How to make azaleas bloom
As one of the top ten famous traditional flowers in China, rhododendrons are favored by gardening enthusiasts for their colorful flower appearance. In order for azaleas to bloom as scheduled, scientific conservation methods are needed. This article will systematically analyze the secrets of flower promotion from environmental control to fertilization skills. 1. Five major factors for promoting azalea flowers 1. Acidic soil improves rhododendron root systems as slender as hair and needs to grow in acidic substrates with pH 4.5 -5.5. It is recommended to use a mixed formula of peat soil + humus soil + pine needles (3:2:1), and irrigate 0.2% ferrous sulfate solution every quarter to maintain pH. 2. Intelligent light control maintains scattered light for 6 hours in spring and autumn, uses 50% sunshade net to avoid burns in summer, and provides full sunshine in winter. Photoperiod control is carried out 45 days before flowering, and the daily darkness time is not less than 14 hours. 3. Precise water management adopts the "see dry and see wet" method: water is poured through three days in spring and autumn, spray water in the morning and evening in summer, and water is controlled to reach the micro-tide of the basin soil in winter. Use softened water with an EC value of <0.5 to avoid alkaline water causing yellow leaves. 4. Balanced fertilizers of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (20-20-20) are applied every half a month during the stage nutrient supply growth period, and high-phosphorus formula is applied during the budding period. Especially add trace elements such as iron chelates and boron to prevent vitamin deficiency. 5. Immediately after scientifically pruning and shaping flowers, cut off residual flowers and cut off dense branches. Keep 3-5 main branches and 3 knots for new shoots. Combined with shaping and pruning, the flower amount can be increased by 40%. 2. Key fertilization plan before flowering Apply potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1000 times solution) for foliar topdressing during the flower bud differentiation period (60 days before flowering), once every 10 days. Combine root application of bone meal (50g/pot) and decomposed cake fertilizer to promote the development of flower buds. Pay attention to controlling nitrogen fertilizer to prevent branches and leaves from growing excessively.
Through soil improvement, comprehensive control of light, warm water and fertilizer, and precise pruning, the flowering period of rhododendrons can be extended by 15-20 days. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log, record growth data at each stage, and gradually form a personalized maintenance plan. Appropriate cooling to 12-15℃ during the full flowering period can make the color more beautiful and lasting.