How to grow hydrangeas to make them more vigorous?
Today, the editor will explain to you how to grow hydrangeas to make them more vigorous, including knowledge about flowers and plants. The specific content is as follows:
In the season when hydrangeas bloom, many flower enthusiasts say that although they see others' hydrangeas bloom so well, they can never grow them well themselves. In fact, compared to roses, hydrangeas are really easy to grow. So today, let's briefly introduce how to grow hydrangeas well.
How to grow hydrangeas to make them more vigorous
Hydrangeas are very suitable for pot cultivation and also perform well when planted in the ground. If you plant hydrangeas in the ground, the management is even more worry-free. However, it is best to plant them in a location with oblique and direct sunlight, a shaded area during the hot summer noon, or a place with half-day sun in the morning. Try to avoid planting them in a location exposed to the west sun, otherwise, shading will be required in summer. The management of hydrangeas planted in the ground is relatively simple, and the following focuses on the management methods for potted hydrangeas.
1. Pot and Soil Selection
Hydrangeas are not very picky about potting soil. It is best to choose loose and breathable soil when potting. You can directly use universal nutrient soil or mix two parts garden soil with two parts universal nutrient soil and one part decomposed leaf soil.
The size of the pot should be selected based on the size of the hydrangea seedling. It is recommended not to use too large a pot. For small hydrangea seedlings, a 1-gallon pot can be used. If you buy a 1-gallon seedling, a 3-gallon pot can be used. A slightly larger pot can reduce the pressure of watering since hydrangeas consume a lot of water during the blooming period. If the pot is too small, it often dries out easily.
2. Water and Fertilizer Management
Watering hydrangeas should be adjusted based on the condition of the seedling and the size of the pot. If the pot is large and the seedling is small, less water should be used, and water should be added when the top 2 cm of the potting soil is dry. If the seedling is large and the pot is small, water can be added when the surface of the potting soil is dry. If it is during the blooming period, water can be added when the flowers start to soften. Even if the potting soil is moist, it is recommended to water thoroughly to keep the moisture充足 during the blooming period.
Hydrangeas do not require much fertilizer. Generally, during the growing season in spring, a universal water-soluble fertilizer should be applied every 10 days or so. By the end of April, it is recommended to switch to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, which can promote the growth of hydrangea flower buds and make the flowers larger. Water-soluble fertilizers should be stopped after the hydrangea buds show color.
After the hydrangea flowers fade, apply fertilizer again. It is recommended to apply fermented organic fertilizer and controlled-release fertilizer after the hydrangea flowers fade, which can provide nutrients for the hydrangeas for an extended period. It's fine to apply little water-soluble fertilizer in summer. Not only potted hydrangeas but also those planted in the ground need to be fertilized after flowering. In winter, another application of fermented organic fertilizer should be made, or it can be applied when the plants start to sprout in early spring. It is even better if bone meal is added.
3. Light Management
Hydrangeas love light but are not tolerant to direct sunlight. Therefore, it is important to adjust the light during maintenance. In spring, autumn, and winter, they should be kept in a well-lit environment. By the end of May, when the hydrangeas are in full bloom, attention should be paid to shading. Appropriate shading can extend the blooming period of the hydrangeas.
After the hydrangeas have finished blooming and entered summer, they should be protected from direct sunlight. It is best to keep them in a bright area with scattered light or in a semi-shaded position in the morning. However, half-day sun can also be a challenge for hydrangeas, often causing sunburn, but it usually won't be fatal. To keep the leaves of the hydrangeas healthy, it is recommended to shade them or keep them in a scattered light environment.
4. Pruning
Pruning has a significant impact on hydrangeas. Pruning is generally done after the flowers fade. If pruning is too late or too severe, it may lead to little or no flowering the following year.
Therefore, I recommend pruning promptly after the flowers fade and not pruning again afterward. Hydrangeas are quite tolerant to pruning. If you want to control the size of the plant, you can prune it more severely, cutting off about half of the plant's height while retaining enough leaves for photosynthesis. If pruned too severely, it is necessary to shade the plant, otherwise, it may easily die from sunburn.
Also, it should be noted that after pruning hydrangeas, the evaporation rate decreases, and the watering amount should also be reduced to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and withering.
5. Disease Prevention and Control
Hydrangeas usually have few diseases and pests. If the sunlight is too strong, they can be easily sunburned and infected with (T-J) disease. If red-brown spots are found on the hydrangea leaves, fungicides should be sprayed promptly to prevent further spread.
In addition to fungal infections, hydrangeas can also develop yellow leaves due to iron deficiency in summer. It is important to supplement trace element fertilizers after entering summer.
Is your hydrangea not doing well? By following these five points, you can have beautiful flower balls every year!
The above is an introduction to how to grow hydrangeas to make them more vigorous and how to care for them to thrive. Hope you all like it!