Geraniums are one of my (Litsa’s) favorite flowers! Last year, I shared how they evoke childhood memories of our vacations in Greece. Additionally, I wrote about how these flowers welcome us to our backdoor in West Tennessee as we come and go all spring/summer—–and that I replant them each year! But after reading how to save these perennials from the southern frosty fall/winter nights, I tried to save my two plants from last summer (2012) by placing them in the garage.
Better Home and Gardens (June 2012) notes that “to store geraniums for winter shake off soil, then wrap in newspaper. Store in a dark, cool place. Soak roots once a month. Repot in the spring.” Additionally, they state that, “it’s easy to make new plants from geranium cuttings. Simply place cuttings in water. Once roots develop, plant each cutting in a pot filled with potting soil.” To read more about the vast varieties for geraniums for every use, whether you’re planting in pots, beds, or baskets go to www.BHG.com/GeraniumPots.
I wasn’t as exact in storing my personal geraniums. I pulled the massive pots into the garage and seldom thought about them. In the late fall, I often thought I should water them but one day lead into the next and then it was spring. It was time to pull the pots out of the garage. When I cut down the geraniums to two to four inches from their soil, they didn’t look promising but of course, I had not followed exact BHG directions. My geraniums were not pulled out of their original pots. However, I was able to save one! It sprouted new leaves just after two weeks in the spring’s sunshine. That’s perfect for me! My daughter and I replanted it in a smaller pot to set by our backyard wrought iron swing.
We also planted two new geraniums in early May to enjoy throughout their blooming season! And if life doesn’t get too busy early this fall, just maybe we’ll follow more exact directions in saving our geranium(s) for yet another season of blooms!
Do you have your own saving your perennials strategies?
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