Soil amendment to promote blooms? - Ask Extension
Hello!
I planted a mix of annuals and perennials in sunny garden bed in my backyard, as I do every year. Historically, everything I've planted in t...
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Soil amendment to promote blooms? #806016
Asked August 12, 2022, 9:07 PM EDT
Hello!
I planted a mix of annuals and perennials in sunny garden bed in my backyard, as I do every year. Historically, everything I've planted in this spot has done great; they've grown well and produced a lot of blooms. This year, both the annuals and perennials have grown really well, with big, sturdy leaves and they look very happy, but there are few-to-no blooms on them plants. This is with every plant in this particular bed!
My hunch says the soil is deficient in particular nutrient. Thoughts? Or do you think it might be something else? So far as I know, nothing has changed in the environment from last year.
Thank you so much in advance,
Laine B.
Northeast Minneapolis
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
One of the most common reasons why flowers do not bloom is that they have too much nitrogen fertilizer.The plant will be large and very green and healthy but will have few or no flowers. Drought may cause flower buds to drop off. Planting annuals too early may cause cold injury to damage their roots.