Azalea Plant Varieties > When and how to fertilise azalea plants

When and how to fertilise azalea plants

     The best time to ferilise Azalea plants is after the flowering period.  This is when the plant is going through active growing and produces many new stems.   They can also be fertlised while flowering, but it is advised to use low nitrogen fertiliser.  Using fertlizers high in nitrogen during the flowring period will increase growth of foliage to reduction of flower producing stems.   When fertlising during the growing period weather is normally warmer and fertilisers are taken up more readly.  Any general purpose fertiliser is sufficient to develop new growth, although it is advised to use a Camellia & Azalea fertiliser for best results.   Azaleas love acid soil and a soil pH of around 5 is a good base to grow Azaleas, although they will grow in soil of around 7pH but growth and flowering will be affected.  If you have a soil which is not acid it is possible to change the pH.  This is normally done with the addition of sulphate based fertilisers, namely Sulphur or Sulphate of iron.  Commerically produced Camellia and Azalea fertilisers have a Sulphate base to maintain soil pH,  so using these will assist in keeping the pH at a steady level.  pH is the secret in growing good azaleas.   When fertilising with granular fertilisers around 30grams per m2  (a handful) once or twice in Spring and early autumn is recommended.   Liquid fertilisers can also be used throughout the growing season.   There are liquid fertilisers produced for Acid loving plants, these should be used carefully as overdosing can occur. 

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