Overwintering Geraniums — Blog — Hortus

A follow-up report on Overwintering Geraniums posted Nov. 2010

Late last fall, I decided to try and overwinter my geraniums and I’m so happy to report that the Hanging Method worked beautifully.

Mid April– the alarm clock sounds and it’s time to wake up the geraniums from their hibernation period. This allows me ample time to get them into pots and slowly reintroduce them to sunlight and soil before taking them outdoors. To my surprise, the plants have already initiated new growth despite having been stored in darkness the entire winter. Proof that plants are tough and want to grow.

I potted them up in plastic pots and gave them a hard prune, cutting away as much as 2/3 of the dead, dry stem tips. After the big haircut, the pots were placed near a window with southern exposure. Kept out of direct sunlight for several days, the light they received was filtered by a canvas blind.

April 30th– In 14 days, the stumpy plants now resembled a likeness of their former selves. This is where the pots would remain until danger of frost had past. By mid May, the pots were taken outdoors but remained in a sheltered area. I would occasionally bring them into a service area to spend the night if the temperatures took a dip.

June 1st– things are going quite well. We’re all alive and the weather keeps getting warmer. This is where progress grinds to a halt. I witnessed very little change in the plants for 3 weeks. I began to despair. And as if to taunt me, the local garden centers were receiving shipments of beautiful blooming geraniums by the hundreds. Were my efforts wasted? Was this the end? And then, as if on cue, my gardener instincts kicked in. I ignored those babies and did what any sensible gardener would do– absolutely nothing, except wait it out. Within 10 days, the first blossoms made their debut appearance. YES!!

Today, the display shows no signs of slowing. All three plants were placed in a giant terracotta pot. I still recall a quip by a local garden center employee with whom I had shared my overwintering project. “It’s not worth it” she exclaimed, all smug and smiling. Well, I beg to differ. The proof is in the pot.

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.