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Annuals/Flowers inside for the winter
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Question
I have some Geraniums that still look great. Since we have had warm weather until last week I brought them in the house for the winter. Are there things I can do to keep them from dying? Thanks for your help.
Geraniums should be fine grown indoors in the sunniest window in the house through the Winter.
Remember that even with a Full Sun window (which is more than you can provide), the shorter days deprive plants of sunlight they need for photosynthesis. Full Sun plants like Geraniums suffer the most. For this reason, make sure you don't fertilize them, and don't expect too much of them until days get longer.
Be especially careful not to overwater while you grow these indoors. Water deep and well, then step back and let the pot dry out. This is good for the roots, but it's also a good way to accommodate the slowed metabolism of Winter.
It's also important to 'pinch' these to maintain stocky growth. Use a sharp single edge razor blade to slice off new growth at the tips of branches you want to have more leaves and side growth. Pinching will keep your Geraniums from growing straight up.
Thanks for your question. Keep me posted.
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| Comment | thanks so much, your information is very helpful, my geraniums will thank you too.. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Long Island Gardener
Expertise
Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.
Experience
I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.
Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.
Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.
Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.
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