One of the key ways to keep your calibrachoa blooming all season long is a good fertilizer regimen. This plant needs ample nutrients to produce gorgeous blooms all season long. Add fertilizer at the initial planting and throughout the summer for best results. Calibrachoa is primarily grown as an annual plant in areas colder than zone 9. Fertilize less frequently during the winter months if this plant is a perennial in your garden.
How to Fertilize Calibrachoa
Fertilize Calibrachoa at planting and every other week during the growing season. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilizing. Excessive fertilizer can burn the plant’s roots. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling powder or granular fertilizers. Do not apply fertilizer to the leaves unless the fertilizer is designated for application as a foliar feed. Wear a mask when handling powder fertilizers to avoid inhalation.
Best Time To Fertilize Calibrachoa
Mix a slow-release granular fertilizer or compost into the soil at the time of planting. Supplement container-grown plants with a liquid fertilizer every few weeks. Liquid fertilizer is easier to use. Garden plants can be side dressed with granular fertilizer or watered with a liquid fertilizer solution. Always water after applying a powder or granular formula. Do not apply powder-based fertilizers on windy days.
Best Fertilizer For Calibrachoa
Apply a granular fertilizer at the time of planting. Use an organic fertilizer blend for flowering plants, like Down to Earth Organic Bio-Live Fertilizer Mix. This formula contains beneficial bacteria and mycorrhiza fungi to stimulate root development. Follow the directions on the package.
Liquid fertilizers are more convenient to apply to container gardens during the growing season. A good choice is AgroThrive Fruit and Flower Organic Liquid Fertilizer. With a 3-3-5 NPK content, this gentle formula will boost flowering without promoting excess foliage growth. If your calibrachoa is vigorously growing leaves, but not flowering, switch to a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen component until bud production resumes.
Some liquid fertilizers are not meant to be used at full strength. They should be diluted as directed on the packaging. It's better to provide weaker doses more often than infrequent, but stronger applications.
Calibrachoa Fertilizing Tips
- Regular fertilizing is the key to a continuous blooming calibrachoa
- Never over-fertilize to avoid burning the plant’s roots
- Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package
- Always water after applying a powder or granular fertilizer.
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 Maureen Farmer - Published 01-15-2022 |