Overwintering Geraniums: How to Keep Your Plants Alive Through Winter

Introduction

Overwintering geraniums ensures that your beautiful plants survive the cold months and bloom again in spring. Instead of letting frost kill your geraniums, you can store them indoors or provide winter protection, saving money and preserving your favorite varieties.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The best methods for overwintering geraniums
✅ How to store geraniums indoors
✅ The right way to prune and prepare plants for winter
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Expert tips to ensure your geraniums thrive in spring

Why Overwinter Geraniums?

Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are tender perennials, meaning they won’t survive harsh winter frosts. By overwintering them, you can:
🌱 Save money by keeping the same plants year after year
🌸 Enjoy stronger blooms from mature plants in spring
🏡 Reduce waste by reusing healthy plants instead of buying new ones

💡 Tip: If your area experiences temperatures below 5°C (41°F), you should protect your geraniums.

3 Best Methods for Overwintering Geraniums

1. Keeping Geraniums as Houseplants (Best for Potted Geraniums)

✅ Before the first frost, bring potted geraniums indoors.
✅ Place in a bright, cool location (10-15°C / 50-60°F).
✅ Water sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry.
✅ Trim back one-third of growth to prevent legginess.

💡 Tip: A south-facing window or a grow light will keep your geraniums healthy.

2. Dormant Storage Method (Best for Bare-Root Storage)

✅ Dig up geraniums before frost and shake off excess soil.
✅ Trim back stems to 15cm (6 inches).
✅ Hang plants upside down or store them in a box with paper bags in a cool, dark place (5-10°C / 41-50°F).
✅ Check monthly and mist lightly if stems start shriveling.

💡 Tip: In spring, replant the stored geraniums, water them, and place them in a warm spot to encourage new growth.

3. Keeping Geraniums in a Garage or Greenhouse (Best for Large Plants)

✅ Place potted geraniums in a frost-free garage, basement, or greenhouse.
✅ Cut back to half their size to reduce stress.
✅ Water once a month to prevent dehydration.
✅ Ensure temperatures stay above 5°C (41°F).

💡 Tip: Geraniums kept in a heated greenhouse may continue growing slowly through winter.

When to Bring Geraniums Back Outside

✅ Late March – Early April: Start watering more frequently to encourage growth.
✅ Mid-April – May: Move plants outside gradually to harden them off.
✅ After the last frost: Transplant back into garden beds or containers.

💡 Tip: Feed geraniums with a balanced liquid fertilizer to boost new growth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Overwintering Geraniums

🚫 Bringing plants inside too late – Always move them before frost arrives.
🚫 Overwatering dormant geraniums – This causes root rot.
🚫 Storing in a too-warm area – Keep them cool but frost-free.
🚫 Forgetting to check stored plants – Inspect monthly for dryness or mold.

💡 Tip: If leaves turn yellow, it’s a sign of too much moisture or low light levels. Adjust care accordingly.

Conclusion

Overwintering geraniums is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your plants thriving for years. Whether you choose indoor storage, dormancy, or greenhouse protection, following these steps will ensure beautiful, healthy geraniums in spring.