It was time. The temps were dipping into the low 30s and there was actually a bit of sleet in the air. I had to act quickly if I was going to save the little troopers. It is November after all!
I’m going to attempt to overwinter my geraniums for the very first time. I figure I’ve nothing to lose and three beautiful geranium plants to gain if it all works out. There are three different ways to overwinter geraniums: Cuttings, which seems a bit fussy, Potted Plants, which I don’t have room for, and finally Dormant Plants (Hanging), which seems to be the lowest maintenance option. I’ve chosen to let my plants go Dormant using the ‘Hanging Method’. Here are the steps.
Prior to frost, simply dig the geraniums from their containers and carefully shake all the soil from the roots, taking care not to damage the roots when digging or lifting the plants out of the soil.
Next, prepare to hang the plants upside down. After a bit of deliberation, I’ve chosen a wire clothes hanger to hold each plant. First elongate the hanger, then bend it in half.
Next, bend the hook outward so your plant will suspend nicely without any damage to the stalk.
You may need to adjust the tension of the hook a bit so the plants don’t slip through. Now, to the dungeon!
I have the perfect creepy corner in the basement to finish the job. It’s dark, the humidity is low, and the temperature is 45˚-50˚F.
The last step (and perhaps the most important) is to take the plants down monthly, and soak the roots in water for at least 1-2 hours, and apply a protective fungicide. I’ve marked my calendar for the watering on the 1st of each month so there is no chance of forgetting. Most of the leaves will eventually dry and fall during the long winter nap, so be prepared for a bit of cleanup every now and then. Or not.
Check back this spring when I cut the plants back to about 1/3 of their original height and replant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.