How to Grow Protea
Protea are flowering bushes with unconventional, artichoke-shaped blossoms. The plant was originally discovered in the mid-1700s and comes in hundreds of different varieties in various vibrant hues. While common in Africa, the protea plant can be grown in various other locales. The plant, which is named after a Greek shape-shifting god, is a beautiful conversation starter and an excellent garden centerpiece. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sand (optional) Fish emulsion fertilizer Mulch Shovel Protea plant or seeds Plant pruning shears
Instructions
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1
Understand the protea plant's soil requirements and prepare your local yard's ground accordingly. Protea need dirt with excellent drainage. If your soil is heavy with a clay-based texture, mix in small amounts of sand until water disappears quickly when added to the surface of the ground.
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2
Add fish-emulsion fertilizer, which makes the soil slightly acidic while simultaneously enriching the soil. Measure and dispense the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, because each brand of fish emulsion varies in its strength and distribution instructions.
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3
Use the shovel to dig a hole in the prepared soil that is deep enough to completely cover the root ball of the protea plant. Place the protea plant in the hole and cover with prepared dirt. If you are growing protea from seeds, sink the seeds one inch below the surface of the soil.
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4
Cover the soil around the protea plant with mulch to help maximize the soil's moisture retention. If growing protea from seeds, leave the soil bare until the plant sprouts.
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5
Water lightly and frequently. Protea do not like to be constantly wet, so light but deep watering sessions are preferable. Consider watering in the early morning and evening when the heat of the sun is not as high.
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6
Prune the protea plant. Protea benefit from light pruning once a year. Trim back one-fourth of the plant, focusing on old branches. This helps rejuvenate the protea and may cause it to grow back thicker and bushier.
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