Many people do not realize that geraniums are perennial flowers that can live several years if they’re properly cared for over winter. Geraniums will quickly perish if they are exposed to harsh and cold weather or allowed to freeze. Properly winterizing geraniums guarantees that the plants will live to experience another growing season after winter strikes.
The method described below is the quickest and easiest way to winterize potted geraniums. Some gardeners prefer completely removing the geraniums from the soil, covering them with brown paper bags and then storing them over winter. This method is viable and advisable for outdoor planted geraniums, but it has a lower success rate. Keep reading to learn how to winterize potted geraniums.
Before the first death provoking frost hits, all of the geranium blossoms should be dead. However, in some cases geranium blossoms will not wilt until the first frost hits. Therefore, it is important to note that the death of the blossoms should be used as a guideline in determining when to winterize, not a definite sign.
Regardless, at least a week before the first frost sets in geraniums need to be pruned before they are winterized. Use a sharp pair of pruning sheers to cut back all of the dead foliage.
After grooming the plants, they need to be moved somewhere to be stored for winter. The area should be cool but never reach a temperature cold enough to freeze for prolonged periods of time. Garages and basements are the most popular storage areas for this task. Here, the geraniums will dry out and hibernate like grizzly bears until early March. It is advisable and acceptable to completely forget about the geraniums until spring arrives.
After the threat of frost has completely diminished, it is time to wake the geraniums from their long winter slumber. Repotting the geraniums is not critical for the plant’s survival, but repotting may result in steadier growth. Nonetheless, the potted geraniums need to be moved back outside into a warm and sunny location.
The geraniums need to be watered regularly to aid in their awakening from winterization. Water every other day until the first signs of new growth appear and then water normally thereafter. Wait to fertilize the geraniums until they have come out of winterization for a full week.
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