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Overwintering geraniums

Most geranium plants are discarded after just one season. However, if the plants are well cared for, they can easily rebloom for several years, even blooming more luxuriantly and for longer each year.

Rotorange Geranien stehen in Tontöpfen auf einem Brett in einem Gewächshaus.
© zoomtravels - 123RF

The right moment

When the first frost is forecast, it's time to bring the geraniums indoors. They may survive a day or two in slightly subzero temperatures, but once they've been hit by a serious frost, they won't survive the winter. So, play it safe and bring the plants into their winter quarters a few days early.

How it works

There are several ways to overwinter geraniums: completely in a flower box, in clay pots, or bare-rooted in a plastic bag hung upside down. Before storing, the geraniums should be cut back by about 1/3, so that they are about 15 centimeters tall. This pruning will encourage denser growth the following year. Two to three nodes per side shoot should be left. All leaves should also be removed, as these are susceptible to pest infestation.

To overwinter in a plastic bag, the soil-removed root ball is placed in a plastic bag and tied gently. Small holes are poked into the bag to allow some air to reach the ball. Since the plastic bag retains moisture, you don't have to worry about watering with this method. The whole thing is then hung upside down in the garage or basement.

As evergreen plants, geraniums need light even in winter. They thrive at temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit) with natural light—preferably near a bright window facing south or west. Be sure to protect the plants from heat and drafts! The higher the temperature, the more light the plant needs. Conversely, of course, the colder the location, the less light the plants need. Therefore, stairwells or sheds with sufficient daylight are particularly suitable.

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Watering and fertilizing

While geraniums are in their winter quarters, they should not be fertilized, and they also require very little water. However, they should only be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Keep in mind that plants in terracotta pots dry out more quickly than those in other materials. If the plants are too wet, they risk rotting, so it's best to keep them somewhat drier.

Off into the open air

As soon as it's warm enough, the plants can be put outside again during the day so they can get some fresh air and sunshine. However, it's advisable not to put the plants outside for good until the risk of frost has passed, i.e., after the Ice Saints.

After hibernation, it's recommended to repot geraniums and fertilize them as soon as they begin to grow and bloom. If you don't repot, fertilize sooner. When repotting, remember to use light, moist garden soil. They won't thrive in heavy soil or clay. The pot should, of course, have a hole in the bottom, and stones or gravel should be placed at the bottom of the pot for drainage.

TEXT: Victoria Wegner

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