Plants in nature receive nutrition as nearby plants break down, but landscape plants need assistance in the form of fertilizer. You should fertilize Purslane to keep the plant growing and blooming in spring and summer. Purslane is a succulent, and these plants are adept at growing without much assistance, but a dose of fertilizer will keep the plant pushing out new growth all summer long.
How to Fertilize Purslane
Purslane plants are not heavy feeders. Amend the soil with organic compost or manure when planting to help the plant settle in and thrive. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide continued nutrition over the course of the growing season. Purslane prefers acidic to neutral soil with a 5.5-7.5 pH. Advanced gardeners may want to test the soil and apply fertilizer to adjust the pH as needed.
Best Time To Fertilize Purslane
Spring is the best time to fertilize Purslane. Start the growing season strong with amended soil or an application of plant food. This plant is an annual, and it is not a heavy feeder, so one fertilizer application is enough to sustain the plant throughout the growing season.
Best Fertilizer For Purslane
Slow-release fertilizer is best for Purslane because it provides continued support. Granular fertilizer can be spread around the plant and watered in to slowly release nutrients to the roots. A slow-release product, such as Osmocote or The Grow Co Succulents & Cactus Plant Food, is also ideal because it needs to be applied once, and that’s it for the year. Balanced fertilizer with NPK ratios like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is a good choice because it helps the plant grow strong roots, foliage, and set flowers. Use a water-soluble fertilizer for potted Purslane and apply monthly during routine watering.
Purslane Fertilizing Tips
- Amend the soil with manure or organic compost when planting
- Use a slow-release granular or water-soluble fertilizer
- Apply plant food in the spring
- Water the surrounding ground to dissolve the 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 Alison Cotsonas - Published 04-20-2023 |