Geraniums: Follow-up
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 
A follow-up report on Overwintering Geraniums posted Nov. 2010
http://www.hortus5.com/journal/overwintering-geraniums.html
Late last fall, I decided to try and overwinter my geraniums and I’m so happy to report that the Hanging Method worked beautifully.
Mid April– the alarm clock sounds and it’s time to wake up the geraniums from their hibernation period. This allows me ample time to get them into pots and slowly reintroduce them to sunlight and soil before taking them outdoors. To my surprise, the plants have already initiated new growth despite having been stored in darkness the entire winter. Proof that plants are tough and want to grow.
I potted them up in plastic pots and gave them a hard prune, cutting away as much as 2/3 of the dead, dry stem tips. After the big haircut, the pots were placed near a window with southern exposure. Kept out of direct sunlight for several days, the light they received was filtered by a canvas blind.
April 30th– In 14 days, the stumpy plants now resembled a likeness of their former selves. This is where the pots would remain until danger of frost had past. By mid May, the pots were taken outdoors but remained in a sheltered area. I would occasionally bring them into a service area to spend the night if the temperatures took a dip.
June 1st– things are going quite well. We’re all alive and the weather keeps getting warmer. This is where progress grinds to a halt. I witnessed very little change in the plants for 3 weeks. I began to despair. And as if to taunt me, the local garden centers were receiving shipments of beautiful blooming geraniums by the hundreds. Were my efforts wasted? Was this the end? And then, as if on cue, my gardener instincts kicked in. I ignored those babies and did what any sensible gardener would do– absolutely nothing, except wait it out. Within 10 days, the first blossoms made their debut appearance. YES!!
Today, the display shows no signs of slowing. All three plants were placed in a giant terracotta pot. I still recall a quip by a local garden center employee with whom I had shared my overwintering project. “It’s not worth it” she exclaimed, all smug and smiling. Well, I beg to differ. The proof is in the pot.
Reader Comments (10)
Mario, Your comments in the "about you" section ring true to me too. I am not a professionally trained person like you but I have developed my own design principles, approaches to gardening, even hybridizing of daylilies, all as a hobby that is pretty much turned into a full time "job"! Love it and it give that special time for thoughts to pass through my mind as I wonder about the gardens here on the shores of Lake MIchigan. Each month I pick one or two new garden Blogs to follow where I hope to gain insight into gardening and beyond. I will pick you now for this month. See you soon. Jack
What a great explanation of the process of overwintering your geraniums. They look beautiful.
First, congratulatons on a successful process. Second, an excellent explanation and great photos. Third, you have inspired me. Thank you for the information! I may give it a shot.
Congratulations on your success! I have two that I ave brought in for the winter for several years. Even though it is inexpensive to buy new ones, it's always so much fun to bring back the oldsters!
@Kevin, Let me know how it goes if you decide to try.
@Cathy, There is something so inspiring and revitalizing when one witnesses another living thing bring itself out of dormancy and persevere. It was great fun and I think I will keep doing it as long as I can. Onward and Upward!
Great advice in that post.
Quick to flower as the F1 hybrids are it's not the same as having flowering size plants blossoming in late spring. Here in Plymouth in the UK I can sometimes keep them outside over winter (not the last two!) or, using the technique you've illustrated beautifully, in a cold greenhouse or cool windowsill to go outside after our last frost date (15 March). Flowering is far earlier on bigger, bushier plants.
Mario, my grandmother had a red geranium that she brought in every year - she kept it going for decades! I agree -- it is so nice to keep them going.. it's like old friends!
Mario, great post on over-wintering and rejuvenating geraniums. We over-wintered one this year but failed to prune it back enough, so even though it came back it was pretty "leggy". Next time we will know to prune harder. Thanks.
Great article! I used to use a 'hanging' method when we had a basement. Now, I just put barerooted plants into a basket in the garage (success rate is 50%). I also bring one or two plants, in the pots, inside the house. These are doing the best.