How to determine when to apply fertilizer to your flowers

Fertilize according to the physiological balance principle of flowers

For fruit-viewing flowers, on the premise of meeting the nitrogen fertilizer needs, attention should be paid to the ratio of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; for foliage flowers, potassium fertilizers should be applied on the basis of sufficient nitrogen fertilizers; for flowering flowers, nitrogen fertilizers should be used mainly, supplemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, trace elements and rare earth fertilizers.

Fertilize flowers according to their different growth and development stages

Perennial flowers require a lot of nitrogen fertilizer during the rapid growth stage of seedlings, and also pay attention to supplementing phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Generally speaking, nitrogen fertilizer is applied during the growing period of flowers, no fertilizer is needed when they bloom, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied before flowering, and top dressing is applied after flowering.

Take azalea as an example

When azalea is grown as a potted plant, base fertilizer should be applied before planting, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied before flowering to promote the formation of flower buds and flowering; after the azalea flowers fade, fertilizers mainly composed of nitrogen fertilizers should be applied to promote the growth of branches and leaves. After the new branches and leaves are lignified, fertilizers mainly composed of phosphorus fertilizers and a combination of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers should be applied; azalea does not need to be fertilized during its winter dormancy period, and the application of phosphorus fertilizers before flowering can make the plant's flowers larger and more colorful.

Fertilize flowers according to their growing seasons

In spring and autumn, base fertilizer can be applied, and phosphorus fertilizer can be applied appropriately. Applying nitrogen fertilizer when flowers are sprouting and leafing out in spring can ensure the nutrition of the plants and make them grow vigorously. After entering summer, the flower buds of many woody flowers begin to differentiate. At this time, it is necessary to ensure the supply of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and control the amount of phosphorus fertilizers.