The flowers of the candytuft appear ravishingly delicate. It is not uncommon for an exuberant sea of flowers to emerge that shines almost snow-white. But in order for the candytuft to remain blooming and he althy, it should be given certain care.
How do I best care for a candytuft?
How do you properly care for a candytuft? Avoid too much watering, provide mineral fertilizer and lime twice a year, cut back heavily in spring and cover with fir branches in winter temperatures below -10 °C. Pests and diseases rarely occur.
Why shouldn't you water the candytuft too often?
The candytuft doesn't like moist soil or waterlogging. However, it copes well with dry soils. For these reasons, you should not water the candytuft too much. Outside, it basically only needs to be watered when it is hot and dry. Especially when grown in pots, for example on the balcony, this perennial needs regular watering.
Which fertilizers are suitable?
The candytuft doesn't need much fertilizer:
- mineral fertilizers are suitable
- fertilizing twice a year is enough
- fertilize the first time in spring and the second time in June
- Fertilization stimulates flowering
- Fertilization can stimulate rebloom
- Liquid fertilizers are suitable
- fertilize with lime
When and how do you cut the candytuft correctly?
In spring you should cut your candytuft back heavily. When making this cut, remove all parts to within 10cm of the ground. You can also regularly remove diseased and yellowed leaves over the course of the season. In the autumn after the flowering period, pruning can be carried out if necessary to rejuvenate the candytuft.
Do you have to overwinter the candytuft?
Since the candytuft is hardy in this country, you don't need to overwinter it. Only when temperatures fall below -10 °C is it advisable to cover the candytuft with a layer of fir branches. It is hardy down to -15 °C.
Which pests and diseases can become a plague?
The candytuft is not susceptible to diseases or pests. During particularly hot and dry periods it can be attacked by aphids. Damping-off disease, for example, can occur as an illness. In this case, the plant should be dug up and disposed of immediately. If other diseases such as powdery mildew occur, affected parts of the plant should be cut off quickly.
Tip
When it comes to caring for candytufts, less is often more. Basically, this plant doesn't need any care to survive.
