- From the smallest potted flower to a lush flower bed, all flowering plants can benefit from fertilizer. Fertilizer is a chemical substance that provides plants with added nutrients that encourage plant growth. Fertilizers are not created equally, and there are many different mixtures for different plants. Fertilizers for grass have more nitrogen, while fertilizer for landscape plants and flowers contains more phosphorous. Most flower fertilizers also contain potassium for root development; they contain manganese and zinc for healthy growth.
- Fertilizer is designed to provide the flowering plant with nutrients that are generally in short supply in the soil. Most flower fertilizers are either mixed with water or mixed into the soil and then heavily watered. This is because the nutrients are absorbed by the plant through the root system and delivered to the parts of the plant where they are needed most. Fertilizer is to a plant as vitamins are to a person--both deliver exactly what is needed to promote growth and health.
- Choose a multipurpose, balanced flowering plant fertilizer and follow the application directions precisely. Remember, preparing more than the recommended application is not better. Over fertilizing a plant may damage the roots and injure the plant. Fertilizers specially designed for flowering plants will provide the right balance of nutrients to create bigger and longer-lasting blooms. Fertilizer for grass or non-flowering plants will provide too much nitrogen, resulting in more leaf growth rather than flowers and buds.
