Reed belongs to the grass family and is extremely widespread on our continent. It grows mainly on bank edges and in wet areas. In the following we explain which nutrients are needed for good growth and when it makes sense to add fertilizer.
Reed needs little fertilizer
Reed is very undemanding
The term reed usually means reed or Chinese reed. We give you an overview of the reed species here. Both reed and Chinese reed are very frugal and can get by with just a few nutrients. It is important that there is an adequate supply of water. If the reed is at the edge of a body of water, you hardly need to pay any attention to it.
Care in the year of planting
It is best to plant your reeds in spring. Then it has a whole year to get used to the location and will get through the winter just fine.
In the first year you should not fertilize your reeds!
Watering is particularly important in the first year so that the roots can grow well. It is also highly recommended to set a root barrier when planting, so that the reeds cannot proliferate.
Fertilize reeds little
In the following years it is sufficient if you spoil your reeds or Chinese reeds with some compost once a year. Alternatively, complete fertilizer is also suitable. But be careful: Don't over-fertilize your reeds! The motto here is: Better too little than too much. Over-fertilization can lead to discoloration of the leaves and, in the worst case, to the plant dying.
When is fertilized?
The best time for fertilizing is in the spring after pruning, when the first stalks sprout. This is how you provide your reeds with the necessary nutrients to grow healthy and fast. If you forgot to fertilize in the spring, you can still fertilize in the summer without any problems. You should only refrain from fertilizing in autumn, otherwise you will give the reeds, which are just preparing for winter, an unnecessary growth spurt.
tips
Choosing the right location is more important than fertilizing. Reed likes it moderately moist and sunny to semi-shady. It also thrives well on the balcony and as a potted plant.