Question: I have many geraniums, coleus, sultanas, wax begonias and other such plants growing in outdoor beds. They have multiplied rapidly this summer and I would like to winter them over for use next year. Could you make some suggestion as to proper pruning and subsequent care through the winter? Could they be grouped in a flat and kept in my basement where it is cool? EM., Texas.
Answer: In the fall geraniums should be pruned heavily, kept cool, on the dry side, and be given plenty of light all winter. They are resting and need to be kept practically dormant until spring. In a box in a light place in the basement should be an excellent storage place. The wax begonias do not rest. They grow the year around and should have more light and more heat than is required to store geraniums. Place them in a separate box and give them a lighter, warmer place. The sultani grows best during early summer. Keep it growing along with the begonias over winter, prune it back hard in early spring and start new plants from the cuttings. Coleus should be potted up and cut back, watered regularly, kept warm and given all the light possible over winter. The old plants will provide an abundance of cuttings in the spring which make better plants than the ones kept over. While they all may be stored in the basement they should be kept separate and treated differently.
