Master Gardener : Prepare annuals for next year

Have you noticed the nights are getting dark earlier and the mornings are much cooler when you get up? Now is the time to think about preparing some of your annual flowering plants for wintering over before the first freeze. Yes, you can save that beautiful begonia, fuchsia and geranium for next year and have them blooming by Mother’s Day.

Fibrous begonias, also known as wax begonias, are one of the most economical annuals to grow, and are rarely damaged by wind, rain or pests. If they are not already in pots, transplant into pots or containers and move them into a basement or cool room with a temperature of 40 to 50 degrees. In late April or May of next year, move them outside.

Tuberous begonias come in upright and pendulous forms and are perfect for shaded patio planters and hanging baskets. When flowering is almost over, water them less. When the leaves fall off, remove the dead stems and shake the soil from the tubers. Allow the tubers to dry in the air for a few hours, and then store the tubers in sand or peat moss at a temperature of 45 to 55 degrees. Throughout the winter, check the tubers for rooting or rotting. If you find any, change the medium and move to a drier place. If any are shriveling, moisten with a spray of water.

Fuchsias are capable of blooming all year long. However, plants will be more vigorous and blooms fuller if they get a period of dormancy, which works great with our winters. Cut plants back severely to the edge of the pot this month. Water sparingly every three to four weeks and rest in a cool (45 to 50 degree) basement or insulated garage. In late February, put plants under fluorescent lights and resume regular watering. Fuchsias do not like being pot-bound, so now is a good time to replace the soil or move to a larger pot.

To store geraniums, dig the plants before the first heavy frost. Cut tops back to about 6 inches (you can save some tip shoots for cuttings), pack roots close together in deep boxes and cover with light garden soil. Potted plants can be left in their pots and pruned to 6 inches. Store them in a dimly lit area with a temperature of 40 to 45 degrees. Water the soil well and check occasionally throughout winter, watering only to prevent the plants from shriveling. In early April, pot the surviving plants in good soil, water them well, and place them in bright light for a beautiful summer plant.