How to Feed King Protea

The king protea is an attractive and interesting-looking plant.

The king protea is a bizarre-looking plant native to Australia and South Africa, where it is the national flower. The flower heads range in size from 5 to 12 inches in diameter. The colorful blossoms vary from white to a deep red. King protea is woody shrub with large, glossy green leaves that grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet. Well-drained soil and six full hours of sunlight help proteas to thrive.

Things You'll Need

• Nitrogen or organic fertilizer
• Drip irrigation system
• Ammonium sulfate

Instructions

1. Feed king protea in the spring and fall with a nitrogen-rich or organic fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at a ratio of 60 lbs. per acre. Avoid fertilizers with high levels of phosphorus.

2. Plant the king protea away from other plants that require frequent fertilization. The fertilizer may seep into the soil and kill its roots. Do not use fertilizer on new or freshly planted proteas.

3. Inject soluble ammonium sulfate in a drip irrigation system twice a year in April and September beginning in the second year. Mix 25 lbs. of ammonium sulfate and 5.25 lbs. nitrogen per acre. Apply half of the solution each time. Irrigate the soil to a depth of 6 inches.

References

• California Protea Management: Caring for Protea
• Protea USA: Protea Growing Field Development
• South African National Biodiversity Institute; Protea cynaroides (L.) L.; H.G. Jamieson; July 2001
• Protea Magic: Protea