Question - How do I over winter geraniums and fuchsias?
I have a lot to geraniums and fuchsias. I would like to keep them over the winter to use next year. Can you tell me if this is possible, and if so how to do it?
Teresa Burns
Answer
Geraniums and fuchias subject to frost must be overwintered indoors, in a greenhouse or porch where there is a mimumum temperature of 0 degrees C. If you have limited space or wish to multiple your stock to overwinter then take cuttings as a similar way to method described for propagating pelargoniums.
Plants with a mimimum temperature of 5 degrees C will grow slowly throughout the winter so keep the plants just moist. With a temperature between 0 and 5 degrees C they will die back and should be rested overwinter. The compost should be not be allowed to dry out completely. Always change the compost before bringing plants indoors so as to leave behind any pests that might thrive and damage the plant in the warmer environment you are providing over the winter period. Check temperatures with a Maximum/Minimum thermometer.
Some varieties of fuchsia are hardy (check with the catalog). These hardy varieties will die back in winter outdoors and grow again next spring.