Propagating dry root Geraniums
I love to add zonal geraniums into my flower pots, especially the ones with variegated leaves. They add amazing colour and thrive in the hot sun.
Have you ever tried propagating dry root geraniums? This is such a simple method the takes little time with great reward! Gardeners know that buying plants can quickly add up in cost, so why not save a plant from season to season if it doesn’t take much effort? I decided to overwinter one of my geraniums, using the dry root method, to propagate the following year.
Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures of how I prepared the plant for storage. Honestly, it was so simple I don’t know that pictures were necessary! All I did was at the end of the growing season (before a killing frost), I pulled the geranium out of the pot, and shook off all the dirt. I cut off any dead pieces and flowers, leaving a nice clean plant with its root ball. If you do want more information on the exact steps, here is a video you can watch. I then put the plant, root up in a paper bag. You can also use a cardboard box, as the video mentions. Place your bag or box in a cool dark place for storage, and don’t forget about it come spring!
I was reminded the other week to check on the status of said dry root. I opened the bag which I had kept in my cold storage downstairs, and I was pleasantly surprised to find little shoots that had formed in the cool darkness of winter!
I trimmed off all the dead looking leaves and stems
I repotted the geranium in potting soil, placed it in the sun and gave it a drink. Then I waited to see if she would come alive!
How fun to watch the changes from a dead-looking root to beautiful green leaves! This is one way that northern gardeners can release some of their gardening energy when the days are feeling like spring, but it’s still too early to plant outside! Next, I want to propagate this geranium by taking cuttings and repotting them. Stayed tuned!
