Geraniums are a classic garden flower, originating in the Mediterranean. They come in a range of colors, from white to pink to red. Geraniums are also fairly easy to care for and can be a great addition to any garden. However, these flowers are vulnerable to cold winter temperatures and need to be taken care of properly for them to survive the winter months.
Choose a Location
Before wintering over geraniums, you need to choose a location in your home that receives bright, indirect sunlight. A bright windowsill is ideal. Avoid placing the geraniums in a drafty area, such as near an open window or door. If the location does not get enough natural light, you may need to invest in a grow light.
Water Properly
Watering is an important part of wintering over geraniums. You want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. During the winter, you should water the geraniums once a week, or whenever the soil feels dry when you touch it. If the geraniums are kept in a sunny location, you may need to water them more often.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is also important to give the geraniums the nutrients they need to thrive. During the winter, you should use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at half strength. This should be done every two weeks. If you are using a grow light, you may need to fertilize more often.
Prune the Plants
Prune your geraniums during the winter months to keep them healthy. Cut off any dead or diseased leaves and stems to promote healthy growth. You should also remove any flowers that are wilted or faded. This will help the geraniums store energy for the winter months.
Re-Potting
Re-potting the geraniums is also an important step in wintering over geraniums. You should move them to larger containers to provide them with more room to grow. Make sure to use a light potting mix that is well-draining and contains perlite or vermiculite. This will help keep the soil from becoming too soggy.
Bring Plants Indoors
When the temperature begins to dip below 40°F, you should bring the geraniums indoors. Make sure to check the plants for any pests or diseases before bringing them inside. If you find any, treat them with the appropriate pesticide or fungicide. Once inside, place the geraniums in a cool, bright area.
Provide Heat
Geraniums need to be kept at a temperature between 55°F and 65°F during the winter months. If your home does not stay within this range, you may need to invest in a heating pad or electric blanket to keep the plants warm. Make sure to keep the pad or blanket on a low setting to avoid overheating the plants.
Monitor Light Levels
During the winter months, you will need to monitor the light levels in the room where the geraniums are kept. If the room is too dark, the plants may not bloom or grow properly. Try to move the geraniums to a brighter location or invest in a grow light. This will help ensure that the geraniums get the light they need to thrive.
Conclusion
Geraniums can be a great addition to any garden, but they need to be taken care of properly in order to survive the winter months. By following these tips, you should be able to winter over your geraniums successfully. Choose the right location, water and fertilize them properly, prune the plants, re-pot them, bring them indoors, provide heat, and monitor light levels to ensure the geraniums thrive during the cold winter months.