Expert: C.L. Fornari - 11/26/2002

Question
I live in the D.C. area, Ihave a Geranium from the summer that looks great, it is still blooming. is there any way I can keep it alive till spring? I just brought it inside today. It has brite pink flowers and a purplish ring about it. Thank You, Patti

Answer
Patti,
Geraniums are one of the easiest plants to keep from year to year.  Just put your plant in the sunniest window you have - southern exposure is best, next western, and then east-facing.  Water only when dry, and wait until Feb to start to fertilize again - the plant should have a couple of months resting period.  Do not worry if the plant drops some of the oldest leaves.  In February you can take one of three approaches to get it ready for next summer;
1. Pinch the growing tips of all branches and let the plant stay large.
2. Cut all branches down by one half to two thirds.  It will leaf out from the stems and be shorter and fuller next summer - you can root those pieces you cut off as well, and have more plants!
3. Cut up to one half of the branches down by 2/3, especially the outside ones.  This approach works best on a full, well branched plant.

No matter which approach you use, plan to repot with fresh soil in May before you put it outside.  You can use the same size pot if you want - geraniums bloom best when they are slightly rootbound.
I hope this helps!
C.L. Fornari