When to feed hydrangea: terms of feeding and what is better to fertilize during this period

It is important to observe certain time intervals between feeding hydrangeas. Fertilize hydrangea optimally several times in the following terms:

  • The first feeding in spring is carried out after the plant begins to wake up after wintering (when the snow melts and the first green shoots begin to grow). The soil should warm up to 5-10 degrees Celsius. In spring, it is necessary to apply nitrogen fertilizers, phosphorus and potassium. It is best for feeding during this period suitable urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate. Useful for hydrangeas during this period and organic dressings – infusions of chicken manure, mullein. Regardless of what substances you contribute, it is useful to additionally mulch the area around the shrub with organic fertilizers – compost, or humus, or a mixture of humus or compost with sour high-moor peat. The thickness of the mulching layer is about 5-7 centimeters.
  • The second feeding is during the budding period. This time, you need to feed during the formation of buds before they bloom, which will stimulate the lush flowering of hydrangeas. During this period, you should make a lot of phosphorus, potassium, as well as a small amount of nitrogen. It is optimal to add potassium monophosphate or mix potassium sulfate superphosphate. Instead of potassium sulfate, you can use potassium magnesia or potassium salt. It must be remembered that nitrogen can be used only in spring. If you make it a lot in summer, it will negatively affect the pomp and duration of flowering, and in the fall – the plant will not be able to prepare well for winter, because of which it can freeze out.
  • The third feeding during flowering is optional, it is not as important as the second. It can be carried out at will. At this time, potassium and phosphorus are introduced, you can use the same monophosphate, trace elements. Nitrogen can not be made.
  • The last feeding is carried out in late summer or autumn. The last time to fertilize hydrangea should be in late August or September. The procedure in these terms is necessary to prepare the shrub for wintering, so that the perennial lays new flower buds for the upcoming season. Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied – potassium monophosphate or a combination of potassium sulfate and superphosphate.
    An excellent solution would be the use of ready-made complex preparations designed specifically for autumn feeding.

    • Hydrangea grows well and blooms magnificently only on slightly acidic soil. Therefore, it is important to regularly acidify the soil around hydrangeas.

    How to acidify the soil around hydrangeas

    On neutral or alkaline soil, you should not wait for the lush flowering of hydrangeas. Acidify the soil optimally 1 time in 2-3 weeks, but at least 1 time per month. You can water with a solution of apple cider vinegar – dilute 100 ml of 9% apple cider vinegar in ten liters of pure water, dissolve citric acid with a solution of citric acid in water in a proportion of 20 g per 10 liters of water.

    For acidification, you can use folk remedies, namely acidic foods – kefir, yogurt, ryazhenka, sour milk. Dairy products are diluted in the proportion of two liters of substance per ten liters of water.

    Favorable days for feeding hydrangeas in the summer of 2023

    Favorable days for fertilizing hydrangeas are as follows: in June – 6,
    7, 8, 9, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25;
    in July – 7, 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 30;
    in August – 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 29.

    Read also:

    • What to do with tulips after flowering
    • Why watering garden plants with warm water can significantly reduce their yield