When and how to fertilise Bougainvillea plants

    Bougainvillea plants by nature are fast growing, but in some climates they will go slightly dormant in winter.   They respond very quickly to the use of fertilisers producing masses of stems.   Generally it is best to try and reduce the production of this new grow as Bougainvillea plants will flower less under these conditions.  So if you want flowers, fertilise with a fertiliser low in nitrogen, high in potassium and phosphate.   If you want lots of new growth then you can use straight nitrogen in the form of Sulphate of Ammonia.   This will produce substanial new growth.  Bougainvillea are very adaptable and will grow in a wide range of soil types and pH.   They prefer a well drained organice soil for maximum growth.    General purpose garden fertilisers are okay to use, but they generally have a Urea or Sulphate of Ammonia base, so expect lots of growth when using these.

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