You can purchase granular fertilizer that is labeled slow-release. Liquid fertilizer passes quickly through the soil and application must be repeated more frequently.Ī general rule of thumb is to use one level tablespoon (15 mL.) of fertilizer for every foot (0.5 m.) of plant growth. If you are concerned about cost, granular fertilizer is the best fertilizer for rhododendrons since it is the cheapest. Liquid or water-soluble fertilizer is mixed with water and then poured into the soil. Granular fertilizer comes in grains that are sprinkled on the soil and watered in. You can choose between various types of fertilizer for your plants. In autumn, applying organic compost or manure is sufficient. Apply another light dose of this fertilizer when the leaves emerge. At this time, apply a complete 10-8-6 fertilizer. In early spring, the rhododendron buds swell. At planting time, use 10-10-6 fertilizer before you water the plant in. You’ll want to use a particular fertilizer composition for the different stages of your rhododendron growth. A complete fertilizer contains all three of these in different percentage amounts. Most fertilizers contain a mix of these three nutrients, with the percentages of each listed in that order on the label. Plants generally require three nutrients to thrive: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You only need this if your soil is not sufficiently acidic for the plants. They require a complete food dressing at appropriate intervals.Īlthough you’ll find some products labeled as specific for rhododendrons and azaleas, these are not necessarily the best for your plants since they acidify the soil.
#Fs 16 when to fertilize how to#
If your shrubs require feeding, you do not only need to know when and how to fertilize rhododendron bushes, but you’ll want to use the best fertilizer for rhododendrons. Likewise, plants grown with mulch that depletes nitrogen in the soil, such as fresh wood chips, will probably do better with a regular rhododendron fertilizer schedule. Example You are treating a large sports turf complex and would like to determine how many lb of a 16-8-8 fertilizer should be applied per acre if the recommendation calls for 0.75 lb nitrogen per 1000 sq ft. However, those rhododendrons growing in poor soil need feeding. Occasionally, fertilizer recommendations given as lb nitrogen per 1000 sq ft must be converted to lb fertilizer per acre. If you have planted your shrubs in fertile soil, fertilizing rhododendrons is not a necessity. So when do you fertilize rhododendrons? Read on for tips about the best fertilizer for rhododendrons and when/how to get the job done. But to get the most flowering power, you may need to fertilize. The popular bushes can be long-lived and healthy if given proper care. Rhododendrons are one of the first flowering shrubs to bloom in the spring.