Geraniums in winter
How to care for geraniums in winter? The basis is proper preparation. It should be remembered that the decoration of many Polish balconies is associated with the origin of the Mediterranean zone. Our winters, no matter how harsh they are, are too cold for her. Geraniums can be perennials here, but they need to be provided with proper conditions in winter.
Already in autumn you need to make basic preparations. The plant is cut to a height of approximately 20 cm and kept outdoors until frost begins. It is then taken outside and placed in conditions designed to stop vegetation.
How to prepare geraniums for winter? Keeping the plant at home
How to prepare geraniums for winter? Sometimes you can find advice on keeping geraniums indoors. It is true that such action will protect against low temperatures. On the other hand, these are not optimal conditions: in the following years, such a geranium will have less and less abundant flowering and a worse shape.
How to store geraniums for the winter? The role of temperature and light
How to store geraniums for the winter? Temperature and light are important. Although geraniums are sensitive to frost, the place where they are stored should be cool. The temperature should not drop below 6 degrees C. A temperature range between 8 and 10 degrees C is most often recommended. It is worth remembering that an increase in temperature above 12 degrees will accelerate the vegetation, which may have a very negative impact on the condition.
What about light availability? It is a myth that geraniums should be kept in a completely dark room. The basement is not a good place for them. Instead, keep them in a bright space but avoid direct sunlight on the plants.
Pelargonium care in winter: this is also something to remember
What else does geranium care require in winter? It is certainly worth paying attention to:
- Watering and fertilizing plants. It is not necessary to use fertilizers during wintering. Their application could result in unnecessary and premature development of shoots. This has to be postponed until mid-February. You should also not water too much. Typically, one watering every two weeks is recommended. It is crucial that the shoots do not wilt and are kept in good condition until vegetation resumes.
- Beauty treatments. Before wintering, the shoots should be shortened to a length of approximately 20 cm. Additionally, basic care and hygiene procedures should be carried out. Wilted flowers, dead shoots and leaves are removed. Make sure the plants are in good condition (no diseases or pests).
- Substrate quality. Maintaining good condition during wintering also requires taking care of the quality of the substrate. It is worth replacing them with new ones (it can be universal). This reduces the risk of certain diseases.
How to ensure that geranium starts growing again? In February, you should start watering geraniums more intensively. In the middle of the month, fertilizer is added to the water. The rising temperature and greater intensity of sunlight should favor the plant’s slow awakening.
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Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
