Azalea Plant Varieties > When and how to fertilize azalea plants

When and how to fertilize azalea plants

     The best time to ferilize 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 fertlized 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 fertlizing during the growing period weather is normally warmer and fertilisers are taken up more readly.  Any general purpose fertilizer 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 fertilizers, namely Sulphur or Sulphate of iron.  Commerically produced Camellia and Azalea fertilizers have a Sulphate base to maintain soil pH,  so using these will assist in keeping the pH at a steady level.  To work out your soil pH you will need to use a pH testing kit available from most nurseries.  pH is the secret in growing good azaleas.   When fertilising with granular fertilizers 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 fertilizers produced for Acid loving plants, these should be used carefully as overdosing can occur. 

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