When to Store Geraniums
To ensure the best chance of survival, it's recommended to store your geraniums before the first frost in your region. Typically, this is when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F (10°C). Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan to store your geraniums a week or two before the expected frost date.
Suitable Storage Locations For Geraniums Over Winter
Choose a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area in your house for storing your geraniums during the winter. Basements, garages, or unheated rooms are good options. The temperature in the storage area should ideally be maintained between 45-55°F (7-13°C) to allow the plants to go into dormancy.
Necessary Conditions For Storing
To ensure the well-being of your geraniums during winter, pay attention to the following conditions:
Temperature:
Maintain a cool and consistent temperature for your geraniums. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperature fluctuations or placing them near heat sources such as radiators or vents. Fluctuations in temperature can stress the plants and affect their ability to go into dormancy.
Watering:
During the winter months, geraniums require less water than they do during the active growing season. Water your geraniums sparingly, allowing the soil to slightly dry between waterings. This will prevent overwatering and root rot. Check the moisture level of the soil with your finger before watering and only water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Light:
Geraniums need adequate light even during the winter months to maintain their health. Place your potted geraniums near a south-facing window where they can receive 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day. If natural light is insufficient, supplement it with grow lights placed a few inches above the plants. Adjust the distance between the plants and the lights to ensure optimal light intensity.
Humidity:
Although geraniums can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, they prefer moderate humidity. To maintain adequate humidity, you can use humidity trays filled with water and place them near the plants. Alternatively, you can mist the air around the plants occasionally to provide a slightly more humid environment.
Post-Winter Recovery
As winter comes to an end, it's time to help your geraniums transition back to outdoor conditions and encourage new growth. Follow these steps:
Gradual Transition:
Before moving your geraniums outdoors, gradually expose them to increased natural light and temperature over a period of two to three weeks. Start by placing them in a shaded area outdoors for a few hours a day, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of exposure.
Pruning and Maintenance:
Inspect your geraniums for any leggy growth or dead foliage. Trim back any leggy stems to promote a more compact shape. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems. This will encourage new growth and help the plant regain its vigor.
Watering and Fertilizing:
Resume regular watering, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Increase the frequency and amount of water gradually as the plant starts to actively grow again. Once new growth appears, you can begin fertilizing your geraniums with a balanced fertilizer according to the package instructions.
Outdoor Placement:
Wait until all danger of frost has passed before transplanting your geraniums back into their designated spots in your garden. Choose a location with well-draining soil and ample sunlight. Ensure the soil around the plants is enriched with organic matter to provide essential nutrients.
Conclusion
Proper winter care is crucial for the survival and health of your geraniums. By storing them at the right time, providing suitable conditions for temperature, water, light, and humidity, and following the post-winter recovery tips, you can ensure your geraniums thrive and reward you with their vibrant blooms in the upcoming growing season. Take the time to nurture and protect these beautiful plants, and you'll be treated to their resplendent beauty year after year.
