Types of Fertilizers for Blooming Hydrangeas
Updated on September 4, 2024 / 4 min read
With bright and candy-like colors, hydrangeas are a popular bloom to grow. They not only add a splash of color to a garden but are also allergy-safe and easy to maintain. Their sticky pollen does not blow out easily in the wind, and the flowers are also completely fragrance-free. While hydrangeas require minimal care, they do need to be fertilized properly. Some of the best fertilizers for hydrangeas to bloom are natural and organic.
Types of fertilizers
When thinking about how to get hydrangeas to bloom, one can choose between organic and inorganic fertilizers. While organic fertilizers generally contain mostly natural ingredients, inorganic fertilizers are made from chemicals. Most gardeners often prefer to use variations of both types of fertilizers since each has its own benefits and both help boost the health of the plant, promoting beautiful and large blooms. This boost to the hydrangea plant is mostly because of the presence of phosphorus in both types of fertilizers. It is the key ingredient that results in bigger and more flowers.
In the case of inorganic fertilizers, phosphorus is directly introduced to the soil. Meanwhile, organic fertilizers such as bone meal, compost, and animal manure naturally release phosphorus into the soil. So, one can choose either type for their hydrangea plants.
Inorganic fertilizers
These types of fertilizers use a combination of synthetic nutrients and chemicals that are made in the lab. Such formulations increase the acidity levels of the soil, leading to larger and more frequent blooms. Besides, inorganic fertilizers can also have time-release formulations that are made to last the entire season when the hydrangeas are growing. This means the plants receive nutrients for months. Aside from these benefits, inorganic fertilizers are quite cheap. But using an excess of these types of fertilizers for long periods of time can ruin the health of the soil.
Right type of inorganic fertilizers for hydrangeas
Generally, the best fertilizers for hydrangeas to bloom are balanced or all-purpose fertilizers. These contain 10-10-10 N-P-K or 12-4-8 N-P-K. When looking at fertilizers, check the levels of phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N), and potassium (K) on the labels of the packaging. For hydrangeas to thrive and give larger and more blooms, fertilizers that contain more phosphorus are generally preferred. On the other hand, it is best to avoid fertilizers that have high amounts of nitrogen since this can promote longer stems and more leaf growth and reduce flower growth. Phosphorus must also be in moderate amounts and should be the middle number on the fertilizer label. If one is looking for slow-release fertilizers, it is recommended to pick the ones labeled as bloom boost. These also have high levels of phosphorus.
Organic fertilizers
While organic fertilizers are safe for the environment, their effect on the hydrangea plant is not as strong as that of inorganic fertilizers. So, adding only organic fertilizers may not result in prolific blooms. Yet, these can greatly improve the health of the soil. Generally, organic fertilizers are made with a combination of poultry manure, earthworm castings, compost, and other natural ingredients. Plus, adding a combination of compost, sulfur, and peat moss is a good idea for organically growing hydrangeas.
DIY organic fertilizers for hydrangeas
When it comes to natural fertilizers for hydrangeas, there are many options to choose from. In fact, there are some common organic fertilizers that one can easily make at home.
- Epsom salt fertilizer
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that helps hydrangea plants thrive. It is abundantly found in Epsom salt. To make this organic fertilizer, simply mix a tablespoon of Epsom salt with a gallon of water. Whenever the growing season for hydrangeas arrives, water the plants with this solution once every month. - Coffee ground fertilizer
This kitchen waste is used by many gardeners to boost the growth of every type of bloom, including hydrangeas. The reason for the popularity of coffee grounds as DIY organic fertilizer is that they are a good source of nitrogen. Nitrogen-rich coffee grounds can help hydrangeas grow well when used in moderate amounts. To make this growth booster, combine about five gallons of water with two cups of used coffee grounds and let this mixture sit aside for a couple of days. Strain out the liquid and pour it over the soil when the hydrangeas are planted. - Banana peel fertilizer
Banana peels, which are rich in potassium, can boost the growth of hydrangea blooms. Simply cut up two to three banana peels and bury them next to the base of the hydrangea plants. The peels will slowly start to decompose, releasing potassium into the soil.
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