How to Organically Fertilize Lilacs

Every day, gardening gets better for the environmentally conscious gardener. Manufacturers frequently produce new, environmentally friendly fertilizers and herbicides. Organic fertilizers are available online and in garden centers and nurseries. Lilacs respond well to these products. Use your organic fertilizer the same way you would use a synthetic fertilizer.

Things You'll Need

• Organic fertilizer

Instructions

1. Apply a 0-7-0 fertilizer in early spring. This is a high-phosphorous fertilizer that promotes blooming. There are several organic formulas on the market, most containing bat guano. Use the amount specified on the package for the age and size of your lilac.

2. Use a 5-5-5 organic fertilizer after the lilac blooms have died. Apply it in the same manner as you did the spring fertilizer.

3. Water the soil to a depth of 5 inches after fertilizing. This helps soak the fertilizer to the lilac's roots.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Syringa reticulata: Japanese Tree Lilac; Edward F. Gilman, et al.; November 1993
• "Soil Fertility and Fertilizers"; Samuel L. Tisdale, et al.; 1993