Why should you fertilize Petunias? These prolific growing plants do very well with little care, but taking the extra time to feed your Petunias will ensure the plants are healthy, lush, and covered in blooms from the spring through the fall.
How to Fertilize Petunias
Neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for Petunias. Test the soil and select a fertilizer that creates these conditions to help support healthy root development and plant growth. Petunias are heavy feeders, meaning they do very well when regularly fertilized.
There are several ways you can feed Petunias. Amend the soil with organic fertilizer or apply a slow-release fertilizer during planting to promote growth and help the plant settle in. Using a liquid fertilizer every other week throughout the season will maintain the growth rate and encourage more blooms. Always water the plant when fertilizing to protect against fertilizer burn and enable the roots to absorb the nutrients better.
Best Time To Fertilize Petunias
Fertilize Petunias in the spring and every 2 weeks for the rest of the growing season. Consistent feeding will create healthy and productive plants that will push out an abundance of flowers.
Best Fertilizer For Petunias
Rich, organic soil that drains well is a good start when growing Petunias. Mixing in a slow-release fertilizer can also give these plants a much-needed boost to start the growing season off right. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer with an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 ratio throughout the growing season, or use a product like Miracle Grow.
Feeding the plants throughout the growing season will ensure consistent growth and lots of flowers. Petunias in the ground will benefit from feeding every other week. Potted Petunias and spreading varieties in the ground can be fed once weekly.
Petunia Fertilizing Tips
- Amend the soil with organic material
- Use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring
- Water thoroughly when applying fertilizer to prevent fertilizer burn
- Apply a complete balanced liquid fertilizer every other week for plants in the ground or once a week for potted or spreading Petunias
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 Alison Cotsonas - Published 16-12-2021 |