What fertilizer is best for osmanthus trees?

The osmanthus tree is loved by people for its fragrant flowers and elegant tree shape. Every August and September, osmanthus flowers are in full bloom, filling the air with fragrance. When planting osmanthus trees, proper fertilization is the key to ensuring their healthy growth and abundant flowers. So what is the best fertilizer for osmanthus trees?

What fertilizer is best for osmanthus trees?

Follow the principle of "apply small amounts of fertilizer frequently" and use quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer as the main fertilizer to promote the growth of osmanthus branches and leaves.

Fertilizing young osmanthus: Young osmanthus trees need to be fertilized four times a year, before winter, before budding in early spring, in late May, and from June to July. Choose to apply fertilizer when the weather is clear and the soil is dry.

Fertilization of adult osmanthus: Adult osmanthus trees should be fertilized 3 times a year.

Base fertilizer is applied from mid-to-late October to before winter. Shoot-promoting fertilizer is applied in February and March to promote the growth of spring shoots. Flower-promoting fertilizer should be applied in August (one month before flowering) to increase the number of flowers and improve the quality of flowers.

The first two fertilizations were mainly organic fertilizers such as cow and sheep manure and lake mud. The last two fertilizations are mainly quick-acting nitrogen fertilizers.

Since the absorption of osmanthus trees is mainly in the fibrous roots outside the crown, trenches should be dug around the outer circle of the crown projection when applying fertilizer. The depth of the trench should be determined according to the depth of the root system.

Newly transplanted osmanthus trees have weak absorption capacity due to root damage, so topdressing should not be done too early.

When applying fertilizer, avoid direct contact between fertilizer and branches, leaves, thick roots and fibrous roots. After fertilizing, the soil needs to be covered and the ground needs to be leveled. Water appropriately after fertilizing to help the fertilizer dissolve and be absorbed by the roots.

How to water the osmanthus tree?

Within one month after planting the newly planted osmanthus, water it in time according to the weather and soil conditions, ensuring that each watering fully penetrates the soil. When conditions permit, spray water on the tree crown to maintain air humidity and reduce water evaporation from the seedlings.

In mid-September, when flower buds begin to sprout, increase watering appropriately and keep the soil moist to promote flowering. Loosen the soil before watering to avoid soil compaction and improve water permeability. Adult osmanthus has a certain drought resistance and does not require frequent and large-scale watering. Drought prevention and watering are only required under extremely drought conditions.

Osmanthus is not tolerant to waterlogging. Poor drainage or high groundwater levels can cause leaves to fall off, root rot, and even death. During the rainy season or after continuous rainfall, timely inspections and drainage work should be carried out to prevent waterlogging from damaging young osmanthus trees.

Long-term poor drainage will cause the growth of osmanthus to be hindered, affecting flowering, causing the roots to turn black and rot, and the leaves to turn yellow and wither. When using a water pump or tap water for watering, avoid washing the soil around the roots of the osmanthus. Ensure that the drainage system of the osmanthus planting area is good to avoid waterlogging and waterlogging.

In short, through reasonable fertilization plans and methods, the osmanthus tree can obtain sufficient nutrients to promote its lush branches and leaves and the fragrance of its flowers. The annual fertilization plan should be adjusted according to the age and growth conditions of the osmanthus tree to ensure healthy growth of the plant and a good harvest of flowers.