What is the best way to winter geraniums?

can I pull them out of the pots and hang them in the basement till spring?

What is the best way to winter geraniums?
The most important thing I can tell you is to keep all of your plants away from heat sources in the house. Also be aware that there may be insects on the plant, which could migrate to your houseplants, so you might want to spray them before exposing them to your others.


The best way is to try to re-create the same conditions indoors that the geraniums were growing in, outdoors. Try to provide as much light and humidity as you can. The best temperature range would be from 60-70 degrees, which is cooler than a typical house in the winter, so if you have a spare room, that might be cooler, with sufficient light, you have it made.
Reply:Your sucess will depend on what type of geranium it is and the temperature of your basement. Perennial geraniums simply stay out in the garden with all the other perennials.


Cranesbill, these are also called true geraniums.


Ivy, Scented, Seed and Regals (a.k.a. Martha Washington). Zonal, Scented, Seed and Ivy geraniums are the most likely to winter successfully indoors. But Regal (Martha Washington) geraniums need special attention both during the growing season and during the winter. Regal geraniums need cool temperatures in order to bloom profusely. Winter them in the house in a cool 50° to 60° room that has a south or west window.


Dig up the plants before a killing frost in the fall. Cut the branches back about half way. Remove as much of the dirt from the roots as possible. Do this carefully because geraniums are rather brittle. They were traditionally hung from the rafters until spring. If you don't have rafters, you can bag them separately in paper grocery sacks. Leave the sacks open for ventilation.


EXCERPT BELOW


http://www.bachmans.com/tipsheets/Annual...


*********Storing Them Dormant


Check your plants every month or so to see if they are getting too dry and shriveling. If necessary, spray them with water. If they get so dry the stems begin to shrivel, take them out and soak them for an hour or two in tepid water. Remove them from the water and allow their surfaces to dry before putting them back in the paper bags. Plants that have been overwintered in this manner may take several weeks to begin growing again in the spring. Soak the geraniums for several hours, roots and all, in water that contains a transplant fertilizer mixed at half strength. To get an early start, you can pot up the plants indoors several weeks before the last frost and transfer them into the ground later. When planting directly outdoors, be sure to wait until after all danger of frost is gone.


As for insects on the plant make sure you check the roots for the little buggers and since you are cutting them back do this outdoors leaving the unwanted guests outside. When you take them in use a organic spray to eliminate the possibility of bug or any fungus. Something like a 3 in 1.


Just make sure they are dry before you bag them.


******Please Note*********


I might add that the work involved may be a little much considering the cost of fresh plants in the spring are usually very minimal.
Reply:I just haul mine inside. Bugs get murdered later if they dare show their antennae. Cuttings will root in water.

Fitness Shoes