When is it time to overwinter pelargoniums and how to do it?

September is when you need to start thinking about winterizing plants that cannot handle freezing temperatures. For example pelargoniums. The most important thing is to inspect your plants for any signs of diseases or aphids. Winterized plants are usually stored in one limited place and therefore close to each other which elevates the risk of transfer of diseases and pests.

Cutting

Before you move pelargoniums inside, you should shorten the plants down to 3 to 4 leaves from the ground. Damaged or yellow leaves (even slightly yellow) must be removed and thatincludes all leaves that fell into the flower pot as well as other dirty “stuff”. It is recommended to treat plants with a copper preparation designed for plants, but it is not necessary.

Photo: Pixabay

Wintering

If you cannot find a suitable place to store pelargoniums for the winter, then do not do it. It may be cruel, but buy new plants in the spring. However, the ideal place for storage should be bright and cool place where the temperature ranges from 6 to 10 °C (for example an unheated corridor, balcony enclosed with glass, veranda, etc.). You can winterize the same plant for no more than three years. After that the plant will bloom less and becomes less pretty. The truth is that few people are able or willing to provide suitable conditions for wintering.

When is the time for wintering

Some people move pelargoniums inside at the end of September, just to be safe. The general rule of thumb says, do not to expose pelargonium to temperatures below freezing for more than couple days. This mainly applies to November. Watch the weather forecast and move plants inside when the forecast predicts several freezing nights in a row. If you worry about occasional frosts, cover plants with a non-woven fabric for the night.

Caring for pelargoniums

Once you have winterized your plants you need to reduce watering. Reduce yes, but make sure the soil never dries out completely. It should be moist. Water sparingly and the lower the temperature, the lower amount of water. Do not fertilize until spring, and when you do, use a nitrogen fertilizer

Source: https://izahradkar.cz/kalendarium-zahradkare/pro-zdravi-rostlin/prestehovat-pelargonie-k-zimovani-seriznout/

Preview photo: Pixabay