So that your perennials last for a long time, you need the right fertilization. Here you can find out what you should consider when fertilizing perennials.
The kings and queens of garden plants are probably perennials. The perennial and easy-care plants with the magnificent flowers transform many a garden into a true paradise. Since they draw their energy from underground storage organs such as bulbs, rhizomes or tubers, they sprout again every year. However, the supply of nutrients is limited and a considerable amount is required to quickly build up a lot of greenery. We reveal how you can optimally supply your perennials with nutrients.
You should consider this when fertilizing perennials
Even when planting a perennial bed, you should make sure there is a high proportion of humus in the soil. You can achieve this by mixing compost into the garden soil. Good garden soil already has a fairly high humus content, but a good portion of compost can work wonders, especially in sandy soil.
When do you fertilize perennials?
Perennials need most of the nutrients in spring to sprout again, during which time they have to build up a lot of biomass within a very short time. Spring is the time to fertilize perennials. If the plant is just beginning to sprout, then you should give it fresh nutrients. Organic fertilizers or long-term fertilizers are the means of choice here.
Fertilize perennials organically
In order to gradually increase the humus content in the soil over the years, you should preferably use organic fertilizers. These are decomposed by the soil organisms over time and actively promote the formation of humus. They also contribute to increasing soil fertility. A wide variety of fertilizers can be used. For one thing, compost and manure are, of course, excellent fertilizers. A dose in the spring is sufficient for most perennials. You should be a bit careful with fresh manure as it can easilyBurns can occur on the plant. So it's better to let manure rot first or add fresh manure to the soil before the plants sprout.
But ready-made fertilizers such as horn shavings or our Plantura organic universal fertilizer and organic flower fertilizer are also perfectly adapted to the needs of your perennials. Simply work a good portion of your chosen fertilizer into the soil around the perennial in spring. Our liquid fertilizers are also ideal for many potted plants or in the case of deficiency symptoms: liquid fertilizers absorb the nutrients more quickly and there is no need to work them into the substrate. Especially with fine roots in the upper area, the perennials can be saved from stress. The Plantura organic room & green plant fertilizer and the Plantura organic flower & balcony fertilizer are particularly recommended for perennials.
Fertilize heavy-duty perennials
Most perennials are satisfied with the nutrients they can find in the soil with their roots. Fertilizing in the spring is therefore not obligatory. However, this is often not enough for fast-growing and lush plants such as the phlox (Phlox). They need an extra portion of nutrients in the form of fertilizer. Therefore, find out which plants are particularly hungry.
Some perennials may bloom a second time in summer if pruned back after the first bloom. However, this requires extra nutrients. Therefore, treat these plants to an additional dose of fertilizer after pruning. Here you should rely on the use of fast-acting fertilizers. Liquid organic fertilizers are more quickly absorbed by plants, as are rapidly decomposing organic materials such as manure. Due to its excellent fertilizer quality, alpaca manure is particularly suitable here.
You should avoid this when fertilizing perennials
Basically, you can't do much wrong when fertilizing perennials, there is only one thing you should definitely avoid: over-fertilizing. Many hobby gardeners mean well with their plants. It is not uncommon for perennials to suffer more from over-fertilization than from a lack of nutrients. This can happen quickly, especially if you use mineral fertilizers that are readily available. Most plants do not need half as much fertilizer as they are given.Therefore, never exceed the recommended fertilizer recommendation. Manufacturers of fertilizers usually specify dosages that are too high anyway in order to be able to sell more of their fertilizer. This is of no use to the plant. On the contrary: Over-fertilization damages the soil, the groundwater and the plant itself. Excessive amounts of nitrogen can, for example, lead to rapid growth and unstable shoots and also increase susceptibility to disease. Therefore, the general rule is: less is more.
Anyone who has been won over by the easy-care perennials will find inspiration for bee-friendly perennials and hardy perennials in the garden here.