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Do geraniums need protection from frost?

Author

Michael Henderson

Published Mar 06, 2026

Do geraniums need protection from frost?

These plants will tolerate up to ten degrees of frost for short periods, but what they won’t tolerate is the combination of wet and cold. Damp weather in winter is pretty deadly because the pelargoniums succumb to fungal infection and that’s what kills them.

At what temperature should geraniums be brought inside?

65 to 70 F
The ideal temperature for growing geraniums indoors is 65 to 70 F during the day and 55 F at night.

Are geraniums sensitive to cold?

Some surprises from the recent cold snaps: Geraniums, one of my favorite container plants, cannot tolerate a freeze, according to the University of Florida. But they can tolerate a light frost if they have had a chance to adjust to cool temperatures.

Can geraniums survive 40 degrees?

Temperature Thresholds According to Protabase, geraniums grow well in the temperature range of 65 to 95 degrees F during the growing season, and in the winter low temperatures between 40 to 50 degrees F, according to the “A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants.”

Can I overwinter geraniums in a cold frame?

A cold frame is ideal for harbouring tender plants like fuchsias and geraniums over winter. Pack the inside walls with straw to stave off the worst of the cold.

Can geraniums survive winter outside?

Geraniums are unusual and unlike many annual flowers, they have the ability to survive for most of the winter without soil. Place the plants inside open paper bags or hang them upside-down from the rafters in a cool, dark location for the winter. Ideally the temperature should be between 45-50 F.

Can I overwinter geraniums in an unheated greenhouse?

Overwintering Geraniums in Unheated Greenhouse Bring the potted geraniums into the greenhouse before the first freeze. Water only as needed during the winter months. Keeping in an unheated greenhouse works only if the greenhouse interior does not freeze.

What happens if geraniums freeze?

While geraniums can withstand cooler temperatures and even light frosts, hard killing freezes — when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit — result in freeze damage and possibly death of the geranium.

How much frost can geraniums stand?

Keeping Geraniums Alive Those with thick stems probably will survive a moderate freeze, with temperatures from 25 to 28 F, though it is likely to shrivel their flowers and leaves.

Will geraniums freeze at 30 degrees?

Outside their hardiness range, grow geraniums as outdoor annuals or indoor houseplants. While geraniums can withstand cooler temperatures and even light frosts, hard killing freezes — when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit — result in freeze damage and possibly death of the geranium.

How much frost can geraniums take?

How do you keep geraniums through the winter?

Set the plants in a shady spot and let them dry for a few days. This will help avoid mold or mildew during storage. Store your geraniums through winter in a paper bag or cardboard box in a cool, dry location, at about 50 to 60 degrees F.