How to Fertilize Crape Myrtles for Blooming
To properly bloom, the crape myrtle requires two tasks of the gardener: pruning and fertilizing. It's tempting to provide the plant more fertilizer than recommended to jump start the blooming season, but it is important to resist the urge. A reduction in flowers on the crape myrtle can be attributed to a lack of fertilizer or over-fertilization. Fertilize the young crape myrtle -- those under 3 years of age -- in March, May and July. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Apply 1 tbsp. of 8-8-8 or 13-13-13 fertilizer per 1 foot of height or spread of the crape myrtle, whichever is larger. Sprinkle it on the soil at the widest part of the plant, spreading it so that it completely surrounds the plant.
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Place a hose on the soil at the crape myrtle's widest point. Set it to drip at a slow trickle and leave it until the top 6 inches of soil is moist. This helps soak the fertilizer into the plant's root zone.
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Fertilize the mature crape myrtle annually in late March or early April. Use the same fertilizer formula at the same rate as was used when the plant was a juvenile.
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