Geraniums, are often referred to as “annual geraniums” or “pelargoniums,” they are actually tender perennials in most climates.
In colder regions where winters are harsh and frost is common, they are often grown as annuals or treated as such because they cannot survive the cold temperatures.
However, in milder climates or if given the right care, geraniums can come back year after year. If you live in an area where the winters are harsh, you can overwinter your geraniums by bringing them indoors before the first frost. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prune: Before bringing geraniums indoors, prune them back by about one-third of their height. This reduces the stress on the plant and makes it easier to manage indoors.
- Potting: Dig up the geranium plants from the garden and transplant them into pots with well-draining soil. You can use a mix of potting soil and sand for good drainage.
- Indoor Placement: Place the potted geraniums in a sunny windowsill or under grow lights indoors. They still need a good amount of sunlight to thrive.
- Watering: Water the plants sparingly during their indoor stay. Geraniums prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.
- Pruning and Maintenance: During the indoor winter period, your geraniums might not grow as actively as they do in the outdoor growing season. Continue to prune them back occasionally to maintain their shape.
- Transplanting: In the spring, once the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant your overwintered geraniums back into the garden. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day and increasing the time over a week or two.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of your geraniums year after year, even in climates where they wouldn’t naturally survive the winter. Keep in mind that geraniums do have a natural life cycle, and their growth might slow down over time, but with proper care, you can prolong their lifespan and enjoy their vibrant blooms for multiple seasons.
