It’s May- the peak growing season here in the Coachella Valley and most parts of the USA.
Growing season entails fertilizing season, so we decided that it’d be the perfect time to round up the questions we get from you the most often regarding fertilizing plants.
When should I fertilize my plants?
Time of day: We recommend fertilizing plants early in the morning, especially in very warm regions such as Palm Springs. Doing so will reduce the risk of burn and add vigor to the plant as it starts its day.
Time of year: The general rule is that if you see active growth in your plants, you can fertilize them. Although there are many variables such as plant types, soil, climate, microclimate, etc, for most situations, you can start fertilizing in spring after the last frost and continue through fall.
This map from NOAA shows the average last spring freeze for each region. Source
Do not fertilize while the plant is dormant, either approaching or during wintertime, and times of stress such as during heatwaves here in California.
Do I need fertilizer for my new plants?
The majority of the plants we offer at the nursery do not need fertilizer right away since the soil they come with is already fertile according to their needs.
However, if you've purchased fruit trees or flowering shrubs right before or during the bloom period, we recommend adding specialized fertilizer formulated for fruits and flowers for maximum harvest and blooms.
Finally, over time, nutrients get absorbed and leached out from soils, especially from containers as well as dry and loose desert soils, so eventually, you will need to add fertilizer to many plants.
Should I fertilize cacti and succulents?
If your cactus and succulent plants are thriving without it, it's not necessary to fertilize them. Many cacti, agaves, yuccas, and other succulents that are originally from deserts are adapted to soil with low fertility, and so are pretty low-maintenance.
However, you should add fertilizer if the colors of your plants aren't robust or showing other signs of nutrition deficiency, to encourage blooms or pups/offsets, or some other reason that calls for a nutrition boost. Keep in mind that the plant should be in the growing phase rather than the dormant phase as mentioned in a previous question.
What type of fertilizer should I use on my cactus?
The majority of cacti and succulents only need light nutrition. To provide a wide range of nutrients, you can add some compost, manure, or worm castings to the soil. Make sure you don't add too much since the soil still needs to drain well. Adding organic mulch around the plant will also keep the sun and wind from drying it out while providing nutrition as it decays over time.
This long-term approach will allow for the build-up of healthy soil and will allow you to not have to depend on frequent applications of commercial fertilizer.
However, if you'd like an easy solution with quick results, you can purchase a liquid fertilizer specially formulated for cacti and succulents. One recommendation is Schultz Cactus Plus 2-7-7 Liquid Plant Food.
Can you overfertilize plants?
Yes. Overfertilization can cause root burn, abnormal and unsightly growth, and weakened structure, among other health issues.
Please follow the instructions on your fertilizer label carefully, and use the correct fertilizer for each plant. Don’t use tomato fertilizer on a cactus!
Have you been fertilizing your plants this month? Any other fertilizer related questions? Feel free to ask- we’re ready to help.