The rapidly growing wisteria needs additional nutrients on a regular basis. We show when, how and with what to best fertilize wisteria.
Anyone who has ever seen an old wisteria (Wisteria) in full bloom knows why the plant bears its name: the plant is then full of grapes arranged and fully hung inflorescences - almost as if it were raining the blue flowers. So it's no wonder that the wisteria also needs a lot of nutrients. However, the plant is not quite as demanding as it might seem at first glance.
The fact that wisteria belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae) makes it an easy-care plant when it comes to fertilization. Because all legumes enter into a symbiosis with so-called nodule bacteria. These cause the plant to produce nodular outgrowths at its root. The nodule bacteria settle in there and fix nitrogen from the air. This is extremely beneficial for the plant, because it is always sufficiently supplied with the nutrient that is important for it. In return, the bacteria receive the carbon produced by the plant through photosynthesis. So a fair deal and good for the gardener who doesn't have to fertilize as much.
Wisteria fertilizer: the right time
The wisteria still needs additional nutrients from time to time. The right time for fertilization is between the first flowering in spring and the second flowering in late summer. It is best to give sufficient fertilizer after the first flowering until July. In this way you ensure that the plant is sufficiently supplied with nutrients for the coming year during the period of bud formation. From July you should then fertilize less and stop fertilizing completely for this year after the appearance of the second flower. The next application of fertilizer is only due after the first flowering in the coming year.
With what to fertilize wisteria?
Because the wisteria produces its own nitrogen with the help of nodule bacteriaprocured, makes nitrogen fertilization superfluous. It can do even more harm to him, because the nodule bacteria wither away due to the additional administration of nitrogen. The wisteria then grows stronger, but also produces far fewer flowers. Lime (CaCo3, CaO) should also not be included in the fertilizer or only a little, because wisteria needs neutral to slightly acidic soil. When adding lime, the soil can easily become too alkaline. Then the wisteria reacts with lightening of the leaves, so-called chlorosis. However, the plant needs the two nutrients phosphorus and potassium to grow. Below we show you different ways to fertilize wisteria.
Wisteria fertilizer organically
Fertilizing wisteria organically without adding too much nitrogen is not that easy. Compost is a good way to provide the plant with phosphorus and potassium without having to put up with too much nitrogen. Work some compost into the soil in the spring after flowering. As an alternative to compost, horn shavings or horn meal are also suitable, which you can work into the soil instead of the compost. On the other hand, manure from various animals is not recommended as fertilizer, since these usually have a very high nitrogen content.
Wisteria mineral fertilizer
Special Wisteria fertilizers are commercially available. These usually contain the two required nutrients phosphorus and potassium. However, you should stay away from blue grain fertilizers or the like, as they have a very high nitrogen content.
Also available are liquid fertilisers, which should be added regularly to the irrigation water, as well as slow-release fertilisers, which you only have to give once or at most twice a year. Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is also suitable here, as it combines the positive properties of both types of fertilizer as an organic-mineral fertilizer. It optimally supplies the wisteria with nutrients and protects the environment.
Fertilize wisteria with home remedies
If you've just had your cup of afternoon coffee, don't throw away the coffee grounds. Because as an old household remedy, coffee grounds have proven to be a fertilizer for wisteria. Although it also contains nitrogen, it also has a high proportion of phosphorus. In addition, coffee grounds are slightly acidic and are therefore well tolerated by the plant. A positive side effect is that earthwormslove coffee grounds. And they are more than desirable around the plant, because they improve the soil and the availability of nutrients such as phosphorus. In order to provide the plant with sufficient nutrients, work a portion of the coffee grounds into the soil in spring and early summer.