What To Know
- Place the geraniums in a bright, indirect light source, such as a south-facing window.
- Can I store geraniums in the refrigerator.
- No, geraniums should not be stored in the refrigerator as they are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures dip, it’s time to prepare your beloved geraniums for the winter months. Storing geranium plants over winter is crucial to ensure their survival and vibrant blooms for the next season. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you keep your geraniums thriving through the cold weather.
Understanding Geranium Dormancy
Geraniums are not inherently cold-hardy and require protection from freezing temperatures. When exposed to cold, they enter a state of dormancy, shedding their leaves and reducing their metabolic activity. This adaptation helps them conserve energy and survive the winter.
Methods for Storing Geraniums Over Winter
There are two primary methods for storing geranium plants over winter:
1. Indoor Storage
Materials:
- Pots or containers with drainage holes
- Potting mix
- Water
- Bright, indirect light source
Steps:
1. Dig up geraniums from the garden before the first hard frost.
2. Remove any dead or damaged leaves.
3. Cut back the stems to about 6 inches.
4. Repot the geraniums in fresh potting mix, ensuring good drainage.
5. Water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.
6. Place the geraniums in a bright, indirect light source, such as a south-facing window.
7. Water sparingly during winter, only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
2. Outdoor Wintering
Materials:
- Garden bed
- Mulch
- Watering can
Steps:
1. Choose a well-drained garden bed that receives ample sunlight.
2. Dig a hole twice the width of the geranium’s root ball and just as deep.
3. Place the geranium in the hole and backfill with soil.
4. Water thoroughly.
5. Mulch heavily around the geranium, using materials such as straw, bark, or compost. This will insulate the roots and protect them from freezing.
Optimizing Storage Conditions
Temperature: Geraniums prefer temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C) during storage. Avoid placing them in areas that experience extreme fluctuations in temperature.
Light: While geraniums do not require a lot of light during dormancy, they should receive some indirect sunlight to prevent etiolation (stretching).
Watering: Water geraniums sparingly during winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Monitoring and Care During Storage
- Check geraniums periodically for pests or diseases.
- Water as needed to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
- Bring indoor-stored geraniums outside on warm days to stimulate growth.
Reviving Geraniums in Spring
- Once temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C), start gradually introducing geraniums to outdoor conditions.
- Prune any dead or damaged stems.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer.
- Water regularly and resume normal care.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Leaves turning yellow: This can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
- Stems becoming soft and mushy: This is a sign of root rot.
- Geranium not blooming: This may be due to lack of light or improper fertilization.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I store geraniums in the refrigerator?
A: No, geraniums should not be stored in the refrigerator as they are sensitive to cold temperatures and can be damaged.
Q: How often should I water geraniums during winter?
A: Water geraniums sparingly during winter, only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: What is the best way to protect geraniums from frost?
A: Mulch heavily around the geraniums with materials such as straw, bark, or compost. This will insulate the roots and protect them from freezing.
