Cuttings tray of scented leaved Pelargoniums to discuss effective tips for caring for and overwintering plants

Pelargoniums in December: Caring for Your Plants During Winter

Winter can be a challenging season for Pelargonium growers, and this year has been no exception! With grey skies, wet weather, and low light levels followed by snow, frost, and the fierce winds of Storm Darragh, many of us have had to double down on care for our plants.

At Growing Crazy, we've been hard at work ensuring our Pelargoniums stay healthy despite the tough conditions. Whether you're growing them indoors or attempting to overwinter them in the garden, we thought we would share some tried-and-tested tips to keep your plants thriving through the winter months.

Top Winter Care Tips for Pelargoniums

1. Watering - Winter conditions can be deceptive. Indoors, the dry air from central heating may cause compost to dry out faster than you expect. Check your Pelargoniums regularly and water sparingly when the top layer of compost feels dry, but be careful not to overwater.

2. Light - Pelargoniums need good light to stay healthy and avoid becoming leggy. A sunny windowsill is ideal for indoor plants. If your Pelargoniums are in a greenhouse, they should receive sufficient light at this time of year while they rest, but make sure the glass is clean so the light can get through.

3. Temperature - Keep Pelargonium plants away from cold drafts and ensure the temperature remains around 10°C. This will protect them from frost damage and help them stay healthy through the colder months.

4. Ventilation - Good airflow is essential to prevent fungal infections like botrytis, which can cause rot. If your Pelargoniums are in a greenhouse, open vents during the day to maintain airflow.

5. Outdoor Plants - For those attempting to overwinter plants outdoors, insulation is key. Use fleece to shield plants from frost but avoid wrapping them tightly in bubble wrap or plastic, as this restricts ventilation and increases the risk of unfavourable conditions and rot.

 

Behind the Scenes at Growing Crazy

Our Pelargonium cuttings are tucked up snugly for winter and getting the VIP treatment! We take cuttings in small batches to maintain the health and quality of each variety. We have been busy preparing for Spring 2025, making our lists and checking them twice! We are planning the release of our next availability update on our website in the next couple of weeks along with some exciting new additions to our collection.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we approach Christmas, we're brimming with excitement about the year ahead. We’ve got big plans for Growing Crazy, including new varieties, events, and collaborations that we can’t wait to share with you. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on all the latest news.

From the team at Growing Crazy, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Here’s to another fantastic year of Pelargonium growing in 2025!

 

We often get asked to suggest products to help Pelargonium enthusiasts survive winter, grow stronger plants or more blooms!! So have compiled some links below for you that might be of use. Some may include affiliate links, while we only recommend products that we believe in, we may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make.

Plant Protection & Ventilation

Horticultural Fleece - https://amzn.to/4isid5J

Battery Fan - https://amzn.to/3OS8pnT

 

Heating

Digital Thermostat Controller for Heat Mat/soil cables - https://amzn.to/49rPVUN

HotBox Electric Greenhouse heater -  https://amzn.to/4gpaK5x

 

Greenhouse Theremometer & Connections

Govee Wifi Thermometer - https://amzn.to/4f8cejL

4G Wifi Portable Dongle - https://amzn.to/41jZy64

 

 

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