How to Save Geranium Plants

Overview

Geraniums are easy-to-grow plants that add wonderful color to any garden. There are several varieties, both perennials and annuals, with colors ranging from red to white and pink. They bloom all summer long and continue to put on a show once the weather starts to cool down. It's possible to save geranium plants by moving them inside in the winter, then putting them back outside when the temperatures warm up. They make the transition better than most other plants.

Step 1

Use a shovel to dig up geraniums before the first killing frost occurs in the autumn. Cut the branches down to half their height with pruning shears. Keep as much of the root ball intact as possible and remove as much of the dirt from their roots as you can.

Step 2

Hang geranium plants from the rafters in your basement until the cold weather passes. You can also put them in separate paper grocery bags. Leave the bags open so air can get in.

Step 3

Check the geraniums monthly to make sure they're not shriveling up from dryness. If needed, spray them with a bottle full of water. If the stems are shriveling up, remove them from the bags and soak them in water for an hour or two.

Step 4

Take them out of the water and let them dry. Put the geraniums back into the bags.

Step 5

Soak the geraniums in water for several hours when you're ready to plant them again in the spring. They need the moisture to survive. Mix a transplant fertilizer in with the water, at half strength.

Step 6

Wait until the possibility of frost is gone before replanting the geraniums outside in the spring. The geraniums will take a few weeks to recover before blooming. Use shears to cut them back if you want to promote better growth and shape.

Step 7

Deadhead geranium plants by pulling off spent blooms. Also remove dried or discolored leaves.