Top Notch Fertilizers for Bougainvilleas: Applying the Right Nutrients at the Right Time
Bougainvillea plants, renowned for their vibrant, colourful blooms and sprawling vines, are a popular choice for garden enthusiasts. However, these tropical beauties require careful nurturing to thrive, particularly when it comes to their nutritional needs.
A balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) is crucial for the abundant bloom of Bougainvillea plants. While an all-purpose fertilizer like Scotts Flower Slow Release Food 10-10-10 can be used during the growing season, a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus and potassium ratio is recommended to promote flower development specifically. The Dr. Earth Organic & Natural MINI Exotic Blend Palm fertilizer, with an NPK value of 6-4-6, fits this bill, although it's not specifically designed for Bougainvillea.
The Dr. Earth Organic & Natural MINI Exotic Blend Palm fertilizer is made from naturally acquired ingredients, making it an organic option suitable for tropical plants, including Bougainvillea. It contains additional beneficial soil microbes to encourage new growth and is a slow-release fertilizer that keeps feeding for two months.
Jobes Fertilizer Spikes For Flowers 8-9-12 is a specialized fertilizer for bougainvillea flowers in pots and hanging baskets, with an NPK ratio of 8-9-12 for optimal growth during the growing season and blooming period. Jack's Classic No.1.5 Fertilizer 20-20-20, with a balanced NPK ratio of 20-20-20, is another excellent choice for enhancing growth and vibrant colours in Bougainvillea plants.
Fertilize regularly during the bloom season, particularly for potted Bougainvillea—every 2-6 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength is effective. Fertilizers containing micronutrients, especially iron, help prevent deficiencies that could impair flowering, particularly in alkaline soils.
Remember, Bougainvillea plants are heavy feeders that need regular replenishment of nutrients to prevent decay. Prune them twice a year; in late winters and early spring time before new buds start to grow.
In summary, use a fertilizer with moderate nitrogen, higher phosphorus, and higher potassium to achieve the most abundant blooms in Bougainvillea plants. The key is to find a fertilizer with a ratio that is higher in phosphorus and potassium relative to nitrogen, such as an NPK ratio around 2-1-3 or with elevated phosphorus like 10-10-10, but favoring phosphorus to encourage flowering. Happy gardening!
[1] Source: The University of Florida IFAS Extension, Gardening Solutions for Florida, Bougainvillea Fertilization (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PP/PP10900.pdf) [4] Source: The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bougainvillea, Care and Maintenance (https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8271)
Maintaining the Dr. Earth Organic & Natural MINI Exotic Blend Palm fertilizer can be beneficial for a balanced lifestyle and home-and-garden, as it is an organic option suitable for Bougainvillea plants and provides essential nutrients for promoting flower development. To enhance the bloom of Bougainvillea plants, a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus and potassium ratio, such as Jobes Fertilizer Spikes For Flowers 8-9-12, is recommended during the growing season and blooming period.
