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Pelagoniums over-wintering dry method

GrajeanGrajean Posts: 447
Is anyone using the dry method for over-wintering pelagoniums? My hanging baskets are just about finished and I thought of using the dry method using cardboard boxes, not done this before.
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  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    I've never heard of it. I put the whole hanging baskets in the green house, don't do anything with them till next spring,then I cut them back, replant,new compost and they romp away
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    I've tried similar years ago. I cut back the pelargoniums, shook the soil off and wrapped them in newspapers and left them in the shed for the winter. I left the tops exposed to light but not direct sunlight. In spring, some had clearly died.  The ones that showed signs of life I potted up and they grew.  It worked moderately well but I did not repeat the experiment.  Now I overwinter them in a cold frame in their pots, keeping them very dry.  This works better for me.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • GrajeanGrajean Posts: 447
    Thanks both.
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,718
    Here’s an article which has the results of objective testing. The method you’re considering does not fare well

    https://gardening.which.co.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/115005964105-How-to-overwinter-pelargoniums-geraniums-in-the-UK
    Rutland, England
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It's so much easier just to stick them indoors and keep them dry-ish. Less bother too.
    If it ain't broke....  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GrajeanGrajean Posts: 447
    Thank you both. I considered this method due to lack of space.
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
    When I have brought them inside for winter, they have carried on flowering, it’s quite nice, but at the time I had a large cool front hall. I’m more space restricted now.
    They don’t survive in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame in my area. 
    I’m in the same position with a group of Gazania this year. I have a greenhouse, but I think they will have to come indoors. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I keep mine in the kitchen and water little.
  • I cut mine back , put them together into fairly large pots, keeping them crowded seems to help and then put the pots under cover on my terrace under some fleece for most of the winter. As soon as some warmer weather arrives back into their “normal” pots and off they go.
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They'd have to be in the house here. Cold frames aren't warm, or dry, enough. 
    Perhaps putting several into a larger pot would work better @Grajean. If you cut them back it might help too, space wise.
    Or do some cuttings, which would take up less room, and they can replace the original plants.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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