Lilies are considered the so-called heavy feeders among bulbous flowers. For this reason, they can cope with the substrate in which they were planted for two years. The flowering stops after the third year at the latest. This has to be prevented by regular fertilization.

Lilies should not be fertilized with manure

Fertilize lilies - several reasons

Fertilizing lilies is beneficial for a number of reasons. On the one hand, fertilizer is recommended if the lily is growing poorly. In addition, the nutrient upgrade helps others when the lily:

  • no or less flowering
  • stunted
  • has become more susceptible to disease
  • often attacked by pests

How often should you fertilize?

Basically, lilies are easy to care for when it comes to fertilizing. It is enough to fertilize them once a year. But more frequent fertilizer applications are better. A lily can be supplied with fertilizer twice or three times a year. Potted lilies are the exception. They should be provided with a suitable fertilizer every two to four weeks.

Suitable fertilizers for lilies

You can use different fertilizers to fertilize your lilies. Most lily species do not tolerate fresh manure. If you fertilize with manure, it should be at least 2 years old and well rotted. Other organic or mineral complete fertilizers are better suited for fertilizing. Important: They should not contain too much nitrogen. The following fertilizers are considered proven for lilies:

  • blue grain
  • horn shavings
  • compost
  • rhododendron fertilizer

Do the right thing when fertilizing

First of all, it is advisable to add compost to the soil when planting lilies. In particular, very sandy soils must be enriched with compost or humus. After the lilies are planted, they are fertilized directly onto the planting site each spring.

The plant should not be hit when fertilizing. The fertilizer comes only on the root area. You can fertilize once or twice before flowering begins, for example with liquid fertilizer. For a long bloom can be fertilized in summer. After fertilizing, pour in plenty so that the fertilizer can penetrate into the soil.

tips and tricks

The last time of the year you should fertilize in August. A later application of fertilizer increases the susceptibility to frost. The lily bulbs can be damaged in winter.

Category:

Vegetable garden