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changing soil ph rapidly #185766

Asked May 27, 2014, 3:33 PM EDT

Hi, Wondering if you can offer any advice on this subject. I'm trying to set up an experiment using hydrangeas. I already have the pink and blue hydrangeas, but I want to demonstrate using a soil probe that the soil ph is different in the pink and blue flowers. In the pot for the blue hydrangea I am using an azalea soil, a soil acidifier (30%sulfur), cedar mulch and distilled water (the water here is alkaline). There is virtually no difference in the ph. I know it takes time to change the ph, but can you recommend a product to change the acidity today? I am wondering if liquid iron would work? I'm writing to you because I lived in OR until recently. Thank you Debra Scharlay

Dallas County Texas

Expert Response

Some say Aluminum Sulfate will change the soil's ph  to acid immediately but changing the flower color may take up to 2 to 3 months..  Please check referenced websites for more information about this subject . The color of the blossoms can be intensified to deep blue by adding aluminum sulfate to the soil, or can be changed to pink by adding iron sulfate. (Saxifragaceae.)http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/riograndeornamentals/shrubs.html http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/syllabi/325/schedule/Pest%20Management/Disease%20Management/2005_.http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/colorchange.html..http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/weekly_q&a/ts&p_17.htm
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 28, 2014, 11:52 AM EDT

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