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Geraniums (pelargoniums)

Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155
in Problem solving
I read somewhere ages ago that you can keep pelargoniums over the winter by cutting them back, including the roots, wrapping them in newspaper and putting them somewhere in the dark!  Nothing ventured, nothing gained, I duly tried it.  I took them out
a couple of weeks ago into the light, potted them up and watered and have been patiently waiting for the new green shoots to show.  Nothing has happened and they look pretty dead to me.  Should I hang on for a while or should I just bin them!

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think the most reliable way is to cut back the main plants, keep them ticking over, and use the cut material as cuttings for back up.  :)
    I don't know whether they'll appear now, but I expect there's no loss in letting them have a bit more time. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Poly-anthusPoly-anthus Posts: 155
    I'll give them a wee bit longer and then I think they're for the bin!  Oh well, another experiment down the drain, lol.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    If you buy pelargoniums again this year it would be worth trying again. Particularly if you live in the south. Year two they can become more leggy and flowering may not be as good.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • DevonianDevonian Posts: 176
    Best overwintering advice I ever found is here: https://www.fibrex.co.uk/blogs/news/wintering-your-pelargoniums
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