Expert: C.L. Fornari - 10/18/2007

Question
I have a gorgeous geranium which I would like to keep for next spring.  I have been told two different things:  To take cuttings from it before the frost kills it; OR to put it into my garage for the winter, and it should survive until next spring.  Which would you vote for?  This is a geranium with an unusual combination of pink and magenta, and I've never seen one like it.  I want to hold onto it if at all possible.  Thanks

Answer
Patricia,
If you want to be SURE to keep it for next year, I'd bring it in the house and put it in the sunniest window you have.  In January, take cuttings from the top 6" of each stem, which will give you new plants and will make the original plant fuller next season. Start the fertilize the original plant after you take cuttings, and once the cuttings are rooted (you'll know because they'll start to grow) pinch the top of each one to make them branch out. (Every time a branch has three leaves pinch it - do this until the end of May and you'll have full, bushy plants.)  When you pinch them for the first time, start to fertilize regularly then, or put time-release fertilizer such as Osmocote Indoor/Outdoor into each pot.


I hope this helps!
C.L.