Hi: I have read about three different methods used to overwinter geraniums and want to know which one is best for the Coquitlam area and when is the best time to start the process. My geraniums look like they will continue to bloom well into Sept, maybe October??, but I don't have any experience for how long they will thrive in this climate. Of the three methods of overwintering, I am planning to do the one describe below. If you have a better method, I'd be appreciative to learn about it. Bare root method: Dig up whole plant in the fall and remove all dirt from roots. Hang upside down in a cool (not freezing) place until spring. Over the winter, put roots into water for a few minutes every 3 weeks and then return them to hanging position. In the spring, place each plant into potting soil in preparation for planting them outside once risk of frost is gone. My questions: 1. When do I dig up geranium plants? 2. Should I cut them back or remove leaves etc before hanging them? How much? 3. How often and how long do they need intermittent water over winter? 4. When can I repot them in soil in a cool inside spot? 5. Should I cut them back when I repot them? 6. Once in pots, how regularly do they need to be watered? 7. When is it safe to plant the overwintered potted plant outdoors? 8. Should I cut back the newly planted geranium? How much?
what were the other methods? I have never done this one you describe above we have always lucked out with a warm window shelf in the garage or something I do know my former neighbour used to put them in a cool frost-free room next to her garage - all in their patio pots - kind of dark all day and night - then bring them back out when the time was right - late april I suppose here at the coast - lots of feed in the spring i think it was important to water them medium-well once before putting them to bed in the shed - and that was it. the geraniums (i think we are talking Perlagonium - technically speaking - board expert please correct me) that overwinter will get a gnarled look - kind of like what you see when you visit an old garden in a part of the world where the climate allows long-life for what we consider summer annuals up here in Pac nw. i remember one issue with our over-wintered in pots - that is - aphids - no big deal just be prepared.
