About Vinca Fertilizer

Vinca plants can benefit from different types of fertilizer.

Vinica plants need fertilizer to bloom to their full potential. When fertilized properly they will continue to bloom from when they are planted until the ground turns to frost. Vinca, sometimes referred to as Madagascar periwinkle, are available in a variety of different colors including white and lilac.

Growing Vinca Plants

Vinca plants are tough when it comes to hot summer weather, but do not survive colder temperatures. They should be planted when the weather is consistently warm. Two weeks at the least should have passed since the last frost.

Water-Soluble Fertilizer

A water-soluble fertilizer can be used for vincas because it has a low amount of phosphorus content. Water-soluble fertilizers also contain a low amount of nitrogen, which helps bring out the optimum number of blossoms when the plant blooms. Apply fertilizer after the seeds have germinated for 10 days.

Continued Care with Water-Soluble Fertilizers

Trim the vinca plant after it has grown to 2 inches in height. When the plant has grown 3 inches after the trimming it can be transplanted, and then fertilized again in two weeks. After this point the plant should be fertilized once every month. This process begins in spring and carries on until midsummer, after which time fertilization should stop. If fertilization is carried on past the midsummer mark, the plant may experience growth that will be damaged by frost.

Controlled-Release Fertilizer

Vincas can also benefit from the use of controlled-release fertilizers. Add these fertilizers to the soil before the vinca is planted. Gardeners who prefer not to go back and fertilize the plant again use this type of fertilizer.

Helping Vincas Grow

Vincas grow best in areas where they get a lot of light. A fluorescent light can be used if adequate lighting from a window is not available. Vinca plants are tolerant of draught, so gardeners must take care not to overwater. Fertilization and moderate watering are especially important until the plant becomes adjusted in the soil. Pests do not usually bother vinca plants, but if they appear can be washed away with water.

References

• Vigoro: Growing Beautiful Vincas
• Buzzle: Vinca Flowers
• Garden Guides: How to Fertilize Vinca Minor