In order for the magnolia to show its beautiful flowers, it needs the right fertilization. We show what needs to be considered when fertilizing magnolias.
Every spring we are enchanted by the rich blossoms of the magnolias (Magnolia). In order for your magnolia to thrive in the garden and achieve such flowering performance, it is important to provide it with sufficient water and nutrients. The choice of location for planting can have a significant impact on the growth of your magnolia. In this article we will explain which location you should choose and how you can support your magnolia with the right fertilization.
Magnolias have a relatively high need for nutrients. As always, it is important to consider the individual stages of development of the plant when fertilizing according to need. We will explain below when and with what you should fertilize your magnolia and how best to do it.
When to fertilize magnolias?
The best time to plant magnolias is in the fall (October/November) when the plant is dormant. In rougher locations, however, spring planting (by April at the latest) is recommended. Depending on the type and variety, magnolias prefer a sunny to semi-shady location in a sheltered location. The optimal soil is humic, nutrient-rich and slightly acidic with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.8. With a few exceptions, magnolias do not tolerate calcareous, alkaline soils. When choosing the location, also make sure that there is sufficient distance to other trees and shrubs. In a solitary position, you should expect a space requirement of around four to eight meters in diameter. Soils that are too sandy are just as unsuitable for magnolias as soils that are too loamy. In order to offer the plant optimal starting conditions, it is best to dig a sufficiently large planting hole and mix the excavation with rhododendron soil. Incidentally, this special soil is also ideal for shrubby magnolias that are cultivated in a pot or tub.
Every spring (March/April) you can fertilize your magnolia with ripe compost. This is applied as a thick layer to the root disc - that's what the circular area around the tree is called - and worked in lightly. However, be extra careful not to damage the shallow roots just below the surface of the soil. If you do not have your own compost available, you can also use a fertilizer from a specialist shop. It is best to use an organic long-term fertilizer in organic quality such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer. This is particularly gentle on plants, soil and animals in the garden.
Pot magnolias need regular fertilization (every two weeks) from now on. Rhododendron or ericaceous fertilizers, for example, are very suitable for this. In the case of planted magnolias, no further fertilization is usually necessary as long as there are no signs of deficiency on the leaves. However, if you still want to do something good for your darling, you can do another fertilization three to four weeks before flowering or spread some rhododendron soil on the root disk. The different flowering times of the individual species must be taken into account. While tulip magnolias (Magnolia x soulangeana) open their flowers in April, evergreen magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora ) and summer magnolias (Magnolia sieboldii) usually until May or June. A layer of bark mulch also ensures that the soil is kept moist and does not dry out over the summer months. Finally, a last compost application is recommended in autumn so that your magnolia survives the winter well.
Summary: When to Fertilize Magnolias?
- Upgrade soil with rhododendron soil
- Basic fertilization (March/April) with compost or organic slow-release fertilizer
- If necessary, a second fertilization before flowering
- Apply a layer of bark mulch
- Last addition of compost in autumn
How and with what to fertilize magnolias?
There are many ways to achieve the optimal nutrient supply for magnolias. In addition to organic fertilization, you also have various options for mineral fertilization. Particularly resourceful gardeners can even fertilize their magnolias with coffee. Below we explain the advantages and disadvantages of the individual methods.
Fertilize magnolia organically: Instructions
Especially with the magnolia, you should make sure that you use fertilizers that lower the pH value or at least do not increase it. In addition to mature compost, horse manure or horn shavings are also ideal for fertilizing magnolias. It is best to sprinkle the horn shavings on the root disk and then cover it with a layer of bark mulch about eight centimeters thick. This gradually decomposes and releases additional nutrients for the plant. In addition, the mulch layer ensures that the soil is kept moist in summer. It also protects the cold-sensitive magnolia from frost in the winter months.
If you don't have access to such natural fertilizers, you can also find suitable products in specialist shops. While organic fertilizers don't work as quickly, they are certainly a more sustainable choice in the long run and bring many benefits, such as the following:
- Nutrient supply of the magnolia over a longer period of time through slow decomposition of the fertilizer by microorganisms in the soil
- Promotion of he althy soil life (good for microorganisms, earthworms & Co)
- Protection of the environment by not using chemicals
In order to provide your magnolia with the ideal amount of nutrients, we have prepared detailed step-by-step instructions for you below.
Organic Long-Term Fertilization: Instructions & Dosage Amounts for Magnolias
Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is a fertilizer with an organic long-term effect that is suitable for all plants that do not have a particularly high potassium requirement. It is therefore also ideal for the nutrient supply of your magnolia. It consists exclusively of plant residues from the food, luxury food and animal feed industry and is therefore free of any animal products. The fertilizer in granular form can also be easily applied to the root disk of the magnolia and dissolved by watering. Thus, no mechanical incorporation into the soil is necessary.
- Before planting: work 100 - 150 g/m² (8 - 12 tablespoons) of our Plantura organic universal fertilizer into the soil.
- Water the base and the freshly planted magnolia well so that the granules can loosen.
- Apply about 80 - 120 g/m² (6 - 10 tablespoons) to the root disc every spring and water.
- A little fertilization about 3 - 4 weeks beforethe flower provides optimal support for the plant.
Magnolia mineral fertilizer
In addition to organic fertilization, there is also the option of supplying the magnolia with mineral fertilizers. Blue grain, liquid fertilizers & Co. provide a quick nutrient boost, but there is an increased risk of over-fertilization if used improperly. High concentrations of nutrient s alts in the soil can not only damage the sensitive roots of the magnolia, but also get into the groundwater through leaching. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, do not work as quickly, but they do help to improve the soil structure. In addition, due to the slow decomposition by microorganisms in the soil, there is little risk of overdosing.
Fertilize magnolia with home remedies: coffee grounds and co.
Incredible but true: You can also fertilize your magnolia with coffee. Strictly speaking, you use the coffee grounds for this, which ideally have been dried beforehand. In this way, mold does not form during storage. The actual waste product still contains many plant-important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Organic materials also attract useful soil organisms - such as earthworms - and promote the formation of humus in the soil. The acidic natural fertilizer ensures a low pH value in the soil and is therefore ideal for fertilizing the magnolias. Just sprinkle small amounts of it on the root disc as fertilizer every now and then and gently work it into the surface.
Summary of how and with what to fertilize magnolia:
- For organic fertilization you can use compost, horse manure, horn shavings or a long-acting organic fertilizer
- Mineral fertilization with blue grain and co. works quickly, but there is a risk of over-fertilization
- Home remedies such as coffee grounds can also be used to fertilize magnolias
You can find more information about fertilizing with homemade fertilizer in this special article.