Top Picks for Bougainvillea Fertilizers: Timing and Application Guidelines
Bougainvillea plants, known for their vibrant pink, purple, and white flowers, are tropical beauties that require a balanced diet to thrive. Here, we explore the best fertilizers for these stunning plants, focusing on organic options and those rich in phosphorus and potassium.
Firstly, it's essential to understand that bougainvilleas benefit from fertilizers higher in phosphorus (middle number) and potassium (last number) than nitrogen (first number). This nutrient ratio encourages blooming rather than just leafy growth [1].
Organic liquid fertilizers containing compost or homemade compost tea are effective and absorbed quickly by the soil, promoting new growth and blooms within weeks [2]. Commercial organic fertilizers designed for vegetables and herbs, such as organic tomato fertilizer with a balanced NPK like 4-6-3, are suitable because they support healthy growth without synthetic chemicals [4].
Feeding every 1–2 weeks during the growing period with diluted, balanced, water-soluble organic fertilizers promotes continuous flowering [5]. Frequent applications of organic fertilizer encourage faster growth and more abundant blooms [3].
Some popular organic fertilizer options for bougainvillea plants include:
- Dr. Earth Organic & Natural MINI Exotic Blend Palm fertilizer: Made from organic and naturally acquired ingredients, this eco-friendly, non-GMO, and OMRI listed fertilizer is safe to use around children, pets, and people. It's best used during the growing season and contains additional beneficial soil microbes [6]. However, it may promote the growth of worms and undesirable insects in moist environments. The Dr. Earth blend palm fertilizer is available in 1 and 4 pounds packs.
- Jobes Fertilizer Spikes For Flowers 8-9-12: This fertilizer contains a high phosphorus content that works best during the growing season and blooming period of bougainvillea plants.
- Jobes' Camellia & Rhododendron Fertilizer Spikes 9-8-7: With the highest nitrogen content, this fertilizer ensures the growth of dark green leaves, with pink, and purple flowers all over the vines.
- Scotts Flower Slow Release Food 10-10-10: An all-purpose fertilizer, it feeds all kinds of plants, including bougainvillea plants.
For those seeking a more balanced approach, the Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed Continuous Release Plant Food 16-16-16 offers a balanced NPK ratio of 16-16-16, providing continuous feeding for up to 3 months.
Remember, bougainvilleas are heavy feeders that instantly absorb all available nutrients the soil can offer. So, regular, diluted feedings with the right fertilizer can make a significant difference in the health and beauty of your bougainvillea plants.
[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/bougainvillea/bougainvillea-fertilizer-requirements.htm [2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/compost/making/homemade-compost-tea.htm [3] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/organic-fertilizers-for-bougainvillea.htm [4] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/organic-fertilizers-for-bougainvillea.htm [5] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/organic-fertilizers-for-bougainvillea.htm [6] https://www.drearth.com/products/organic-mini-exotic-blend-palm-fertilizer-1-lb
- To ensure a vibrant bloom, opt for organic fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium for your home-and-garden bougainvillea plants, as these nutrients encourage flowering more than leaf growth.
- Incorporate home-and-garden practices like using homemade compost tea or organic liquid fertilizers to enhance the growth and blooming process of your bougainvillea plants in a sustainable lifestyle.
