Expert tips to protect pelargoniums from harsh winter conditions
Pelargonium enthusiasts, take note! Winter care for your beloved plants is crucial. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your pelargoniums survive the cold months, as advised by expert Olga Dubrova.
First, bring your pelargoniums indoors early. Check them for pests and diseases. From January, water them every two weeks, increasing to once a week from February. Pruning and repotting are also vital. For damaged ampel and zonal pelargoniums, remove half the shoots and root cuttings for new plants. Royal pelargoniums should be pruned almost completely, leaving only a few leaves, and stored at 5-10°C.
Olga Dubrova recommends the first fertilization in early February, using a complex fertilizer low in nitrogen but rich in potassium. She also advises against rushing nitrogen due to lack of light. To store pelargoniums, wrap roots in wet substrate and place them in a pot with a breathable lid. Remember, pelargoniums cannot withstand winter storm, so keep them indoors. Follow these rules for a frost-free winter with no loss of plants.
In summary, winter care for pelargoniums involves early indoor relocation, regular watering, pruning, repotting, and proper fertilization. With these steps, your pelargoniums will thrive throughout the first watch of the winter months.
