Even if perennials have a relatively low nutrient requirement compared to vegetables, they should still be supplied with fertilizer at least once a year. Find out below when the best time is and what you should fertilize your perennial bed with.

Larkspur is one of the heavy feeders among perennials and should be fertilized twice a year

Fertilize the perennial bed before planting

If you are freshly laying out a perennial bed, this is the ideal time to fertilize the soil and thus create optimal conditions for the perennials to grow. To do this, enrich the soil with fresh compost or horn shavings (32.93€). One to two handfuls of horn shavings (€32.93) per square meter should be mixed under the ground. If you decide to use compost, this is applied to the soil in a layer five to eight centimeters thick.

Fertilize the perennial bed in spring

In order to provide the perennials with sufficient nutrients for their growth, it is advisable to fertilize the perennial bed in March when growth begins. It is best to use a natural fertilizer such as compost or horn shavings, which gradually decompose and thus provide the perennials with nutrients over a longer period of time. Mineral fertilizers are not recommended in spring, as they act quickly and, above all, stimulate growth, which can cause plants to grow too quickly and become unstable.

Fertilize the perennial bed step by step

For your perennials you need about 3 liters of compost per square meter. You will also need a hoe and a watering can or hose.

  • Carefully loosen the soil on the perennial bed. But be careful not to damage the roots.
  • Spread the compost over the perennial bed, especially around the perennials.
  • Mix it with the soil a bit by again carefully loosening up the soil and compost with the hoe.
  • Water your fertilized perennial bed well.

Fertilize heavy feeders also in summer

There are also perennials that are heavy consumers - and they need an additional portion of fertilizer in summer for a rich flowering.
Among the heavy-duty perennials are most cottage garden perennials such as:

  • asters
  • chrysanthemums
  • aconite
  • dahlias
  • lilies
  • phlox
  • delphinium
  • Rudbeckia
  • sun eye
  • sunflowers
  • sun bride
  • hollyhocks
  • daylilies

These perennials should get some mineral fertilizer in early summer. Blue grain, for example, is suitable for this. Those who prefer it natural and homemade can also fertilize with compost, coffee grounds or homemade nettle manure.

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Garden design