Unlock the Secret to Thriving Summer Flowers
Geraniums are summer’s cherished blooms, painting your garden in vibrant hues of pink, purple, orange, and lavender—a stunning sight for the warmer season. These perennial beauties thrive in full sun but need protection during winter to survive. The good news is you can overwinter geraniums, safeguarding them from frost to bloom again when the weather warms up. We consulted gardening experts on the best practices to overwinter your beloved geraniums for enduring seasonal beauty.
Meet the Experts:
– Mike Kingten, curator of alpine collections at the Denver Botanic Gardens
– Shauna Moore, director of horticulture at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Related: Caring for Geraniums—a Summer Garden Must-Have
Timing is Crucial
Knowing when to overwinter is essential. Leaving them out too long risks frost damage, while bringing them indoors too early may stunt growth. This is particularly crucial for geraniums, as they hail from sunny South Africa. According to Mike Kingten, overwintering just before the first frost is ideal for these sun-loving plants. “Geraniums prefer cool, bright conditions,” he advises. “Less time indoors is better for them.”
How to Overwinter Successfully
Providing proper care during winter months is key to keeping geraniums thriving until spring. Choosing the right spot for overwintering is crucial.
Ensure Ample Light
As sunlight is essential for geraniums, consider light carefully when overwintering. Shauna Moore suggests placing them near a large, south-facing window with ample sun exposure. For optimal conditions, a greenhouse or conservatory is ideal, she adds.
Related: 10 Gorgeous Greenhouse Ideas for Year-Round Gardening
Maintain Cool Temperatures
Geraniums fare best in a cool environment, around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature not only suits the plant but also helps prevent pest infestations like whiteflies and aphids.
Trim Back
When transitioning outdoor geraniums indoors, expect them to be elongated. Pruning is vital during overwintering. Kingten suggests trimming leggy stems and removing dead leaves and spent flowers. For very leggy plants, a hard cutback is beneficial.
Related: How to Properly Deadhead Geraniums for a Blooming Summer
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Improper watering is a prevalent issue during geranium overwintering. Moore advises adjusting watering schedules to account for shorter days and reduced sunlight. Geraniums, in particular, need less water during this period. Kingten suggests allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, watering once a week. Inadequate lighting is another concern. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights as a viable solution.
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