Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
binky_gw

My 20 large pots of over-wintering geraniums.....

Binky
20 years ago

I have about 20 large pots of overwintering geraniums in a spare bedroom. They are doing pretty well and some are still blooming on and off. They are getting a bit tall and gangly though.

My question is this. Last year, I had a great survival rate, but most of the geraniums didn't start reblooming outside until almost the end of June. But at that time, they did quite well. I would like to get them blooming much earlier this year.

Someone mentioned cutting them back, but if I cut them back too much, there will be almost no leaves since they are getting long stems. Would they rebloom this summer if I cut them back to the point they don't have leaves?

Also, if I should cut them back, when should I do so? I live in Wisconsin and won't be able to put them out until May. Many thanks in advance for any ideas.

Eileen

Comments (5)

  • DianeKaryl
    20 years ago

    So, these 20 plants have been kept going since last fall--having brought them in before being touched by frost; they've been put into a sunny window---and pretty soon, the sun values have dwindled to the point the plants have been given hardly any sun at all---such is winter---and the plants cant possibly keep growing like they do in summer.
    They get gangly....the stems are weak....the leaves don't have the greeness they usually do and the whole plant suffers.
    You cant feed them...they're not growing anything to feed.
    You water them as much as they use it...which isn't much..since they are not putting on new foliage.
    The bloom takes a lot out of the plant and the plant loses vigor.

    Question: What do we usually do to push a plant to grow new leaves?............I think you know!

    Cut it back. The roots will have less to feed and will begin growing new leaves.
    Give it good light......south or west exposure is ideal.
    East if you have to........and north just wont do...
    do what you must but give it more, increased sun.
    Don't fertilize....until new foliage is well along.
    Then feed about every third or fourth watering with 20/20/20 liquid fertilizer.
    Water it well ---to the point it drains out the bottom...dump the excess....and allow the plant to dry down between waterings.

    Pretty soon new leaves will emerge and within a couple of weeks, it should be well along on its way to good health.

    May I suggest next year, instead of keeping the plants going all winter....that you allow ten of them to just be put into a cold room....a coldcellar...or anywhere they can be put so as to not freeze...and let them sleep the winter away dry as a bone...never being allowed any water at all...put in darkness, never being disturbed...until
    NOW...this time next year...mid February, when you bring them out, cut them back, repot them, water them and give them the best window you can.
    They'll reward you with increased vigor of bloom and growth.

    OK, so you don't have those 10 plants giving you bloom thru part of the winter.....big deal! You get them back in the spring...bigger and better than ever before.

  • cnetter
    20 years ago

    Around this time of year I cut back my pelargoniums and use the cuttings to make more pelargoniums. They are very easy to root - they don't need alot of humidity like rose cuttings and such. I just stick the cuttings in good quality potting soil and put the pots in a window. Around planting time in May these cuttings are as big and blooming as those in the store.

  • daylilygarden
    20 years ago

    I've got plants I have kept going for 4 years now. About now they do get gangly looking. Mine are under 400w HPS lights so light isn't the problem, they are blooming also. Every year, about this time, I cut them back to about 4-6" high. No, there won't be any leaves left but they'll soon regrow new growth and look good again. Take the nicest tip cuttings that show nice green growth that doesn't look woody, the cuttings will be the end pieces only and be only about 3-4" usually. Knock of all leaves except 2 or 3 smaller ones at the very top of each cutting. I like to use a soil-less mix to start my cuttings, keep damp but never wet. That'll get you more plants to keep or give to friends.

    Don't be afraid to cut back those plants!

  • Dave_zone_5
    20 years ago

    Indeed it can be scary to drastically cut back a plant. To give you some extra courage, think of how many other plants are pruned by man or nature. Many perennials die back to roots every winter and yet they regrow fine. Many bushes that grow long stems from the ground get cut back to 6-12" every year and regrow.

    Some plants won't survive such drastic pruning, others will. Geraniums will.

  • sdafamily
    18 years ago

    can a geranium grow from only a leaf cutting? or an entire stem? i never tried them and need details, please

Sponsored
Hoppy Design & Build
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars9 Reviews
Northern VA Award-Winning Deck ,Patio, & Landscape Design Build Firm