Fertilizing Verbena

Verbena is common to gardens and outdoor spaces because they are relatively low maintenance, and when properly cared for, these plants are loaded with clusters of vibrantly colored flowers. Whether newly planted or established, fertilizing your Verbena can help your plant stay healthy and have a fast growth rate.

How to Fertilize Verbena

When planting, the easiest way to fertilize Verbena is to mix organic fertilizer, like compost or manure, into the soil. Verbenas are not very fussy when it comes to soil, and they can handle poor quality soil, but mixing in some organic matter can promote growth and blooms. A slightly acidic soil pH of 5.8 to 7.2 is ideal.

A balanced fertilizer applied monthly during the growing season can help encourage more flowers and extend the blooming period—water the plant before applying a water-soluble fertilizer. Wet roots are better able to absorb the fertilizer, and this prevents fertilizer burn.

Best Time To Fertilize Verbena

Fertilize Verbena once per month as soon as the plant starts to bloom. Container plants can be fertilized every two weeks to help sustain growth and flowers. In subtropical climates, perennial Verbena can grow year-round. Continue to fertilize if your Verbena is blooming, but stop fertilizing if the plant goes dormant. 

Best Fertilizer For Verbena

Organic matter mixed into the soil is always an excellent choice to feed plants. In terms of slow-release fertilizer mixes, you want to use anything that promotes flowers. Any variation of 3-1-2 fertilizer mix or a Miracle Grow fertilizer is a good option for Verbena.

Verbena Fertilizing Tips

• Start fertilizing Verbena when the first round of flowers start to bloom
• Use a slow-release fertilizer mix intended to promote flowering
• Apply fertilizer once per month until the plant stops blooming
• Water the plant before feeding to prevent fertilizer burn

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.

Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 13-12-2021