In fall, Pelargoniums, commonly known as annual geraniums, start to look good again. By again, I mean they started spring and early summer with lush leaves and big round blooms only to decline in the heat and humidity of high summer. But now they’ve returned to their earlier glory, especially if they’ve been fertilized. What a shame to lose them to a hard frost and have to buy a new one next year. How about overwintering the one you already have? There are three options open to you.
Houseplant. You can treat it like any other tropical by moving it inside and growing it as a houseplant. If it isn’t already in a container, dig it up, then pot it up. Get rid of any hitchhiking insects and damaged leaves. Next, the hard part – cut it back by one half to one third. Place it somewhere it will receive direct sun in a cool room, then pick up dead leaves all winter. Water when the potting medium becomes dry. In the spring, prune back any leggy growth from winter and start fertilizing half strength until it is safe to move outside.
Bare Root. Dig up the geranium or remove it from its pot. Shake off all the soil from the roots and place in a large paper bag or cardboard box. No plastic, please. The leaves and blooms will fall off over time, and the growing tips may die back. In the spring, prune the branches back to firm green tissue and repot. Care for it like other houseplants until it is safe to move outside, which is usually in May.
Cuttings. This takes more effort, but it is the best way to get multiple plants from your original. Using clean, sharp pruners or a knife, cut 3 to 4 inches off the branch ends. These are the growing points or terminal shoots. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant in a rooting medium like perlite, vermiculite, or a sand/peat moss mixture. Water, then be sure the medium stays moist by tenting with clear plastic. Place under lights. Once rooted, transplant to regular potting medium in a 3- or 4-inch pot and grow as a houseplant until it is safe to move outdoors.
Which method will you choose? Enjoy your journey and feel good about saving your geranium/Pelargonium. We are the Edgar County Extension Master Gardeners. Reach us at 217-465-8585 or klraymo2@illinois.edu.
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.