Winter care secrets: How to revive your geraniums for spring

Geraniums are some of the most treasured balcony flowers. They brighten balconies and terraces with their vibrant colors, and the species diversity ensures that everyone can find something suitable. However, summer care alone is not enough to enjoy these plants for years. The key stage in growing geraniums is winterizing, followed by properly awakening them. When should you wake geraniums from their winter rest, and how do you do it?

First and foremost, we must remember that geraniums should be protected during the winter. The first step in protecting geraniums is choosing the right storage location. The best locations are bright but cool rooms, where the temperature does not exceed 50°F. Places like a basement with a window or a stairway can be ideal.

Before the first frosts, it is essential to prune the geraniums. This procedure will help the plants better survive the winter. You should remove all wilted flowers and cut the stems to about 4-6 inches from the base. This minimizes the surface through which the plant could lose nutrients.

When winter begins to end, it is time to start waking the geraniums. When is the best time to do this? The prime period is in February and March. Then, you can gradually increase the temperature in the room where the geraniums are stored. Raising the temperature by a few degrees Fahrenheit will stimulate the plants to life. It is also crucial to gradually increase the light in the room.

The foundation of success in growing geraniums is proper watering. It is important to remember that after winter, geraniums need intensive watering, but you must be careful not to overdo it. Abundant watering is crucial, but excess water can be equally harmful and lead to root rot.

Fertilization is another important step towards beautifully blooming geraniums. To make them bloom perfectly, it is worth applying special microelement-rich fertilizers a few weeks after moving them outside. Preparing homemade fertilizer from onion peels is a simple and ecological solution that can be used throughout the summer.

Geraniums require suitable soil to bloom fully. The best solution is to transplant them into fresh, well-draining soil. It's ideal for the new soil to contain natural compost and have a looser structure, allowing the roots to grow freely.

Changing the soil is not only about providing space for plant growth. It's also an opportunity to supply the necessary nutrients that the plants lost during winter. Fresh soil supports the development of the root system and provides optimal growth conditions.

Waking geraniums after winter is a process that requires attention and precision, but with carefulness during the season, we will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers on our balconies. Regular care for geraniums will extend their life and bring us joy from their presence throughout the summer.