Should leggy geraniums be cut back?
Pruning Leggy Geraniums Try pruning. Prior to bringing plants indoors (usually late fall), you should cut back about a third of your spindly geraniums. Make sure you remove any unhealthy or dead stems as well. Pruning leggy geraniums also prevents them from becoming overgrown and unsightly.
How do you prune leggy overgrown geraniums?
Here are the steps I took:
- Break the geranium into quarters & work that way.
- Remove the dead growth.
- Remove any stems which cross over.
- Continue to prune stems to create the framework of how you want the plant to grow.
- Remember to step back & look at the plant while you’re pruning.
What does a leggy geranium look like?
Leggy plants tend to have sparse flowers on weak, spindly stems, and their blooming period may be cut short. To improve the general appearance of geraniums, prune the plants to encourage healthy new growth and full blooms.
How do you overwinter geraniums indoors?
To overwinter geraniums, bring them indoors prior to frost. If you are growing them in a tub or container and time is at a premium (as it usually is in fall), simply drag the entire pot indoors where they should keep for a few weeks while you tend to other more pressing garden chores.
How do you deadhead potted geraniums?
Snip off the wilted flowers, making the cut at the very base of the flower stem. The spent stalks can then be added to your compost. You don’t even have to use secateurs if you don’t have a pair handy. Instead, simply hold the faded flower stalk near the base and pull downwards, advises the RHS (opens in new tab).
Should you cut off dead geranium flowers?
Without deadheading, the blooms have a tendency to become sparse, and they will eventually stop producing flowers. This technique also prevents the plant from forming new seeds. You should deadhead whenever your geranium blooms begin to look brown or weak.
How long do potted geraniums last?
The average life expectancy of a geranium is about two years, and although they will last much longer than that, they tend to get woody and the blooms diminish.
When should I prune my geraniums?
After the growing season is finished, pruning back the geraniums will help them stay healthy and dormant during the colder months. Wait until the flowers have died and the geranium has gotten a little leggy, in late summer or early to mid-fall.