Geraniums (often called pelargoniums) are one of those cheerful garden staples we wish could last forever. The good news? With a little planning, you can overwinter geraniums and enjoy the same plants year after year—saving money and getting bigger, better blooms each season.

Below are three simple methods for overwintering geraniums, so you can choose what works best for your space and gardening style.

When to Bring Geraniums Inside

Geraniums are frost-tender, so timing matters. Bring them indoors before the first hard frost, when nighttime temperatures start dipping below 45°F (7°C). A light frost can damage stems and roots, making overwintering less successful.

Method 1: Overwinter Geraniums as Houseplants

This is the easiest and most popular method.

What You’ll Need:

• Clean pots with drainage
• Fresh potting soil
• A sunny window (south- or west-facing is ideal)

Steps:

1. Trim the plant back by about one-third to reduce stress.
2. Inspect for pests and rinse leaves if needed.
3. Repot if the plant is root-bound.
4. Place in bright light indoors.
5. Water sparingly—allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Winter Care Tips:

• Geraniums prefer cooler indoor temps (60–70°F).
• Skip fertilizer until spring.
• Some leaf drop is normal as the plant adjusts.

Method 2: Dormant Storage (Bare-Root Method)

Perfect if you don’t have sunny windows or want to store many plants.

What You’ll Need:

• Paper bags, cardboard boxes, or hanging space
• A cool, dark, dry area (basement or garage, 35–50°F)

Steps:

1. Dig up plants carefully before frost.
2. Shake off all soil from the roots.
3. Cut stems back to about 6 inches.
4. Hang plants upside down or store them in paper bags.
5. Check monthly for mold or shriveling.

Maintenance:

• If stems look shriveled, lightly mist roots.
• Remove any moldy or soft growth.

Method 3: Taking Geranium Cuttings

This is a great backup plan and works well if your original plant struggles.

Steps:

1. Cut 4–6 inch healthy stems.
2. Remove lower leaves.
3. Place cuttings in water or moist potting mix.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light.
5. Roots should form in 2–4 weeks.

By spring, you’ll have fresh, young plants ready to pot up.

Waking Geraniums Up in Spring

About 6–8 weeks before your last frost:

• Move plants to brighter light.
• Resume regular watering.
• Start light fertilizing.
• Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness.

Once all danger of frost has passed, gradually harden plants off before returning them outdoors.

Why Overwinter Geraniums?

• Bigger blooms each year
• Save money on new plants
• Preserve favorite colors or heirloom varieties

Overwintering geraniums may sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Whether you keep them growing indoors or let them rest dormant, your geraniums will thank you with lush growth and vibrant flowers come spring.