Troy, IL on Sep 15, 2012

Overwintering Geraniums

Would you believe this Geranium is 5 years old? With a total outlay of approximately $10, the total cost per year is $2. When it is time for frost, bring your geraniums into the garage/shed for the winter. I hang mine from the ceiling with hooks. Let it go dormant and when March rolls around and the weather gets nicer, start putting it out in the sun during the day and start watering it. (I don't water all winter long.) It will get ratty looking, but in the Spring, remove all the yucky stuff, it'll grow back. I had about given up on this one this Spring, and look at it now!

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76 Comments Displaying 25 of 76 comments | See Previous

Becky J Troy, IL

I don't bring them in until they are threatening frost. Also, I live in Zone 6, if that helps anyone.

on Sep 20, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Well, I noticed yesterday that my caladiums have collapsed and are going to have to be dug now....even though it's only been down to 59 at night....I have to say I was surprised....

on Sep 20, 2012 · Like 0
Laurie D

I believe it because my mom has plants that old,she is a great gardener.

on Sep 20, 2012 · Like 1
Nancy Rhodes C Bessemer, AL

I would have to dig mine out of big pots. Wonder if the will kill them? I never knew this. Bet there are others that could be saved. These are the same color as I buy every year. Very pretty and absolutely amazing they can survive the winter.

on Sep 20, 2012 · Like 1
Nancy Knight

I get my moms ferns before she throws them away in the fall and do the same with them over the winter. Cut all the dried stuff off and they grow again in the spring!

on Sep 20, 2012 · Like 1
Ruth H Vicksburg, MI

I absolutely am going to try this!

on Sep 20, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

I always overwintered my ferns just didn't know it would work for geraniums...

on Sep 20, 2012 · Like 1
Kate F New Britain, CT

I don't understand what ferns people are throwing away?! My yard is filled with about 4 different varieties of ferns and they stay in the ground and return each year. I live in CT. Even my Himalayan Fern! Are you guys bringing them inside? I'm confused - I guess I don't understand the process.

on Sep 21, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

I think they are talking about Boston ferns or other types that wouldn't be hardy outside, Kate.

on Sep 21, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

I Have Some ferns that live outside year round , but my artillary fern I bring in the garage to over winter it, because it won't survive otherwise.

on Sep 21, 2012 · Like 0
Terry T Arcanum, OH

I've had geraniums last from year to year and I live in OH. I bring them in the day of the 1st frost and put them in the basement. I don't water them until the spring and usually start them indoors for a week or 2. Repot, refertilize, and they are huge! This picture is a 2-year old geranium. Like the pot? It says Bless My Bloomers. I got it at blastedideas.com and love it!
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on Sep 21, 2012 · Like 0
Patty A New Milford, CT

Sharron, I live on two wooded acres, those trees are the Bain of my existence! Never enough sun...it's amazing I get blooms at all on the geraniums. I actually move the heavy pots all over my deck at this time of year to maximize the waning sun. So when the leaves fall...my overwintered friends are very happy to be near the western windows facing the woods.!

on Sep 21, 2012 · Like 1
Patty A New Milford, CT

Btw,Kate, I'm in New Milford, CT,and with all my woods I've got tons of ferns that I've dug up and put in the gardens and all come back perfectly over the years. Why do some have to dig them up, I wonder.

on Sep 21, 2012 · Like 0
Dotty S Plummer, ID

I had Geraniums for years in Alaska, I brought them in during winter, but I also cut them back and planted all the shoots, then I had that many more the next year. Worked for me.

on Sep 23, 2012 · Like 0
Lori J Broken Bow, NE

Our house is small and I have lots of houseplants, so I am glad to have the cellar. I propagate mine the same way, Dotty S.

on Sep 23, 2012 · Like 0
Kate F New Britain, CT

ok - so I'm guessing the "digging up the ferns" folks are referring to potted houseplants that perhaps they are putting outside.

on Sep 23, 2012 · Like 1
Sharron W Memphis, TN

Kate F, that's exactly right....I have ferns that have lived outside year round for years....and two others that are not winter hardy and I bring them in the garage for winter...BUT I also keep a space heater out there so it doesn't get below freezing.... OK, I'm not sure why I got "bold" when I typed the eariliest part of this post...

on Sep 23, 2012 · Like 0
Becky J Troy, IL

that's weird Sharron! when I put my cursor over the bold print it's red too! oh, now I get it, you tagged her.

on Sep 24, 2012 · Like 1
Kate F New Britain, CT

Wow - isn't it amazing how we learn some of the features of our computer programs and applications by accident?

on Sep 25, 2012 · Like 1
Stacey Montuori

does anyone know if this will work with scented geraniums?

on Sep 27, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Yes it will, Stacey Montuori . See this from the Missouri Botanical Garden:
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/garde...

on Sep 28, 2012 · Like 0
JANIS S Hugo, MN

Hi I do this every winter here in MN and save ALOT. I love all my geraniums. I put them on a wall ledge in my basement where they get sun.

on Oct 05, 2012 · Like 0
Phyllis tomelloso Louisa, KY

tys for that super tip didnt know you could do that

on Oct 09, 2012 · Like 0
Edna bates Ogallala, NE

I am going to try this, I love this idea, as well as my geraniums.

on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 1
Becky J Troy, IL

This is the geranium pictured in the post as of yesterday. I put it outside for the first time this year and watered it good. So don't get discouraged if yours looks as bad as this.
on Mar 16, 2013 · Like 0

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Overwintering Geraniums

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