Let’s face it: since geraniums (technically Pelargoniums) hail from sunny South Africa, they simply can’t handle our chilly winters. If you want them to come back bigger and better next year, you’ve got to give them a safe place to crash for the winter. The good news? You’ve got options! These hardy plants are surprisingly flexible—they can even survive the winter “naked” and tucked away in the smallest of spaces.
Why it’s worth the effort
It’s a real shame, but many plants have become “disposable” lately. Once they stop blooming or the first frost hits, they often end up straight in the compost bin. But here’s a pro tip: “old” geraniums often bloom earlier and more vigorously in their second year than brand-new nursery starts. Plus, overwintering them saves you a nice chunk of change! While they’ll need a spot to stay from the first frost until the last, they don’t need much room at all if you give them a good, hard pruning first.
Quick Tip:
Different geranium varieties have slightly different needs when it comes to their winter nap. It’s a good idea to check what yours prefer ahead of time. For example, Regal geraniums (Martha Washingtons) like it a bit warmer than your standard zonal types.
Overwintering in window boxes
If you have plenty of space, you can let your geraniums stay right in their window boxes or pots with the soil.
- Keep them in a cool, frost-free spot.
- A basement room is usually perfect.
- Aim for temperatures between 40°F and 50°F (5–10°C).
- Window boxes should be in a bright spot, but away from direct, scorching sunlight.
- Cut the plants back if they are too leggy.
- Water them very sparingly—just enough so they don’t bone-dry.
Quick Tip:
Short on space? You can take several heavily pruned geraniums and tuck them together into a single pot with a mix of soil and sand for the winter.
Going “soil-free” for the winter
Believe it or not, geraniums can overwinter without any soil at all. For this method, you still need a cool spot, but it should be dark. Before the first frost, dig them up, shake off the dirt, and give them a major haircut. Remove all the leaves and flowers so you’re left with just the main stalks. You can bundle three or four plants together, wrap them in newspaper, and store them until spring. Just give them a light misting of water every now and then so they don’t completely shrivel up.
Another trick is to put the root ball in a plastic bag, tie it loosely, and hang the plant upside down. This helps keep the moisture locked inside the stems.
Can you overwinter them outside?
If you live in a very mild climate but don’t have an indoor spot, you can try a “pit” method. Dig a hole about 30 inches deep and line it heavily with leaves or straw. Place your pruned geraniums inside and cover them up to insulate them from the frost.
Overwintering in the house
Generally, our living rooms are way too warm for geraniums to rest properly, which often leads to diseases or pest problems. If you have no other choice, keep the plants as far away from heaters as possible and use a grow light to give them enough brightness. You’ll need to water them regularly, but definitely skip the fertilizer until spring!
