Alright, so a few of you have been asking about how I handle feeding my Agapanthus plants. It’s not some big secret, just what I’ve found works for me over the years. Figured I’d share my routine.
When I Get Started With Feeding
Timing is pretty important, I reckon. I don’t just throw food at them whenever. My main go-to time is early spring. You know, when you start seeing those first bits of new green stuff pushing up. That’s the signal for me. They’re waking up and probably feeling a bit peckish after winter.
I try not to do it too late in the year. Don’t want a bunch of soft, new leaves heading into the cold months. That just asks for trouble.
What I Chuck at Them
Now, for the actual fertilizer, I’m not super particular. I’ve used a few different things. Mostly, I reach for a general-purpose plant food. You know, the kind of stuff you can use on most things in the garden. Sometimes I’ll use:
- A balanced granular fertilizer. Something like a 10-10-10, or thereabouts.
- Slow-release pellets are good too. Saves me having to remember to do it again too soon.
- Once in a while, if I’ve got some well-rotted compost or a bit of bone meal, I’ll scratch that in. They seem to like that.
I tend to stick to the granular stuff mostly. Just easier to handle, I find. Liquid feeds are okay, but it’s just another job mixing it up when I’ve got a lot to do.
My Method – How I Actually Do It
So, when it’s time, here’s what I do. Pretty simple, really.
First, I clear away any old leaves or bits of rubbish from around the base of the plant. Gives me a clear run at it.
Then, I take the fertilizer – usually the granular stuff. I don’t measure it out like a scientist or anything. I just grab a handful, or use the little scoop if it comes with one, and sprinkle it around the base of the plant. Important bit here: I try to keep it away from touching the actual stems or the crown of the plant directly. Don’t want to burn it, you see. Just spread it out on the soil around where the roots will be.
How much? Well, the packet usually gives you an idea. I tend to go a little easy rather than too heavy. You can always add a bit more later if you think they need it, but you can’t easily take it away if you’ve overdone it.
Once I’ve sprinkled it around, I give the area a good watering. This is key. It helps wash the fertilizer down into the soil so the roots can get at it. And it stops it just sitting on the surface, which isn’t much good to anyone.
Do I Feed Them Again?
Sometimes, yeah. If they’ve put on a massive show of flowers, or if they’re looking a bit yellow and tired come mid-summer, I might give them another small feed. Same stuff, same method, just a little booster shot. But like I said, not too late into autumn. Usually, that one spring feed is enough for them to do their thing.
What Happens Next?
Well, after a bit, you just see them perk up. The leaves get a bit greener, a bit more lush. And hopefully, you get a good strong show of those amazing blue (or white!) flowers. That’s the whole point, right?
I’ve definitely noticed a difference between the years I’ve been a bit lazy and skipped feeding, and the years I’ve made the effort. They’re tougher plants than people think, but a bit of grub helps them put on their best display.
So, that’s my way with fertilizing Agapanthus. Nothing fancy, just good old practical stuff that works for me. Give it a go if you like!
