How to grow hydrangea

Soil selection

In early spring, move the hydrangea seedlings into pots and prepare the flower soil before doing so. There are three methods:

Mix leaf mold, garden soil, river sand and cake fertilizer in the ratio of 4:3:2:1.

Or mix compost soil, sandy soil and cake fertilizer in a ratio of 4:5:1.

Or a mixture of leaf mold, sandy soil (or ash), and cake fertilizer in a ratio of 6:3:1.

Fertilization method

Hydrangea likes fertilizer. During the growing season, apply cake fertilizer once every 15 days or so. During the budding period, top dressing is required 1 to 2 times, mainly with superphosphate soaking solution, to promote large and colorful flowers.

Of course, fertilization also has an important role, which is to harmonize the soil. Hydrangeas like acidic soil, but the water at home is neutral. Long-term watering will reduce the acidity of the soil, so when fertilizing, you can add appropriate amount of ferrous sulfate to turn it into alum fertilizer for irrigation, thereby increasing the acidity of the soil.

Watering method

Hydrangea has thick leaves, large and bright flowers, and requires a lot of water. However, hydrangeas have fleshy roots, so water cannot accumulate in the pot, otherwise the roots will rot easily. Here are the watering requirements for hydrangeas at different times:

Water frequently in spring and summer to keep the soil moist, especially during the hot summer months. Water once in the morning and evening, and pay attention to providing adequate shade at noon.

In addition to watering from May to August, you also need to spray water on the leaves.

After September, the weather gradually becomes cooler, so you should reduce the amount of water to promote strong branches and promote dormancy. During winter dormancy, reduce watering (if possible), and keep the soil in the pot slightly moist.

Lighting requirements

Hydrangea prefers shade but not sun. When moved outdoors in spring, it should be placed in semi-shade for maintenance. In midsummer, the plant should be placed in a well-ventilated shaded place to prevent sun burns. After September, the light gradually weakens, so the plants should be placed in a bright place to promote the differentiation of flower buds!

Temperature requirements

The most suitable temperature for hydrangea growth is 18-28℃, and it should not be lower than 5℃ in winter. After the flower buds differentiate, place them in an environment of 5 to 7 degrees Celsius for 6 to 8 weeks and they will bloom. After flowering, increase the temperature and stabilize it at around 16 degrees Celsius to extend the flowering period. During the flowering period, the temperature cannot be too high, which can easily cause the flowers to fade.

Precautions

Hydrangea prefers acidic soil and cannot tolerate barrenness. It will grow poorly in alkaline soil and its branches and leaves will turn yellow. Flower color is also affected by soil pH.

In early October, the plant should be moved indoors for maintenance, with appropriate water control and the temperature maintained at 5°C to promote dormancy. Before moving indoors, remove some of the leaves to prevent leaf rot and infection.

It is usually necessary to top the plant twice during the growing season to promote branching. After flowering, cut back old branches to control the height of the plant. Shorten the plants again before winter to help them overwinter.