How to Prepare Geraniums for Winter

Geraniums are popular annual garden plants that bloom in the spring. Geraniums need sunlight for best flowering potential, although partial shade will bring some flowers. To keep your geraniums throughout the winter, dig them up in late summer or early fall before the first frost and prepare them for winter, as geraniums will not live past the first frost outdoors. Replant in spring after the last frost has passed.

Knife or scissors
Damp sand, perlite or vermiculite
Rooting hormone (optional)
Plastic bag
Small potting container

Instructions

- 1
  Take 4-inch cuttings using a knife or scissors late in the fall and remove the lower leaves. Throw out the rest of the geranium.
- 2
  Place the cuttings in a container with damp sand, perlite or vermiculite, about 2 inches deep, until they take root. You can use a rooting hormone by dipping the bottom of the cutting into the hormone powder prior to planting.
- 3
  Cover with a plastic bag and place in a bright, warm location indoors with indirect sunlight and water every couple of weeks as needed. The plastic bag helps retain moisture.
- 4
  Check the cuttings for roots by tugging gently and checking for resistance, meaning the cutting has rooted. Plant the cuttings in small containers filled with growing mix when they are at least 1/2 inch in length.
- 5
  Keep indoors until spring, gradually placing in direct sunlight before planting outdoors in a well-lit, well-drained location.

Facts on Zinnias

How to Grow Red Salvia Annually

Growing Annuals