How To Save Geraniums (Overwintering Geraniums), by Budget Gardening with Vita Loca on YouTube. 18 min 20 s.
- Video length
- 18 min 20 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Dig your geraniums up before the first hard frost, while the plants are still green and healthy. A light frost is fine, but don't wait until the leaves turn black and mushy.
Loosen the soil around the plant with a fork and lift the whole root ball out. Shake off the loose soil gently with your hands and leave the roots unwashed.
Cut the stems back to about 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm) with clean, sharp pruners. Remove every leaf, flower and bud so nothing soft is left to rot.
Check the roots and stems. Keep firm, pale, healthy pieces and cut away anything brown, soft or smelly with a clean blade.
Lay the plants in a single layer in a dry, airy spot out of direct sun for 2 to 3 days. This lets the surface moisture dry before storage.
Put each plant in its own paper bag or set them side by side in a cardboard box. Label the variety and don't seal the bag or use plastic.
Store the bags in a cool, dark, frost-free place at about 45 to 50 F (7 to 10 C). Good airflow matters more than total darkness, so don't cram them in.
Check the plants once a month through winter. Firm stems are fine, but throw out any that are shrivelled, mouldy or soft.
About 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost, pot the plants in fresh potting mix and water lightly. Keep them in bright light and water only when the soil dries, until new growth appears.
Tips and common mistakes
Don't wash the roots. Dry soil on the roots helps stop rot in storage.
Skip plastic bags. They trap moisture and your plants will go mouldy.
Keep stored plants above freezing, but away from warm rooms and radiators.
Don't store the bags next to apples or other ripening fruit, which speeds up decay.
Questions
Can I just overwinter my geraniums in their pots?
Yes. Bring potted geraniums indoors before the first frost, cut them back and keep them in a cool, bright room. Water sparingly, as too much water in low light rots the roots.
How long can bare root geraniums stay in storage?
Most keep well for 3 to 4 months in cool, dry conditions. Check them monthly and pot them up 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date.
What if the stems shrivel in storage?
A little shrivelling is normal. If a stem is soft, brown or mouldy, cut it back to firm wood or discard the plant, and check that your storage spot is not too damp.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
