To get giant and colorful flowers, know How to fertilize the hydrangeas in the right way it is fundamental. It is not enough to plant them and water them: these plants require targeted treatments and particular attention.
It often happens to see hydrangeas with a lush foliage but with a few and discolored flowers, and the question arises spontaneously: “What is missing?”. The answer is almost never in case or in luck, but in daily care and in the nutrition of the soil. A wrong fertilizer can compromise months of waiting, while one spot on explodes a manual flowering. The microclimate also affects: light, humidity and position can change everything.
Often how much the hydrangeas respond well to targeted attention. It is not enough: some intervention made with criterion and the right time can transform an anonymous plant into a riot of colors. Below are practical advice and simple tricks to give hydrangeas exactly what they need.
The right fertilizer makes the difference for hydrangeas
When it comes to hydrangeas, one thing is certain: the ground and nutrition they count all the way. It is often believed that it is enough a handful of any fertilizer, but reality is a little more nuanced. Ortensias have specific needs and also change according to the variety. To get large and full flowers, you have to focus on fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassiumtwo elements that stimulate flowering. The nitrogen, on the other hand, should be careful: too much nitrogen makes many leaves grow but few flowers. Yes, a classic mistake. Very used are the slow sale granular fertilizers, but also liquid ones have their own because, especially if you want faster interventions. Some gardeners even recommend alternating them, to give a constant stimulus to the plant throughout the season.
And then there is the speech of the pH: the color of the flowers changes according to the acidity of the soil. Do you want blue hydrangeas? Then you need an acid pH. Do you prefer the pink tones? Better a more basic ground. That’s why many use aluminum sulfate to adjust the acidity and obtain the desired shade.
When and how to fertilize the hydrangeas
Know when fertilize is as important as knowing with what. Doing everything at the wrong time could frustrate every effort.
The first intervention is done in early spring, when the plants begin to awaken. Then continue to fertilize every 4-6 weeks, until the end of the summer. After August, it is better to stop: the plant needs to prepare for winter rest, not to push new growth.
Here are some useful tips:
- In early spring: use a balanced fertilizer to stimulate vegetative recovery.
- From May to July: prefer high -phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
- Do not fertilize in autumn: there is a risk of weakening the plant before the cold.
As for the “how”, it is good practice to fertilize the soil, never dry. So you avoid “burning” the roots. And attention to the doses: too fertilizer can do more damage than benefit. You know, sometimes less is more.
Natural tricks and home remedies
Do not always need expensive products to obtain results. Exist natural fertilizers which work very well and are easily found at home. Some methods have the charm of grandmother’s remedies, but they work great. For example, you can use Coffee fundsrich in nitrogen, to stimulate growth at the beginning of the season. Or add chopped egg shells for a natural calcium intake. An infusion made with bananas and water (Yes, just like that) it can give a potaxio lash. Also the domestic compostif well mature, it is excellent for enriching the soil in a balanced way.
A simple trick? For interpreting banana peels around the roots: in addition to nourishing, they improve the structure of the soil. Brilliant, right?
And for those who love the “wow” effect in colors, it is said that too The cooking water of the vegetables (cold, of course) can give a push thanks to the residual minerals. Maybe it doesn’t make miracles, but it’s worth trying.
Those who have the patience to observe their hydrangeas week after week will soon notice the results: robust stems, shiny leaves and postcard blooms. You don’t need a green manual thumb, but only a pinch of attention and some targeted care. And then let’s face it: what satisfaction to see your garden invaded by pink, blue, lilac or white clouds, giant and fragrant. It takes little to do a lot.
And once the right formula has been found, the hydrangeas will know how to thank.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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