How to Care for Geraniums in Winter

Move Geraniums Indoors From Your Garden

Prune back your geraniums to about 1/2 of their original height.

Use a trowel to carefully dig up each plant.

Put each geranium plant in a pot that is at least 6 to 8” (15.2 to 20.3 cm) in diameter.

Set each pot in a sink and water them until they are thoroughly soaked, but not soggy.

Place your geranium pots in a sunny window.

Monitor the room temperature. Geraniums prefer room temperatures that range from 65° F (18.3° C) during the day to 55° F (12.7° C) during the night.

Water your plants when the soil is dry.

Pinch off top growth occasionally throughout the winter so your plants produce hardy branches.

Overwinter the Roots

Cut back your geranium plant until it is about 1/2 its original height.

Dig the geraniums up using a trowel.

Gently and carefully shake all the soil from the roots.

Place the plant in a large paper bag.

Keep the bag in a cool, dry location (45-50° F or 7.2-10° C). Most basements are the perfect temperature for overwintering geraniums.

Remove the roots from the bag once a month and soak them for 2 hours.

Prune back any foliage in the spring; most of the leaves will have fallen off by spring, but they will be contained in the paper bag.

Replant in your garden in the spring when all danger of frost is over.