Did you know that you could keep your geranium alive over the winter and enjoy it again in the spring? Geraniums can be grown indoors easily as long as you give them proper care and keep them in the right conditions. Before the first frost cut your plant back to half of its original size. Check it over to make sure it is free of disease and insects. Then dig up your plant and repot into a container using potting soil. Place your geranium in a cool location with plenty of direct sunlight. Water plants well after transplanting and as needed so the plant does not dry out.
As winter progresses you may need to pinch the plant to promote branching and prevent weak growth. Plants kept in containers over the winter are typically larger than most geraniums you can buy in the spring. This allows you to have a head start on growth and blooms for next year’s garden!
You can also overwinter geraniums in a dormant stage. They actually have the ability to survive for most of the winter without soil! I have not tried overwintering geraniums this way but after reading about it I may have to try it next year. To overwinter without soil dig up the entire plant before the first frost. Shake the dirt from the roots and place the plants inside an open paper bag or hang them upside down from the rafters in a cool, dark place for the winter. Several times during the winter, take the plants out of the bags and soak the roots in water for 1-2 hours. Check the plants over for any damage. Although the leaves will fall off the stems should remain firm and solid. In the spring pot the geraniums in a suitable container. Place the plants in a sunny window to promote growth. It may take several weeks before you see the new growth.
Nancy on the Home Front 