A flower bulb contains everything important that is needed for the growth of leaves and flowers. What role does fertilization play? Or does it not matter at all? Yes, because even the best reserve of strength is exhausted at some point. But the onion should bloom every year anew.
When and how should you fertilize flower bulbs?
Flower bulbs should be fed with special flower bulb fertilizer, organic-mineral fertilizer, blue grain or liquid flower fertilizer 2-3 times per vegetation phase in spring, as soon as the green becomes visible. Fertilization promotes flowering and supports the perennial growth of the bulbous plants.
Fertilizing to guarantee flowering
Newly planted flower bulbs sprout even without fertilizer. They also bloom in all their glory. But the first year is only the beginning of their existence. Perennial flower bulbs in particular should bloom for many years in a row without slowing down.
In order for onion plants to continue to delight us after the first year, the nutrients they use up must be replenished. That's why it makes sense to fertilize them as needed.
Suitable fertilizer
The store even has a special flower bulb fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon) available for flower bulbs. If you reach for it, you can know that you are on the safe side. Because it contains a combination of nutrients that is optimally tailored to onion plants.
But it is far from the case that other fertilizers are inadequate. These also serve the purpose:
- a commercially available organic-mineral fertilizer
- the inexpensive Blaukorn
- liquid flower fertilizer
It is important that the nutrients are quickly available. This is why a long-term fertilizer such as horn shavings is unsuitable for flower bulbs. Small onions can also be provided with compost in spring.
Period for nutrient doses
Fertilizing takes place in spring when the onion plants come to life. As soon as the green appears, fertilization can and should be carried out.
- Sprout depends on the weather
- it usually happens in March
- sometimes earlier
- Fertilize 2-3 times per vegetation phase
Fertilize only until flowering. Because soon afterwards the above-ground growth stops. The plants retreat into the tuber.
Tip
After flowering, leave the leaves on until they wither. In the meantime, they ensure bulb growth.
How to fertilize
The flower bulb fertilizer should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise: A handful of fertilizer per group of plants is sufficient. If you like, you can carefully rake the fertilizer into the soil. But it is not necessary. The next rain will loosen the nutrients and allow them to seep into the earth.
Flower bulbs in a pot
If you plant flower bulbs in the balcony box, fertilizing is a must. If they become lazy to bloom over the years, the old soil should also be completely replaced with fresh.
