Not hard to grow, azaleas are loved for their early, showy blooms. When they don’t do well, it’s usually because of an imbalance in their environment or nutrition. Like all species in the rhododendron family, azaleas are acid-loving plants. Maintaining the correct pH level of 4. 5 to 6. 0 is key to the health of your shrub.
Once established, azaleas dont need much fertilizer. Youll see better results with organic products and soil amendments like compost and mulches. You should be able to grow an azalea in your yard as long as you plant it in the right spot and give it the food it needs.
Azaleas are prized for their showy spring blooms that come in a rainbow of colors. To keep azaleas looking their best season after season periodic fertilization is recommended. But when exactly should you feed these flowering shrubs? The ideal timing depends on factors like the plant’s age variety, and bloom cycle. Read on for a complete guide to determine the optimal times for fertilizing azaleas in your garden.
Spring Fertilizing
Early spring, right after new growth emerges, is an excellent time for fertilizing established azalea plants. The shrubs are starting to wake from winter dormancy and can utilize the nutrients for the upcoming season. Apply fertilizer in spring once you see 1-2 inches of new growth on the stems. The soil should also be moist but not saturated at the time of fertilizer application.
Spring feeding promotes lush foliage growth and helps flower buds develop for the next year’s blooms. It fuels the plant for the growth necessary after emerging from winter. Focus on organic fertilizers for spring azalea feeding. Products labeled specifically for azaleas, camellias, and other acid-lovers are ideal.
Summer Fertilizing
You can also fertilize azaleas during the summer months from June through August. However late spring and early summer feeding should be avoided. Fertilizing too close to the summer solstice triggers new growth that is prone to winter injury.
If you do fertilize in summer, select a light application of a slow-release organic fertilizer. The goal is to provide nutrients without pushing excessive growth before dormancy. Summer feeding is most beneficial for azaleas grown in containers. Potted azaleas have a harder time retaining nutrients and appreciate an extra boost.
Fall Fertilizing
Fall is not an ideal time to fertilize established azaleas. Feeding azaleas in fall causes lush new growth that is tender and likely to be damaged when cold weather arrives. The new stems and leaves have no time to properly harden off before winter dormancy.
However, newly planted azaleas can be fertilized lightly in the fall after temperatures cool. The dose of nutrients helps young plants establish roots to survive winter. Use caution not to over-fertilize and promote late season growth.
Winter Fertilizing
The best time to fertilize azaleas is actually during the winter months. Anytime between late fall and early spring is suitable for winter feeding. This timing corresponds with the plant’s dormancy which lasts from fall to spring.
Winter fertilizing acids and regenerates the soil to support spring growth and blooming. It also allows nutrients to integrate gradually without causing a growth spurt. Use acidifying organic fertilizers or sulfur-based soil acidifiers. Testing and amending soil pH before growth resumes is smart.
Bloom-Cycle Fertilizing
With repeat-blooming azalea varieties, also called re-bloomers, fertilizer timing is a bit different. These rhododendron hybrids, like the Encore series, bloom in spring then again in summer and fall. To maximize growth and flowering, fertilize re-blooming azaleas just after each flush of blooms finishes. This quickly replenishes nutrients lost during flowering.
New Plantings
When dealing with newly planted azaleas, no additional fertilizer is needed in the first season. At planting time, work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enrich it. Then rely on mulching to feed the shallow azalea roots. Next spring, you can begin fertilizing new azaleas after the first flush of growth.
Mature Plants
Mature, established azaleas that have been in the ground for over 2 years are on a different fertilizing schedule. Supplemental feeding is only needed every 2-3 years for mature plants. exceptions are container-grown azaleas which need yearly feeding. Test soil pH and nutrient levels first before fertilizing mature plants.
Signs that Fertilizing is Needed
How can you tell if an azalea needs to be fed? Look for these cues:
- Small leaves and stunted growth
- Pale or yellowing foliage
- Failure to bloom or small blooms
- Leaf drop earlier than normal in fall
- Evidence of pests like lace bugs
Any of these indicate it’s time to test soil and consider fertilization. Liquid feeds can provide a quick fix for struggling azaleas.
Application Method
When feeding azaleas, distribute fertilizer above the root zone in a circle around the plant. Scatter granules from the trunk to 2-3 feet beyond the foliage dripline. Azaleas have shallow roots and will take up nutrients from this broad soil area. Avoid mounding fertilizer right next to the base. Then water thoroughly after applying to move nutrients into the root zone.
By understanding the best times to fertilize azaleas based on variety, age, and bloom cycle, you can optimize growth and flowering. Proper fertilization encourages health, vigor, and bountiful blooms!
Best Types of Fertilizers For Azaleas
The organic and inorganic fertilizers are made especially for azaleas and other plants that like acid. They come in granular, liquid, and spike forms.
When to Fertilize Azaleas
Add a lot of organic matter to the soil before planting an azalea. This can be done in the spring or early fall when it is cooler.
Putting compost, shredded leaves, pine straw, or other organic materials around new and established plants as mulch is often enough to meet their nutrient needs. But if you want to make your plant grow new leaves or if it shows signs of not getting enough nutrients, the right fertilizer can help.
The best time to fertilize azaleas is during their dormancy between late fall and early spring. Do not fertilize after June because it causes a lot of new growth late in the season, which makes the plant more likely to get hurt by cold weather. Reblooming azaleas such as the Encore series benefit most from feeding after the first bloom.
When you put down fertilizer, make sure the soil is wet and that rain or irrigation will wash it in. Never fertilize azaleas during dry weather or a drought. The lack of moisture causes fertilizer burn in the plant.
When To Fertilize Azaleas
When to fertilize azaleas?
One sign that it’s time to think about when to fertilize azaleas is chlorotic leaves that have green veins but are yellowing in between them. Chlorosis will primarily be evident on new leaves if soil pH is an issue. If it’s a nitrogen deficiency, the yellowing will occur on the older leaves toward the inside of the shrub.
When should azaleas be planted?
Azaleas shrubs are best planted in the spring or early fall. Growth rates vary by species, but most are relatively slow-growing. A one-gallon container plant usually will flower in its first year but may take as much as 10 years to reach its full size. Azaleas are toxic to humans and animals. Here are the main care requirements for growing azaleas:
Can azaleas eat compost?
A: Yes, compost can be used as a natural fertilizer for azaleas. It is rich in nutrients and helps to improve soil structure. Q: How often should I fertilize my azalea? A: Azaleas should be fertilized once in the spring and once in the fall. Q: Can I use regular fertilizer on my azalea?
Can azaleas eat granules?
Application of granular plant food is very easy. All you have to do is apply the granules to the soil surrounding your azaleas and cover them with mulch at the start of Spring and the nutrients are released into the soil throughout the growing season as the soil temperature increases.
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