Fertilization principles for flowers

Fertilize according to the season

Spring and summer are the peak growth periods for plants. Plants grow rapidly during this period and have a greater demand for nutrients. It is necessary to apply "three-element" fertilizers mainly composed of nitrogen fertilizers. A small amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied in autumn to improve the plants' ability to resist cold and survive the winter. In winter, flowers enter a dormant period, and a small amount of fertilizer can be applied to meet growth needs.

Fertilize according to plant growth

Healthy plants grow fast and require more nutrients, so they need to be fertilized frequently with small amounts of fertilizer; diseased plants grow slowly and require less fertilizer, so less fertilizer or no fertilizer can be applied.

Fertilize according to the plant growth period

During the bud stage, the plants should be fertilized with fertilizers mainly composed of phosphorus and potassium, which can promote the differentiation of flower buds and make the plants bloom more; it is not advisable to apply fertilizer when the plants are flowering, otherwise the flowering period will be shortened; fertilizing when the plants are setting fruit but the fruit has not yet firmly established will cause fruit drop. It is advisable to apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers when the fruit is firmly established, especially during the fruit expansion period, to promote fruit growth.

Fertilization according to plant type

Alkaline fertilizers are prohibited for certain plants, such as azaleas and gardenias. For flowers that need heavy pruning every year, the proportion of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be appropriately increased to promote the sprouting of new branches. Nitrogen fertilizers are suitable for flowers that are mainly for viewing leaves. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are suitable for the flowering period of fragrant flowers. Fruit-viewing flowers should be fertilized with sufficient fertilizer during the fruit-bearing period to increase the amount of fruit.