Alyssum is an ornamental plant grown primarily for its nonstop blooming and sweet-scented flowers. Whether you are growing Alyssum as an annual ornamental or a tender perennial ground cover, the same type of fertilizer is required to encourage flowering. Following a schedule for fertilizing through the summer will keep Alyssum blooming happily until the first frost of fall.
How to Fertilize Alyssum
Alyssum is not fussy about the soil it is growing in, as long as the pH is near 7.0 or neutral. Feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer during a regular watering session every 2-3 weeks supports growth and blooming all summer. Plants growing in the garden or containers should be fed on the same schedule. Alyssum that is grown as a perennial should be fertilized with a slow-release granular formula that is mixed into the soil. Slow-release fertilizers usually stay active for three months. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and fertilize Alyssum year-round in the warmer zones of 9-11.
Best Time To Fertilize Alyssum
Fertilize Alyssum while it is actively growing and blooming. Grown as an annual, Alyssum needs feeding every 2-3 weeks from April to first frost. Alyssum grown as a perennial will need feeding every three months starting in the early spring. A summer feeding and then a late fall feeding is sufficient. Plants do not take up fertilizers when soil temperatures are below 50 degrees F.
Best Fertilizer For Alyssum
Heavy-blooming plants require feeds high in Phosphorous and lower in Nitrogen. NPK ratios to look for are 0-10-10 or 1-3-1. Brands such as Espoma and Alaska make fertilizers recognized by the OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) as true organic formulas. We recommend fertilizing Alyssum with Alaska Mor Bloom and Espoma Blooming, which are complete fertilizers and are blended to promote heavy blooming and strong root development.
Alyssum Fertilizing Tips
- Use a complete fertilizer with a high Phosphorous to Nitrogen ratio.
- Feed annual-grown plants every 2-3 weeks with a liquid formulation for quick uptake
- Feed perennial-grown Alyssum with a granular slow-release fertilizer for a more consistent rate of nutrient release
- Annuals can be fertilized up to the first frost of the season
- Perennials should be fed every three months year-round as long as the weather is above 50 F
Warnings
-Always wear protective gloves and a face mask when handling chemical fertilizers.
-Closely follow all directions and storage guidelines that are on the fertilizer label.
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Author Robbin Small - Published 12-16-2022 |