Top Tips for Protecting your Pelargoniums Against the Cold
Protecting Pelargoniums from frost is crucial, especially since they are sensitive to cold temperatures. Here are some top tips to keep your pelargoniums safe during frosty weather:
❄️ Bring Them Indoors - Ideal for Potted Pelargoniums.
If your pelargoniums are in pots or containers, bring them indoors before the first frost. Place them in a cool, frost-free spot like a greenhouse, conservatory, or a sunny windowsill. They prefer a spot with temperatures between 5°C and 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
❄️ Cover with Fleece or Cloches
If your Pelargoniums are planted in beds, use horticultural fleece, garden fabric, or cloches to protect them from frost. These create a barrier against cold air and frost. 💡 DIY Tip: You can use old sheets or plastic covers in a pinch, but make sure they don’t touch the leaves directly, as moisture can freeze onto the plant.
❄️ Cut Back and Mulch
Prune: If you can’t bring them indoors, trim your pelargoniums back by about one-third before the first frost. This encourages healthy growth later and reduces the plant's exposure to cold damage.
Mulching: Add a thick layer of mulch, such as straw, compost, or bark chips, around the base of the plant to insulate the roots.
❄️ Water Sparingly
Reduce watering frequency as the temperatures drop. Overly moist soil combined with frost can damage the roots. Keep the soil slightly dry during winter to prevent freezing.
❄️ Store Bare Root
If you have limited indoor space, you can dig up your pelargoniums and store them bare root. Gently shake off excess soil, prune back foliage, and store the roots in a cool, dry place in paper bags or boxes filled with newspaper.
❄️ Greenhouse Heating
If you have a greenhouse, ensure it’s insulated and consider using a small heater or thermal blanket during particularly cold spells.
❄️ Explore Hardy Pelargonium Varieties
If frost is a frequent concern, consider planting hardy pelargonium varieties like Pelargonium Sidoides, which can tolerate cooler temperatures better than most traditional varieties.
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By following these steps, you can ensure your pelargoniums survive the winter frost and bloom again next year. Of course, we are always on hand should you have any specific cold concerns. Get in contact at sales@fibrex.co.uk
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