Torenia is a low-maintenance flowering plant with a compact form. As an annual, you may wonder, does Torenia need to be fertilized? The answer is yes, the Wishbone Flower will look its best and provide consistent blooms when fertilized all summer. Plants grown in beds, borders, or containers are heavy feeders that can deplete the soil quickly, so feeding the plants provides a boost of nutrition that will help the plants thrive.
How to Fertilize Torenia
Torenia grows well in rich soil with high organic content. Amending the soil with organic compost or manure when planting will ensure the plants get off to a strong start. You can give the plants an additional nutritional boost by applying fertilizer every few weeks from spring planting through the fall frost. Depending on your preference, you can apply a liquid or granular fertilizer. Overdoing it can cause more harm than good, so always follow the instructions on the packaging when applying fertilizer.
Torenia prefers soil with a neutral to acidic pH. Advanced gardeners may want to test the soil and adjust accordingly to best prepare the planting site.
Best Time To Fertilize Torenia
Torenia benefits from continuous fertilization throughout the growing season. Default to the instructions on the packaging, but generally, fertilizing every few weeks is a good schedule to support continuous growth and blooming. Alternatively, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer once in the spring to simplify the feeding schedule. The granules will slowly dissolve over time and release a steady level of nutrients.
Wishbone flower is hardy in zones 10-11 and does not need to be fed in the winter. In other zones, the Wishbone Flower will die after a heavy frost, so it is not necessary to fertilize during late fall once the weather turns chilly.
Best Fertilizer For Torenia
Torenia is an adaptable plant that does best with a balanced fertilizer, with an NPK ratio close to 10-10-10. As a flowering plant, a balanced fertilizer provides the proper nutrition to support both foliage and flower production. You can select a slow-release fertilizer to ensure a gentle release of nutrients all season long.
Torenia Fertilizing Tips
- During planting, amend the soil with organic compost or manure
- If using a liquid or granular fertilizer, apply in the spring and every few weeks, following the instructions on the packaging
- Water the plant prior to applying a granular fertilizer to help the roots absorb the nutrients
- Use a slow-release fertilizer once in the spring to simplify the feeding routine
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 30-06-2022 |