Did you know you get more boom out of blooms by fertilizing and deadheading flowers? Feeding makes plants healthier, bigger and more disease- and pest-resistant. So don’t be afraid to cut off flowers as they fade to produce more blossoms and extend the color cycle. Plus, your garden will look better, too.
Feed Annuals and Perennials to Get More Blooms:
- Choose a fertilizer with a balanced mixture of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and follow directions for amount to apply.
- All-in-one fertilizers feed and help control pests and diseases. Slow-release granular fertilizers dole nutrients out gradually over several months, allowing you to fertilize less.
- Lightly water around the base of a plant before applying a granular fertilizer. Work it into soil.
- Water thoroughly after fertilizing.
- Feed every 4-6 weeks, or as directed.
- Don’t overfeed. Too much fertilizer causes weak growth, which attracts pests and diseases.\
Deadhead Annuals and Perennials:
- Deadhead perennials and annuals by snipping or pinching off faded blooms. For tall-stemmed perennials, cut at the base of the plant’s stem.
- Don’t remove leaves that provide essential nutrients for future blooms.
- Make this task effortless by doing a little each day.