Don’t let your geraniums die with the first frost! Overwintering geraniums is easy enough where you can enjoy colorful blooms all year long.
As the weather turns colder, don’t let your beautiful geraniums (Pelargoniums) fall victim to frost! Overwintering them is super easy to do and is a fantastic way to save money on next year’s garden. I mean, why buy new plants when you can keep your existing ones thriving?
This is especially beneficial for budget-conscious gardeners who want to maximize their floral displays without breaking the bank. Here are four popular overwintering methods, with my personal favorites highlighted.
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About Geraniums
Geraniums (Pelargoniums) are a popular choice for gardens and containers, prized for their vibrant clusters of red, pink, white, and orange flowers. These cheerful bloomers thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
While they are technically tender perennials (hardy in USDA zones 10-11), they are often grown as annuals in colder regions due to their sensitivity to frost. This means that in most areas, geraniums need a little help to survive the winter. Thankfully, overwintering them is easier than you think!
I’ve been overwintering mine for several years now. It’s super easy to do and well worth it the savings next year.
Overwintering Geraniums: Potting and Bringing Indoors
This is a very popular and effective method! Before the first frost hits your area, dig up your geraniums, pot them in a container with drainage holes, and bring them inside to a sunny location. A south-facing window is ideal, providing ample sunlight for continued growth.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right pot: Select a pot only slightly larger than the root ball to prevent overwatering.
- Use well-draining potting mix: A potting mix is best.
- Water sparingly: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Water thoroughly when you do water, ensuring the excess drains out.
- Provide adequate light: Geraniums need at least six hours of sunlight daily. Supplement with grow lights if needed.
- Monitor for pests: Check regularly for pests like whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites, which can thrive indoors.
- Fertilize: Start feeding your geraniums to bring them out of dormancy in late February/Early March. I like to feed mine with a slow-release fertilizer so it is set and forget. (This is the one that I use and recommend).
- Pinch back leggy growth: This encourages bushier growth and more blooms.
- Acclimate gradually in spring: Before planting back outdoors, gradually acclimate your geraniums to outdoor conditions by increasing their exposure to sunlight and warmer temperatures over a week or two.
Why I love this method:
- It’s simple: No special equipment or complicated procedures are required.
- You can enjoy your geraniums all winter: They add a touch of color and life to your home during the dreary months.
- High success rate: With proper care, your geraniums are very likely to survive the winter.

Storing Bare-Root Plants
This method is ideal for gardeners with limited indoor space. Dig up your geraniums before the first frost, shake off the excess soil, and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place like a basement or garage. You can also store them in paper bags with holes for ventilation.
Tips for Success
- Ensure plants are dry: Allow the soil to dry completely before storing to prevent rot.
- Maintain optimal storage conditions: A temperature of 50-60°F with low humidity is ideal.
- Check monthly: Inspect for signs of mold or dryness. Mist lightly if the stems appear shriveled.
- Revive in spring: In spring, replant them in pots with fresh potting mix, water well and fertilize. Place them in a sunny location and watch them come back to life!

Overwintering Geraniums: Taking Cuttings
Before the first frost threatens your garden, take 4-6 inch cuttings from your healthiest geraniums. This method is great for propagating new plants and expanding your geranium collection!
Tips for Success
- Take cuttings from healthy stems: Avoid stems with flowers or buds.
- Remove lower leaves: This prevents them from rotting in the rooting medium.
- Use rooting hormone (optional): This can help speed up the rooting process.
- Root in water or potting mix: Keep the medium consistently moist but not soggy.
- Provide bright, indirect light: Avoid direct sunlight until roots are established.

Overwintering in a Dormant State
This is another favorite of mine! Dig up your geraniums before the first frost, shake off excess soil, and trim back any long stems. Place them in a paper bag or cardboard box with holes for ventilation. Store them in a cool, dark place like a basement or garage where temperatures remain around 50°F.
To bring them out of dormancy in late winter (February/March):
- Move them to a sunny window.
- Begin watering when the soil dries out.
- Start feeding with a water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer.
If you choose to bring them out of storage, get them in a sunny window, water, and fertilize your geraniums, you can expect blooms around Mother’s Day.
My Overwintering Geraniums Routine
I like to combine methods 1 and 4! I bring some of my favorite geraniums indoors to enjoy their blooms throughout the winter. For the rest, I store them in containers with fresh potting mix in my cool basement and outbuildings, bringing them out, and placing them in a sunny window in late winter. I water and feed them to coax them out of dormancy and they do amazing every year!
This way, I get the best of both worlds – beautiful blooms indoors and a head start on my garden come spring.

Overwintering Geraniums: A Budget-Friendly Gardening Tip
By overwintering your geraniums, you can significantly reduce your gardening expenses. Instead of buying new plants each spring, you can reuse your healthy, established geraniums year after year.
In my neck of the woods, plants typically run about $10-15 a piece depending on their size at the point of sale. So the savings can be significant! This is a simple yet effective way to stretch your gardening budget while enjoying continuous blooms.
No matter which method you choose, remember to prepare your geraniums for their winter slumber by trimming them back and removing any dead or diseased leaves. With a little effort, you can enjoy your geraniums year after year!
Do you have a favorite method for overwintering geraniums? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
For more information about how to overwinter geraniums, please see this article from the Illinois State Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:
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Enjoy your day! xo

