How do you keep geraniums healthy in the winter?

Geraniums are annual plants that perish if left outside for the winter, but they can be preserved as houseplants. To keep the plants blooming throughout the winter, you need a plastic pot for each plant, potting soil and pruning shears. Pot the plants and prune well, then find a sunny and sheltered location for them indoors, after watering them thoroughly. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

1. Move the plants to pots

   Use a hand shovel to dig up each plant, keeping the root ball intact. Add moist potting soil to a pot that is at least 6 to 8 inches in diameter, which is large enough to keep the root system healthy as it grows. Add the plant and top off with more soil. Complete this process before the first frost.

2. Prune the plants

   Use pruning shears to cut back a third of each plant. The smaller plants thrive better inside and continue to grow.

3. Choose a bright location

   Place the geraniums in a window that receives bright sunlight. A sunroom or heated porch also is an option, although temperatures should not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If sunny windows are unavailable, keep the plants under fluorescent lights or grow lamps.

4. Water and wait

   Give each plant a thorough watering, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering. A small amount of drought produces more blooms.