How to Successfully Overwinter Geraniums: Step-by-Step Guide

In some regions, it's essential to overwinter geraniums to prevent them from freezing. Hubert Fontaine shows you how to do this properly to ensure your plants survive the colder months.

*When Should You Bring Geraniums Indoors?*
Geraniums need to be brought indoors before the first frost. The exact timing will vary depending on your region, but generally, this process should be done in the autumn.

*Where to Store and Overwinter Geraniums During Winter?*

*Materials Needed:*
Pruning shears
Metal hoops
Plastic film or protective cover

*Advice:*
If you haven't had time to take cuttings from your ivy-leaved pelargoniums, you should keep the parent plants by bringing them into a well-lit, unheated area that is frost-free. Water them very sparingly, just enough to prevent wilting. Take cuttings in March.

*Types of Geraniums:*
Ivy-leaved or zonal geraniums (also known as pelargoniums)
Perennial geraniums, which have flowers in shades of blue or pink

These varieties are very resistant to sunlight, even during heatwaves, provided they are planted in large containers with some added fertilizer. They can be overwintered in a cold greenhouse, a veranda, or a cool room under shelter.

*Useful Tip:*
It's also possible to save pelargonium plants by uprooting them once they've finished flowering and hanging them upside down in an unheated area. However, this method can be tricky, as the roots may become completely dried out and the plants could struggle to recover.

*Overwintering Geraniums Planted in Containers: How to Prune Them?*
Cut the branches a few centimeters above the main stem.
Remove the leaves.
Trim the roots to balance them with the branches.
Remove any rotting flowers.
Replant them directly into the container.

Use a planter or a large pot filled with geranium potting soil or universal potting soil.

*How to Keep Geraniums Over Winter?*
To preserve them from year to year, clean up the pots and planters thoroughly before the first frost damages the ivy-leaved pelargoniums. Cut off all wilted flowers and broken stems.

*Mild Winter: Keeping Geraniums in Place*
In regions with mild winters, keep the plants in their original location. Cut back the stems to about 10 cm. Place a protective cover made of metal hoops and plastic film or winterizing cloth over them. Remove this protective cover in March or April, depending on your region.

*Harsh Winter: Bringing Geraniums Indoors*
If the winter is severe, it’s better to bring the pots and planters indoors. Again, cut back all stems to 10 cm. Place the pelargoniums in an unheated but frost-free area such as a basement, attic, garage, or garden shed. They can even be stored in a dark area.

*Indoor Care for Geraniums: Gradually Resume Watering*
Keep the pots in a place where the temperature remains below 10°C throughout the winter. To ensure they bloom early in the next season, begin watering gradually from March onwards, followed by fertilizer application. Move them outdoors in early May, depending on the outdoor temperature.

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully overwinter your geraniums and enjoy their vibrant blooms year after year. Whether you live in a region with mild or harsh winters, these methods will help ensure your geraniums remain healthy and ready to flourish when the warm weather returns.