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Most annual flowers are bred to bloom heavily all season long, which requires a high level of nutrients. Here is a sample recommendation:
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR: Flower Beds, annuals |
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Limestone: |
NONE |
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NUTRIENT NEEDS: |
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Nitrogen (N) |
Phosphate (P2O5) |
Potassium ( K2O) |
Target pH: |
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3 lb/1000 sq ft |
2.7 lb/1000 sq ft |
4 lb/1000 sq ft |
6.0 |
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MESSAGES |
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Maximum single nitrogen application is 1lb/1000 sq. ft. Make no fertilizer applications in August. |
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Test methods: 1-1:1 soil:water pH, 2-Bray P1 Extractant, 3- 1N Ammonium Acetate Extractant |
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Use a fertilizer calculator, enter your recommendation and the fertilizer you want to use, and the calculator will tell you how much to buy and apply,
or Learn to calculate the amount of fertilizer that will meet the recommendations.
Timing and number of applications: Use slow-release fertilizers and/or apply often during the growing season. Work in up to half the recommended nitrogen and the other materials before planting, saving the balance of nitrogen to apply in portions each month during the summer.
Some perennials respond to high fertility, as well, such as peonies and delphiniums. Others will grow taller and leafier, but not stand up or flower as well if they have lots of nitrogen. Depending on the fertility of your soil, light and water conditions, you may wish to use little or no fertilizer on perennials. Research your plants, or experiment, starting with half the rates used for annuals.
Containers need similar fertilization to annuals, in fact with limited root systems and more frequent irrigation, fertilizing them even more frequently with products designed for containers is a good idea, or using slow-release fertilizers.