Wintering Geraniums In Basement - Knowledgebase Question

Goodell, IA
Avatar for norsedx
Question by norsedx
October 13, 1999
I purchased many geraniums this past spring and I know you can bring them in and treat them as houseplants, but that would be a death sentence for them considering my luck with houseplants. I have heard you can cause them to go into dormancy in a cool basement, but how would I do this?


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Answer from NGA
October 13, 1999
I've heard this method is used, but I've never tried it, so can't vouch for its effectiveness. Dig the geraniums from the ground and carefully remove dirt from the roots. Leave flowers and leaves attached. Hang the entire plant upside down from a clothesline (or similar) in the basement. Depending on the size of the plant, you can drape it over the line or use strips of fabric or pantyhose to tie smaller ones. Leave for the winter. In spring, remove any remaining leaves or flowers, plant the geranium, and water well. You must have a cool damp basement (or garage) that maintains temps. in the 40-50 degree range all winter. If your basement is heated, it probably won't work. I hope this info helps!

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