of keeping your geraniums year after year, it’s also a sustainable practice. Instead of buying new plants every season, you can enjoy the same beloved blooms year after year.
There’s also something truly rewarding about taking care of a plant that you’ve nurtured for months, especially when you see it flourish again in the spring!
Your beautiful geraniums are now ready and prepared to survive even the coldest winter. Thanks to these amazing tricks, you’ll be able to overwinter them in the easiest way possible by using the fun methods you’ve learned today.
I sure know one thing, with just a little care, my geraniums have thrived for many years! If you also want your garden to experience the beauty and stunning scent of geraniums, start overwintering them now.
Good luck!