What kind of fertilizer should be used for the base fertilizer of Bougainvillea?
As an "blooming machine" with a blooming period of up to 280 days, the fertilization management of Bougainvillea directly affects the quantity and quality of flowers. Scientific fertilization not only ensures the supply of nutrients to the plant but also avoids root damage from fertilizer damage, so it is particularly important to master the differentiated management of base fertilizer and flowering period fertilizer.
Complete Guide to Applying Base Fertilizer for Bougainvillea
Three Standards for Choosing Base Fertilizer
Quality base fertilizer should meet three standards: slow-release properties, organic matter content, and neutral pH value. It is recommended to use a mixture of decomposed sheep manure (NPK ratio 0.7:0.5:0.3) and bone meal (12% phosphorus content) in a 3:1 ratio. This combination can slowly release nutrients and improve the soil aggregate structure.
Comparison and Evaluation of New Slow-Release Fertilizers
Comparison tests show that Ogreen 318S slow-release fertilizer (NPK 18-6-12) performs best in potted Bougainvillea, with a sustained release period of up to 8 months. When combined with nutrient soil added with 5% humic acid, the number of new branches sprouting increases by 40%. When applying, it should be applied in a circular trench 15 cm away from the trunk, with a depth of 10 cm.
Accurate Regulation of Fertilization During Flowering Period
Key Points for Maintaining Short-Flowering Varieties
For short-flowering varieties such as Yunnan Purple (with a flowering period of 20-30 days), fertilization should be stopped during the flowering period and replaced with 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar spray, twice a week until the flowers fade. The focus is on timely topdressing with balanced fertilizer (NPK 20-20-20) after flowering to restore tree vigor.
Nutrition Program for Long-Flowering Varieties
Long-flowering varieties such as Brazil Purple (with a flowering period of 120 days+) require continuous fertilization. The "3+2" mode is adopted: every 15 days, water the roots with Huaduo No.2 (NPK 10-30-20) at 1000 times dilution, combined with foliar spraying of seaweed extract (containing natural growth hormones) every 7 days, which can increase the number of inflorescences per branch by 3-5.
The day after fertilization, it is necessary to water thoroughly to prevent salt accumulation. Fertilization should be stopped when the temperature exceeds 35℃ in summer, and the use of LED grow lights (spectra 400-700nm) in autumn and winter can extend the flowering period to the Spring Festival. Always remember the principle of "apply thin fertilizer frequently" to make Bougainvillea bloom in all seasons.