Fertilising library
How to fertilise your plants
— a real feed plan for 10153 species.
Pick a plant for the exact NPK and feed type it wants, how often and which months to feed, what strength to mix, and how to read over- vs under-feeding. No generic “plant food” advice — a barely-feed cactus page reads nothing like a bloom-boosted orchid or a heavy-feeding monstera, because each plan is built from that plant's real nutrient needs.
Barely feed — cacti, snake plant, ZZ
Desert plants and tough survivors that store their own reserves. A weak feed once or twice a season at most — over-feeding, not starvation, is what kills them.
How to fertilise snake plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Light feeder. Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 6-8 weeks from spring to early autumn is plenty.
How to fertilise zz plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 8-12 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise yucca
Yucca elephantipes
Half-strength balanced feed every 8 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise cacti (general care)
Cactaceae
Half-strength cactus or low-nitrogen feed once a month during the growing season.
How to fertilise lithops
Lithops
Almost never; a single quarter-strength cactus feed in autumn before flowering is enough.
How to fertilise lucky bamboo
Dracaena sanderiana
A drop of liquid feed in the water vase every couple of months is enough.
How to fertilise ric rac cactus
Disocactus anguliger
Feed lightly during the growing season only. A balanced houseplant or cactus feed diluted and applied roughly every fourth watering through spring and summer is plenty; some growers feed as little as once a year in spring. Stop feeding in autumn and winter. Over-feeding produces soft, weak growth and discourages the autumn flower buds.
How to fertilise moonlight cactus
Selenicereus chrysocardium
Feed during spring and summer with a balanced, dilute liquid houseplant or cactus feed roughly every four weeks, or work a little worm castings into the mix when repotting. Because it is an epiphyte that naturally draws scant nutrients from leaf litter, keep feeds weak and stop entirely through the autumn and winter rest period.
How to fertilise moon cactus
Gymnocalycium mihanovichii (grafted)
Feed sparingly during the spring-to-summer growing season with a diluted cactus or low-nitrogen fertiliser, roughly once a month at half strength. Do not feed in autumn or winter while the plant rests. Over-feeding pushes soft, weak growth and stresses the mismatched graft.
How to fertilise bunny ears cactus
Opuntia microdasys
Feed sparingly: apply a balanced or low-nitrogen liquid cactus fertiliser at half strength three or four times across spring and summer. Stop feeding entirely from autumn through winter while the plant rests. Over-feeding produces soft, weak growth that is prone to rot and damages the plant's naturally tidy, compact shape.
How to fertilise whale fin snake plant
Dracaena masoniana
A light feeder; apply a diluted balanced or cactus fertiliser only during the spring and summer growing season. Skip feeding entirely in autumn and winter, and do not over-fertilise.
How to fertilise cylindrical snake plant
Dracaena angolensis
Feed lightly during the spring and summer growing season, about once a month or every other watering, with a diluted balanced or succulent/cactus fertiliser. Do not fertilise in autumn and winter when growth naturally stalls. Over-feeding causes weak, floppy growth.
How to fertilise pincushion cactus
Mammillaria crinita
Feed once monthly with a diluted low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer (high phosphorus encourages flowering) during spring and summer. Do not fertilize in autumn or winter.
How to fertilise pflanz's chin cactus
Gymnocalycium pflanzii
Apply a balanced liquid cactus fertilizer (low nitrogen, higher phosphorus and potassium) once monthly during spring and summer to encourage flowering. Annual repotting into fresh compost can substitute for regular feeding.
How to fertilise white-haired crown cactus
Rebutia muscula
Apply a balanced liquid cactus fertilizer (low nitrogen) 3–4 times during the growing season (spring to late summer). A phosphorus-rich feed in late spring encourages heavier flowering.
How to fertilise emory's barrel cactus
Ferocactus emoryi
Feed once in spring and once in early summer with a low-nitrogen cactus fertiliser (e.g. 5-10-10). Do not feed in autumn or winter.
How to fertilise fire barrel cactus
Ferocactus stainesii
Apply a dilute cactus or low-nitrogen fertiliser (5-10-10) once in spring and once in early summer only. Over-fertilising causes soft, weak growth.
How to fertilise wheel cactus
Opuntia robusta
Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen cactus fertiliser once in spring at the start of the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote soft, disease-prone growth.
How to fertilise mandacaru cactus
Cereus jamacaru
Apply a low-nitrogen cactus fertiliser (5-10-10) once in spring and once in early summer. Cereus jamacaru grows vigorously and can be fed slightly more regularly than slow-growing cacti, but never in autumn or winter.
How to fertilise column cactus
Cereus validus
Apply a diluted cactus fertiliser (low nitrogen, high potassium) monthly during the active growing season (April–September). Withhold all fertiliser during winter dormancy.
How to fertilise giant barrel cactus
Echinocactus platyacanthus
Feed once a month with a very diluted cactus fertiliser (NPK approximately 5-10-10) from May to August only. Overfeeding produces soft growth prone to damage.
How to fertilise cottontop cactus
Echinocactus polycephalus
A single application of diluted low-nitrogen cactus fertiliser (e.g. 2-7-7) in late spring is sufficient. This species grows very slowly and does not benefit from frequent feeding.
How to fertilise horse crippler cactus
Echinocactus texensis
Apply diluted low-nitrogen cactus fertiliser once in early spring and once in early summer. Avoid overfeeding as excess nitrogen produces unnaturally soft growth in this slow-growing species.
Light-feeding succulents
Echeveria, jade, the string-of-things. A gentle low-nitrogen cactus feed a few times in growth keeps them plump without forcing weak, stretched tissue.
How to fertilise jade plant
Crassula ovata
Half-strength cactus fertiliser every 8 weeks during the growing season; not at all in winter.
How to fertilise aloe vera
Aloe barbadensis
Half-strength cactus feed every 8 weeks in spring and summer only.
How to fertilise string of pearls
Curio rowleyanus (formerly Senecio rowleyanus)
Quarter-strength cactus feed every 6-8 weeks during the growing season only.
How to fertilise ponytail palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
Half-strength cactus feed every 8-12 weeks during the growing season; not in winter.
How to fertilise echeveria
Echeveria
Quarter-strength cactus feed every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise sedum
Sedum
Light feeder. Quarter-strength cactus feed once a month for indoor types; garden sedums rarely need feeding.
How to fertilise haworthia
Haworthiopsis attenuata
Quarter-strength cactus feed every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise string of hearts
Ceropegia woodii
Quarter-strength succulent feed monthly in spring and summer.
How to fertilise string of bananas
Senecio radicans
Quarter-strength succulent feed monthly in spring and summer.
How to fertilise string of dolphins
Senecio peregrinus
Quarter-strength succulent feed monthly in spring and summer.
How to fertilise burro's tail
Sedum morganianum
Quarter-strength succulent feed every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer.
How to fertilise string of turtles
Peperomia prostrata
Feed only during active growth in spring and summer, using a balanced liquid houseplant feed diluted to half strength about once a month. It is a light feeder, so stop entirely in autumn and winter; over-feeding causes salt build-up and weak, leggy growth rather than fuller foliage.
How to fertilise string of raindrops
Curio citriformis (syn. Senecio citriformis)
Feed sparingly: a balanced houseplant or cactus feed diluted to half strength, around once a month through spring and summer only. It is a light feeder and over-fertilising produces weak, leggy growth. Stop feeding entirely in autumn and winter while growth slows.
How to fertilise ghost plant
Graptopetalum paraguayense
Feed sparingly, only during the spring-to-summer growing season. A balanced or low-nitrogen succulent feed diluted to half strength, applied once every four to six weeks, is plenty. Stop feeding altogether in autumn and winter. Over-feeding produces soft, leggy, etiolation-prone growth and dulls the prized leaf colour, so err on the lean side.
How to fertilise mother of thousands
Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Feed with a half-strength balanced or cactus fertiliser once a month through spring and summer only. It is a light feeder, so stop entirely in autumn and winter when growth slows.
How to fertilise string of nickels
Dischidia nummularia
Feed with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertiliser roughly every fourth watering during spring and summer. Cut back to every sixth watering, or stop entirely, through autumn and winter.
How to fertilise echeveria 'perle von nurnberg'
Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg'
Light feeder. Apply a balanced succulent/cactus fertiliser diluted to half strength once or twice during the spring-summer growing season. Do not fertilise in autumn or winter when the plant is resting.
How to fertilise mexican snowball
Echeveria elegans
Feed lightly only during the active spring-to-summer growing season, about once a month, using a balanced fertiliser diluted to half or quarter strength (or a dedicated cactus/succulent feed). Do not fertilise in autumn or winter while the plant is dormant — succulents are light feeders and over-fertilising causes weak, leggy growth.
How to fertilise lipstick echeveria
Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick'
Light feeder. Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen succulent fertiliser diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Do not fertilise in autumn and winter when growth slows. Over-feeding (especially with high nitrogen) produces weak, leggy growth.
How to fertilise echeveria 'lola'
Echeveria 'Lola'
Feed sparingly. It grows fine without feeding, but a boost helps during the spring-to-summer growing season: apply a balanced or low-nitrogen water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength roughly monthly. Do not fertilise in autumn or winter while the plant is resting.
How to fertilise jelly bean plant (pork and beans)
Sedum × rubrotinctum
A light feeder. Apply a balanced liquid succulent or cactus fertiliser diluted to half strength about once every other month during the spring and summer growing season. Do not feed in autumn or winter. Over-fertilising produces weak, floppy growth and dulls leaf colour.
How to fertilise coppertone stonecrop
Sedum nussbaumerianum
Light feeder. Apply a balanced fertiliser diluted to about half strength once or twice during the active growing season (spring through summer). Do not fertilise in autumn or winter while the plant is dormant.
How to fertilise string of buttons
Crassula perforata
Light feeder. Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength once or twice during spring and summer. Do not feed in autumn or winter, or while the plant is stressed; over-feeding causes weak, leggy growth.
How to fertilise watch chain plant
Crassula muscosa
Feed lightly during the growing season (spring to early autumn) with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength, roughly once a month. Do not feed in winter. Over-fertilising produces weak, leggy growth and can encourage disease.
Light-feeding foliage houseplants
Most easy green houseplants — a half-strength balanced feed through the growing months, nothing in the dark winter weeks.
How to fertilise dracaena
Dracaena fragrans / marginata
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 6 weeks during the growing season; sensitive to over-feeding.
How to fertilise peperomia
Peperomia obtusifolia
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise prayer plant
Maranta leuconeura
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks during the growing season; over-feeding burns the edges.
How to fertilise calathea
Calathea (Goeppertia) spp.
Quarter-strength balanced liquid feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise chinese evergreen
Aglaonema commutatum
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise parlor palm
Chamaedorea elegans
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 6 weeks during the growing season; sensitive to over-feeding.
How to fertilise schefflera
Schefflera arboricola
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia seguine
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise areca palm
Dypsis lutescens
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season; sensitive to over-feeding.
How to fertilise english ivy
Hedera helix
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise wandering dude
Tradescantia zebrina
Half-strength balanced feed every 4 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise boston fern
Nephrolepis exaltata
Quarter-strength balanced feed every 4 weeks during the growing season; ferns are sensitive to over-feeding.
How to fertilise money tree
Pachira aquatica
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise maidenhair fern
Adiantum raddianum
Quarter-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season; ferns burn easily.
How to fertilise norfolk island pine
Araucaria heterophylla
Half-strength balanced feed every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise fittonia
Fittonia albivenis
Quarter-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise chinese money plant
Pilea peperomioides
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise zinnia
Zinnia elegans
A balanced feed at planting and again at flowering.
How to fertilise peony
Paeonia
A spring top-dress with compost and bone meal; avoid heavy nitrogen feeds.
How to fertilise weeping fig
Ficus benjamina
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise clivia
Clivia miniata
Balanced liquid feed monthly from spring to summer; stop in autumn for the dormancy trigger.
How to fertilise polka dot plant
Hypoestes phyllostachya
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise dragon tree
Dracaena marginata
Quarter-strength balanced liquid feed every 6-8 weeks in growing season.
Heavy-feeding tropicals
Monstera, philodendron, the big aroids. Genuinely hungry in bright warmth — feed often and weak, not occasionally and strong.
How to fertilise monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks from spring to early autumn; skip in winter.
How to fertilise pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4-6 weeks from spring to early autumn.
How to fertilise fiddle leaf fig
Ficus lyrata
A balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks during the growing season. Skip in winter.
How to fertilise philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise rubber plant
Ficus elastica
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise alocasia
Alocasia macrorrhiza
Half-strength balanced feed every 4 weeks during the growing season only.
How to fertilise croton
Codiaeum variegatum
Half-strength balanced feed every 4 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise elephant ear
Colocasia esculenta
Balanced feed at half strength every 3-4 weeks during the growing season; heavy feeder.
How to fertilise rex begonia
Begonia rex
Quarter-strength balanced feed every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
How to fertilise arrowhead plant
Syngonium podophyllum
Balanced liquid feed at half strength monthly from spring to early autumn.
How to fertilise cordyline
Cordyline fruticosa
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise golden pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Golden'
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4-6 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise marble queen pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen'
Half-strength balanced feed every 6 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise neon pothos
Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4-6 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise silver pothos
Scindapsus pictus
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise swiss cheese vine
Monstera adansonii
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise philodendron brasil
Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise heartleaf philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise philodendron micans
Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise tree philodendron
Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
Balanced liquid feed at half strength monthly in growing season.
How to fertilise caladium
Caladium bicolor
Half-strength balanced feed every 4 weeks during active growth.
How to fertilise ficus audrey
Ficus benghalensis
Balanced liquid feed at half strength every 4 weeks in growing season.
How to fertilise white bird of paradise
Strelitzia nicolai
Balanced liquid feed monthly in growing season.
How to fertilise false aralia
Plerandra elegantissima
Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength every 3-4 weeks through spring and summer, then stop in autumn and winter while growth is dormant. It is a light feeder; over-feeding causes weak, leggy growth and salt build-up, so flush the compost occasionally and never feed a dry or stressed plant.
Bloom-boosted flowering plants
Orchids, African violet, peace lily, anthurium. Feeding to flower, not to grow leaves — a higher-phosphorus specialist feed, weakly and weekly.
How to fertilise peace lily
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Balanced liquid feed at quarter strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season; over-feeding burns leaf tips.
How to fertilise hoya
Hoya carnosa
Half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season; switch to a bloom feed when buds form.
How to fertilise anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum
Quarter-strength balanced feed every 4 weeks during the growing season; switch to a bloom feed in spring.
How to fertilise kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Half-strength cactus or bloom feed monthly during the growing season; switch to a higher-phosphorus feed when buds form.
How to fertilise christmas cactus
Schlumbergera bridgesii
Half-strength balanced feed every 4 weeks during the growing season; switch to a bloom feed in late summer.
How to fertilise african violet
Saintpaulia ionantha
Quarter-strength African violet feed with every watering during the growing season, or a half-strength feed every 2 weeks.
How to fertilise orchid
Phalaenopsis spp.
Quarter-strength orchid feed weekly while in active growth ("weakly weekly"). Skip during winter rest.
How to fertilise cattleya orchid
Cattleya
"Weakly, weekly" — quarter-strength balanced orchid feed at every watering during active growth.
How to fertilise dendrobium orchid
Dendrobium
Quarter-strength balanced orchid feed weekly during active growth; stop completely during winter rest.
How to fertilise lipstick plant
Aeschynanthus radicans
Feed every couple of weeks through spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid houseplant fertiliser; a high-potassium or orchid feed in spring helps push flowering. Stop or greatly reduce feeding over the cool winter rest period when the plant is barely growing.
How to fertilise anthurium clarinervium (velvet cardboard anthurium)
Anthurium clarinervium
Feed every 4-6 weeks through spring and summer with a balanced houseplant or orchid feed diluted to roughly half strength. As an epiphyte it is sensitive to salt build-up, so flush the pot with plain water occasionally and ease off feeding entirely in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows. Weak, sporadic feeding beats heavy doses, which can scorch the roots and brown the leaf margins.
How to fertilise moth orchid
Phalaenopsis sp.
Feed with a dilute orchid-specific fertiliser every third or fourth watering during active growth and flowering, following label rates. To prevent salt build-up, flush with plain water on the intervening waterings. Cut feeding right back over winter when growth slows.
How to fertilise chocolate orchid
Oncidium 'Sharry Baby'
Feed "weakly, weekly" — a quarter-strength balanced orchid feed at most waterings during active growth, flushing with plain water periodically to clear salts. Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows.
How to fertilise hoya retusa
Hoya retusa
Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid houseplant fertiliser roughly every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). Stop or greatly reduce feeding in autumn and winter. A high-potassium bloom feed can encourage flowering in mature plants.
How to fertilise hoya krimson princess
Hoya carnosa 'Krimson Princess'
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted (half-strength) liquid houseplant fertiliser. A higher-phosphorus bloom feed can encourage flowering. Stop feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.
How to fertilise hoya sigillatis
Hoya sigillatis
Feed every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength; some growers switch to a higher-phosphorus bloom feed to encourage flowering. Stop feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows. Flush the mix occasionally to prevent salt buildup, which sensitive Hoya roots dislike.
How to fertilise hoya callistophylla
Hoya callistophylla
Feed a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser about once a month during the spring and summer growing season to support growth and flowering; a higher-phosphorus bloom feed can encourage flowering on mature plants. Stop or greatly reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows. Avoid over-fertilising, which can cause fertiliser burn and salt buildup in the chunky mix.
How to fertilise hoya australis 'lisa'
Hoya australis 'Lisa'
Feed monthly during the spring and summer growing season with a balanced, diluted liquid houseplant fertiliser; a higher-phosphorus bloom feed can encourage flowering on mature plants. Stop feeding in autumn and winter while growth slows. Avoid overfeeding, which can cause salt buildup and leaf-tip burn.
How to fertilise hoya 'mathilde'
Hoya carnosa × serpens 'Mathilde'
Feed monthly through spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength; a higher-phosphorus bloom feed can encourage flowering on mature plants. Stop or greatly reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.
How to fertilise stardust dendrobium
Dendrobium 'Stardust'
Feed with a balanced orchid fertiliser (20-20-20) at half strength every 2 weeks during active growth. Switch to a bloom booster (low nitrogen, higher phosphorus) in late summer to autumn. Reduce to monthly or cease feeding during the winter rest.
How to fertilise white-lip oncidium
Oncidium leucochilum
Feed with a balanced orchid fertiliser at half strength every 2 weeks during active growth. Switch to a bloom-booster (higher phosphorus) formulation in late summer. Reduce to monthly in autumn and withhold during the coolest weeks of winter rest.
How to fertilise queen cattleya
Cattleya warscewiczii
Feed fortnightly with a high-nitrogen orchid fertiliser (e.g. 30-10-10) during active vegetative growth in spring and early summer. Switch to a bloom-booster (10-30-20) from midsummer onwards to support flower development. Flush the medium thoroughly with plain water every 4 weeks.
How to fertilise queen of orchids
Cattleya dowiana
Apply a balanced orchid fertiliser (20-20-20) at half-strength every 2 weeks during spring and early summer growth. Transition to a bloom-booster (10-30-20) from midsummer. During the dry rest, fertilise only once a month at quarter-strength. Flush regularly to prevent salt accumulation.
How to fertilise pride of brazil orchid
Cattleya purpurata
During spring and summer growth, apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser (30-10-10) at half-strength every 2 weeks. From midsummer, switch to a bloom-booster (10-30-20) to harden pseudobulbs and support the following year's flowering. Reduce to monthly at quarter-strength over winter.
Epiphytes — air plants, staghorn, bromeliads
No normal roots in soil. Nutrients go onto the leaves or into the soak water, very dilute — never poured into a pot or the central cup.
How to fertilise bromeliad
Bromeliaceae (various genera)
Quarter-strength orchid feed misted onto leaves monthly during the growing season; never apply to the central cup.
How to fertilise staghorn fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Tuck a banana peel behind the shield frond every couple of months, or use a quarter-strength balanced liquid feed in soak water during the growing season.
How to fertilise air plant
Tillandsia
Add a quarter-strength bromeliad or air-plant fertiliser to the soak water once a month during the growing season.
How to fertilise guzmania
Guzmania lingulata
Quarter-strength balanced liquid feed in the cup every 4-6 weeks during growth.
How to fertilise vriesea
Vriesea splendens
Quarter-strength balanced feed in the cup every 4-6 weeks during growth.
How to fertilise urn plant (aechmea fasciata)
Aechmea fasciata
Feed lightly during spring and summer. Use a half-strength, low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser applied to the potting mix or as a dilute foliar spray roughly monthly; you can also add a very weak solution to the central cup. Avoid over-feeding, which can deform growth. Stop feeding in autumn and winter.
How to fertilise blood bromeliad
Guzmania sanguinea
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a quarter-strength balanced liquid fertiliser applied to the cup or misted onto foliage. Do not feed into the potting mix heavily. Stop feeding in autumn and winter.
How to fertilise puerto rican guzmania
Guzmania berteroniana
Apply a dilute (quarter-strength) balanced liquid fertiliser monthly in spring and summer by misting onto leaves or adding to the cup. Avoid high-phosphorus feeds. Reduce to every 6–8 weeks in winter.
How to fertilise spreading-flower guzmania
Guzmania dissitiflora
Feed monthly in the growing season (spring–summer) with a quarter-strength balanced liquid fertiliser delivered into the cup or misted onto leaves. Withhold feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.
How to fertilise saunders' vriesea
Vriesea saundersii
Apply a dilute quarter-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly in spring and summer, delivered into the cup or as a foliar mist. Avoid feeding the root zone heavily. Do not feed in winter.
How to fertilise giant vriesea
Vriesea gigantea
Feed monthly in the growing season with a quarter-strength balanced fertiliser applied to the cup and misted onto foliage. Given its large size, a half-strength feed every 6 weeks can also be used in peak summer. Cease feeding in winter.
How to fertilise parrot feather bromeliad
Vriesea psittacina
Apply a quarter-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to late summer, directly into the cup or as a foliar spray. Avoid heavy root feeding. Reduce to no feeding in autumn and winter.
How to fertilise racine's vriesea
Vriesea racinae
Feed monthly during spring and summer with a quarter-strength balanced liquid fertiliser, applied into the cup or misted onto foliage. Avoid strong root feeds. Suspend feeding from autumn through winter.
How to fertilise ospina's vriesea
Vriesea ospinae
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a very dilute (quarter-strength) balanced liquid fertiliser, applied by misting the foliage or adding to the cup. Avoid nitrogen-heavy feeds. Do not fertilise in autumn or winter.
How to fertilise flandria blushing bromeliad
Neoregelia carolinae 'Flandria'
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser applied directly into the central cup. Do not fertilise in autumn or winter. Avoid high-phosphorus formulas, which can damage foliage.
How to fertilise marble bromeliad
Neoregelia marmorata
Apply a diluted balanced liquid feed (quarter-strength) into the cup monthly during the growing season (spring–summer). Avoid over-fertilising — excessive nitrogen produces lush but poorly coloured foliage.
How to fertilise sad bromeliad
Neoregelia tristis
Feed with quarter-strength orchid or bromeliad fertiliser poured into the cup once a month in the growing season. Frequency and concentration must be low — this miniature species is sensitive to over-fertilisation.
How to fertilise coral berry bromeliad
Aechmea fulgens
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser applied into the cup and lightly to the soil. Avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas after the inflorescence emerges, as they can reduce the berry persistence.
How to fertilise christmas jewels bromeliad
Aechmea racinae
Feed monthly from spring through summer with a quarter-strength balanced bromeliad fertiliser diluted into the cup. A cool, slightly drier, unfed period in autumn can help initiate flowering in the following season.
How to fertilise silver star bromeliad
Cryptanthus lacerdae
Apply a quarter-strength balanced liquid fertiliser to the substrate every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer. Avoid strong concentrations that can cause root burn or mark the foliage. Withhold feeding in autumn and winter when growth is minimal.
How to fertilise bird's nest bromeliad
Nidularium innocentii
Apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during spring and summer, either to the substrate or diluted into the central cup. Avoid overfertilising — bromeliads have modest nutrient requirements. Do not feed in autumn and winter.
How to fertilise ground bromeliad
Bromelia humilis
Fertilise sparingly; two to three applications per year of a balanced slow-release granular feed or a diluted liquid feed is sufficient. Excess nitrogen reduces the intensity of the central blushing. Apply to the medium, keeping product off the central cup.
How to fertilise serra bromeliad
Bromelia Serra
Feed once or twice yearly with a balanced, slow-release granular fertiliser applied around (not on) the plant base. This species does not require heavy feeding and performs well in low-nutrient conditions. Excessive fertiliser disrupts the natural compact growth habit.
How to fertilise quesnel's bromeliad
Quesnelia quesneliana
Apply a dilute (quarter-strength) balanced bromeliad fertiliser monthly in spring and summer, primarily into the central tank or as a foliar spray. Avoid concentrated fertiliser in the soil, which can burn roots.
Acid-loving plants
Blueberries and blue hydrangeas. The feed barely matters next to using an ericaceous formula and never liming the soil.
How to fertilise blueberries
Vaccinium corymbosum
An ericaceous feed in spring; avoid lime-based fertilisers.
How to fertilise hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
A balanced feed in early spring; an ericaceous feed and aluminium sulphate maintain blue colour on bigleafs.
How to fertilise coffee plant
Coffea arabica
Feed every two weeks through spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser, ideally one slightly acidic or formulated for ericaceous plants. Reduce feeding to monthly or stop entirely over autumn and winter when growth slows. Over-feeding causes salt build-up and leaf-tip burn, so flush the compost with plain water occasionally.
How to fertilise gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides
Feed every 2-4 weeks through spring and summer with a fertiliser formulated for acid-loving (ericaceous) plants, which keeps the soil acidic and supplies iron and magnesium. Stop or reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows. An occasional dose of chelated (sequestered) iron corrects yellowing leaves.
How to fertilise fly bush
Roridula gorgonias
Do not fertilise the soil. Allow insects (fruit flies, fungus gnats) to land on the leaves to supply nutrients via the symbiotic Pameridea bug relationship. Foliar feeding with dilute (1/8 strength) orchid fertiliser sprayed directly on leaves is occasionally used by specialists.
How to fertilise sweet orange
Citrus sinensis
Feed with a specialist citrus fertiliser (high nitrogen, with magnesium and trace elements) every 4–6 weeks from early spring to early autumn. Reduce to every 8 weeks in winter. Yellowing leaves often signal nitrogen or magnesium deficiency.
How to fertilise navel orange
Citrus sinensis 'Navel'
Apply a specialist citrus or slow-release fertiliser (high in nitrogen with added magnesium and iron) monthly from February to September. Navel oranges are prone to magnesium deficiency causing leaf yellowing; Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) foliar spray corrects mild cases.
How to fertilise valencia orange
Citrus sinensis 'Valencia'
Apply a citrus-specific fertiliser with an N-P-K ratio emphasising nitrogen (e.g. 8-3-9 with micronutrients) in early spring, early summer, and early autumn. Valencia responds well to split feeding. Iron chlorosis on alkaline soils is corrected with chelated iron drench.
How to fertilise mandarin orange
Citrus reticulata
Apply a balanced citrus fertiliser with micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc) monthly from early spring through autumn. Mandarins are prone to zinc deficiency (small mottled leaves) and iron chlorosis; use a citrus-specific feed that includes chelated trace elements. Reduce feeding in winter.
How to fertilise rabbiteye blueberry
Vaccinium ashei
Apply an ericaceous (acid) fertiliser in early spring as buds break and again in early summer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds after midsummer, which promote soft growth susceptible to frost.
How to fertilise small cranberry
Vaccinium oxycoccos
Minimal feeding required; bogs are naturally nutrient-poor. A very dilute ericaceous liquid feed in spring is sufficient. Over-fertilising causes leggy, soft growth with poor fruiting.
How to fertilise evergreen huckleberry
Vaccinium ovatum
Light annual application of ericaceous fertiliser in early spring. Slow-growing and low-nutrient by nature; avoid high-nitrogen feeds that produce soft, disease-prone growth.
How to fertilise red huckleberry
Vaccinium parvifolium
Low nutrient requirements. A dilute ericaceous feed in early spring is sufficient. Avoid excessive fertilising; mimicking the low-nutrient, fungally-dominated soil of its native habitat gives best results.
How to fertilise purple moor grass
Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe'
Low fertility needs. Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10) once in early spring at half the recommended rate. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which encourage soft, floppy growth. On naturally fertile soils, no feeding is necessary.
How to fertilise variegated purple moor grass
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser (e.g. 6-6-6 or similar) once in early spring at half rate. Excess nitrogen reduces ornamental quality and promotes lax growth. On rich soils no supplemental feeding is needed.
How to fertilise tall moor grass
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Transparent'
Minimal. A single application of balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring (March–April) at half rate is sufficient. Excess feeding leads to tall, heavy stems that lodge in wind. Leave clumps undisturbed through winter and cut back to 10 cm in late February–early March.
How to fertilise skyracer moor grass
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Skyracer'
Low feeding requirements. Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertiliser once in early spring at half the label rate. Over-fertilising produces excessively heavy stems prone to wind damage. Leave standing over winter for structural interest, cutting hard back to 10 cm in late February or early March before new growth emerges.
How to fertilise cyclamen-flowered daffodil
Narcissus cyclamineus
Apply a high-potassium, low-nitrogen bulb fertiliser in late autumn when planting and again in early spring. A second light application after flowering (before foliage yellows) helps rebuild bulb energy stores. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds that promote foliage at the expense of bulbs.
How to fertilise golden-rayed lily
Lilium auratum
Feed monthly with a high-potassium, low-nitrogen ericaceous liquid fertiliser during active growth (spring through to flowering). Avoid high-pH fertilisers which raise soil pH. After flowering, continue feeding for 6 weeks to rebuild the bulb.
How to fertilise showy japanese lily
Lilium speciosum
Apply a balanced ericaceous liquid feed every 3–4 weeks from spring shoot emergence through to flowering. After the blooms fade, continue with a high-potassium feed for another 4–6 weeks to rebuild the bulb for next season.
How to fertilise henry's lily
Lilium henryi
Apply a balanced general-purpose granular fertiliser in early spring. After flowering, top-dress with a high-potassium feed to replenish bulb energy. Unlike acid-loving relatives, it accepts standard (non-ericaceous) fertilisers. Avoid excess nitrogen which causes tall, weak stems prone to wind damage.
How to fertilise adolphe audusson camellia
Camellia japonica 'Adolphe Audusson'
Feed with specialist ericaceous/camellia fertiliser from late winter (after flowering) through to midsummer. Avoid feeding after July as this encourages soft growth vulnerable to frost damage. A slow-release ericaceous granular feed applied in spring is effective. Do not use general-purpose feeds containing lime.
How to fertilise white double camellia
Camellia japonica 'Alba Plena'
Apply ericaceous/camellia fertiliser starting after flowering in late spring through to July. A balanced slow-release ericaceous granular feed in spring suits container specimens. Do not fertilise after midsummer — late feeding produces soft growth vulnerable to frost. Never use feeds containing calcium or lime.
How to fertilise nuccio's gems camellia
Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Gems'
Feed with an ericaceous/camellia-specific fertiliser immediately after flowering ends (typically April–May) and again in early summer (June). Stop feeding by the end of July to avoid stimulating soft late-season growth. A slow-release ericaceous granular fertiliser applied in spring is particularly convenient for container specimens.
Citrus & fruit trees
Lemon, avocado. Hungry evergreens that need a specialist citrus feed with magnesium and iron, switched between summer and winter formulas.
How to fertilise lemon tree
Citrus limon
A specialist citrus feed every 2 weeks from spring to autumn, halved in winter.
How to fertilise avocado
Persea americana
A balanced citrus or fruit-tree feed monthly during the growing season.
How to fertilise calamondin orange
Citrus × microcarpa
Feed with a dedicated citrus fertiliser year-round: a high-nitrogen summer citrus feed during active growth (roughly weekly to fortnightly spring–autumn) and a lower-nitrogen winter citrus feed monthly in the colder months. Citrus are hungry feeders, and shortfalls in nitrogen, iron or magnesium quickly show as yellowing leaves.
How to fertilise philodendron 'prince of orange'
Philodendron 'Prince of Orange'
Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser roughly every four weeks during the spring-to-autumn growing season, diluted to label strength. Reduce to about every eight weeks (or stop) in winter when growth slows.
How to fertilise orange sinningia
Sinningia aggregata
Feed monthly during the growing season (late spring through early autumn) with a balanced water-soluble fertiliser (20-20-20 or equivalent) at half strength. Switch to a high-potassium feed as flower buds form to support blooming. Do not feed during dormancy.
How to fertilise orange stonecrop
Sedum kamtschaticum
None required in typical garden conditions. On exceptionally poor soil a minimal balanced feed in spring is sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich feeds, which cause floppy, rank growth.
How to fertilise clementine
Citrus reticulata 'Clementine'
Apply a specialist citrus fertiliser (high in nitrogen, magnesium, and iron) every 2 weeks from early spring through late autumn. Reduce to monthly in winter or stop entirely in cold dark conditions.
How to fertilise grapefruit
Citrus paradisi
Feed with a balanced citrus fertiliser (NPK with magnesium and zinc) every 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. A slow-release granular citrus feed in early spring followed by liquid top-ups is effective. Avoid feeding from late autumn through winter.
How to fertilise seville orange
Citrus aurantium
Feed with a balanced citrus fertiliser from spring to early autumn. A high-nitrogen feed in spring promotes vegetative growth and blossom; switch to a potassium-rich formula as fruit develops. Avoid feeding from October to February.
How to fertilise kumquat
Citrus japonica
Feed with a balanced citrus fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce to monthly in autumn and stop or significantly reduce in winter. A winter rest period with minimal feeding helps trigger the spring flowering flush.
How to fertilise orange new zealand sedge
Carex testacea
A single application of balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which produce excessive leafy green growth at the expense of the ornamental copper coloring. No feeding required in winter.
How to fertilise orange coneflower
Rudbeckia fulgida
Light feeding in spring with a balanced general fertiliser is beneficial but not essential. Overly fertile soil produces lush foliage and fewer flowers. In nutrient-poor soils, a single spring application of slow-release fertiliser improves performance.
How to fertilise orange lily
Lilium bulbiferum
Light feeding suits this species. Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium granular feed in early spring. Excessive fertilisation — especially nitrogen — produces tall, floppy stems and reduces flowering. A single top-dressing of composted bark in autumn is sufficient on poorer soils.
How to fertilise profusion orange zinnia
Zinnia elegans 'Profusion Orange'
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10) at planting. In containers, feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers.
How to fertilise kent mango
Mangifera indica 'Kent'
Apply a balanced fruit-tree feed during active growth, tapering before bloom. Boost potassium as fruit develops for size and flavour; favour nitrogen for young framework growth. Skip heavy late-season feeding, which can delay or reduce flowering.
How to fertilise hass avocado
Persea americana 'Hass'
Feed regularly through spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser plus supplementary nitrogen and zinc, which avocados use heavily. Watch for chlorosis and apply chelated iron on alkaline soils. Reduce feeding in autumn and stop over winter.
How to fertilise fuerte avocado
Persea americana 'Fuerte'
Feed through spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser supplemented with nitrogen and zinc. Correct chlorosis with chelated iron on alkaline soils. Taper feeding in autumn and stop in winter.
How to fertilise bacon avocado
Persea americana 'Bacon'
Feed in spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser plus nitrogen and zinc, the nutrients avocados draw on most. Use chelated iron if chlorosis appears. Reduce feeding in autumn and stop over winter.
How to fertilise reed avocado
Persea americana 'Reed'
Feed through spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser supplemented with nitrogen and zinc. Correct chlorosis with chelated iron on alkaline soils. Reduce feeding in autumn and stop in winter.
How to fertilise lamb hass avocado
Persea americana 'Lamb Hass'
Feed through spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser plus nitrogen and zinc. Use chelated iron to correct chlorosis on alkaline soils. Taper feeding in autumn and stop over winter.
How to fertilise loquat
Eriobotrya japonica
Feed established trees three times a year (late winter, late spring, midsummer) with a balanced fertiliser; citrus or general fruit-tree feeds work well. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth and increases fireblight susceptibility at the expense of fruit.
How to fertilise buddha's hand citron
Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
Feed with a dedicated citrus fertiliser high in nitrogen and including trace elements (iron, magnesium, manganese); use a summer citrus feed roughly every 2 weeks in growth and a winter formula monthly while indoors. Yellowing leaves usually signal a nutrient deficiency.
How to fertilise sea buckthorn 'friesdorfer orange'
Hippophae rhamnoides 'Friesdorfer Orange'
Rarely required. It fixes its own nitrogen, so avoid nitrogen feeds that suppress fruiting. A light spring potassium feed on impoverished soil, or an annual organic mulch, is all that is needed.
How to fertilise damson 'shropshire'
Prunus insititia 'Shropshire'
Apply a balanced, potassium-rich fruit-tree feed in early spring with a manure or compost mulch. Keep nitrogen moderate; too much encourages sappy growth and canker rather than fruit and is best avoided on this disease-prone genus.
Fruiting vegetables
Tomatoes, peppers, squash, strawberries. Balanced to build the plant, then high-potash the moment flowering starts to fill a heavy crop.
How to fertilise tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
Balanced feed at planting; switch to a higher-potassium feed (tomato food) once flowering starts.
How to fertilise pepper
Capsicum annuum
Balanced feed at planting; switch to a higher-potassium feed once flowering begins.
How to fertilise cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Balanced feed at planting; side-dress with compost or a balanced liquid feed every 3 weeks once vines run.
How to fertilise pea
Pisum sativum
Compost at planting is usually enough; no extra nitrogen needed.
How to fertilise squash
Cucurbita pepo
Balanced feed at planting and a side-dress of compost or a balanced liquid feed every 3 weeks.
How to fertilise strawberries
Fragaria × ananassa
A balanced feed in early spring and a high-potash tomato feed every 2 weeks once flowers appear.
How to fertilise raspberries
Rubus idaeus
A balanced feed in early spring and a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost annually.
How to fertilise zucchini / courgette
Cucurbita pepo
A balanced feed at planting; switch to a high-potash tomato feed once flowering starts.
How to fertilise pumpkin
Cucurbita pepo
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering starts.
How to fertilise butternut squash
Cucurbita moschata
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise acorn squash
Cucurbita pepo
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise spaghetti squash
Cucurbita pepo
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise delicata squash
Cucurbita pepo
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise eggplant / aubergine
Solanum melongena
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise okra
Abelmoschus esculentus
Balanced feed at planting; light side-dress when pods start.
How to fertilise bell pepper
Capsicum annuum
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise jalapeño
Capsicum annuum
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering. Too much nitrogen reduces heat.
How to fertilise habanero
Capsicum chinense
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise watermelon
Citrullus lanatus
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise cantaloupe
Cucumis melo
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise honeydew melon
Cucumis melo
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flowering.
How to fertilise asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
Compost top-dress in spring; balanced feed after spear harvest ends.
How to fertilise rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
Compost top-dress and balanced feed in spring.
How to fertilise fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Compost at planting; light balanced feed mid-season.
Leafy vegetables
Lettuce, kale, the brassicas. Nitrogen is the priority — steady feeding keeps growth fast, tender and unbolted.
How to fertilise lettuce
Lactuca sativa
Compost at planting is usually enough; a half-strength balanced feed every 3 weeks for cut-and-come-again types.
How to fertilise spinach
Spinacia oleracea
A nitrogen-leaning feed every 3-4 weeks while harvesting.
How to fertilise kale
Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
A balanced feed at planting; top-dress with nitrogen every 6 weeks during heavy harvesting.
How to fertilise cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
A balanced feed at planting; nitrogen side-dressing once heads start forming.
How to fertilise broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
A balanced feed at planting; nitrogen side-dressing 4 weeks after transplanting.
How to fertilise corn
Zea mays
High-nitrogen feed at side-dressing once 30 cm tall; balanced feed at planting.
How to fertilise swiss chard
Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla
Balanced feed at planting; nitrogen side-dress mid-season.
How to fertilise brussels sprouts
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
Compost-rich soil at planting; mid-season nitrogen side-dress.
How to fertilise cauliflower
Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Balanced feed at planting; nitrogen side-dress mid-growth.
How to fertilise arugula / rocket
Eruca sativa
Light balanced feed at planting.
How to fertilise arugula
Eruca vesicaria
For a quick-growing crop, a base dressing of balanced general-purpose fertiliser or compost worked into the soil before sowing is usually sufficient. Successive sowings benefit from a light liquid feed of high-nitrogen fertiliser every 2–3 weeks. Avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen, which can mask flavour compounds.
How to fertilise black turtle bean
Phaseolus vulgaris 'Black Turtle'
Minimal fertiliser required. Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen starter at sowing (5-10-10). Avoid high-nitrogen feeds — they delay pod set and reduce yield. Rhizobium inoculant on seed at sowing dramatically improves performance on unfamiliar ground.
How to fertilise haricot vert
Phaseolus vulgaris 'French Filet'
Incorporate balanced, low-N compost before sowing. A phosphorus-starter fertiliser (5-10-10) at sowing supports early root establishment. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds throughout the season. Liquid seaweed extract every 3 weeks supports steady production.
How to fertilise snow pea
Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon
Work a balanced granular fertiliser (5-10-10) into the bed at sowing. Side-dress with a low-nitrogen liquid feed once flowering begins. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds — plants fix their own N.
How to fertilise danvers carrot
Daucus carota 'Danvers'
Pre-sow with balanced, low-nitrogen granular feed worked to 25–30 cm. A light side-dress of potassium sulphate at 6 weeks boosts root sweetness and storage quality. Do not top-dress with nitrogen.
How to fertilise nantes carrot
Daucus carota 'Nantes'
Pre-sow application of a phosphorus and potassium-rich fertiliser (5-10-10 or similar) worked in to 30 cm. A light liquid seaweed feed at 6–8 weeks supports even growth. No high-nitrogen feeding.
How to fertilise purple haze carrot
Daucus carota 'Purple Haze'
Pre-sow balanced 5-10-10 fertiliser worked to 30 cm. A potassium-rich feed at 6–8 weeks aids pigment development and flavour. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds that promote leafy growth over root quality.
How to fertilise fordhook giant chard
Beta vulgaris var. cicla 'Fordhook Giant'
Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertiliser before planting. Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser (e.g. blood meal or fish emulsion) every 4 weeks during the growing season. The large biomass demands more nitrogen than smaller varieties; deficiency shows as pale yellowing of older leaves.
How to fertilise romaine lettuce
Lactuca sativa var. longifolia
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks during active growth. Nitrogen supports the tall, leafy structure but excessive feeding in warm conditions promotes bolting. A pre-planting compost incorporation is generally sufficient for garden beds; container crops need regular feeding throughout.
How to fertilise loose-leaf lettuce
Lactuca sativa var. crispa
Apply a balanced liquid feed (e.g. 10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks during active growth. High nitrogen encourages leafy growth; avoid overfeeding as it can cause soft, rot-prone leaves.
How to fertilise batavian lettuce
Lactuca sativa 'Batavian'
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g. 5-5-5) every 2–3 weeks. A nitrogen-rich feed early on promotes leaf mass; reduce once the plant begins forming its loose head.
How to fertilise red sails lettuce
Lactuca sativa 'Red Sails'
Apply a balanced liquid feed every 2–3 weeks. High nitrogen encourages the lush growth and deep colour. Avoid over-fertilising with phosphorus, which is less critical for leafy crops.
How to fertilise bloomsdale spinach
Spinacia oleracea 'Bloomsdale'
Work a balanced granular fertiliser (5-10-10) into the soil before sowing. Liquid nitrogen feed every 3 weeks promotes dark, lush growth. Avoid heavy feeding late in the season as it can encourage soft, disease-prone leaves.
How to fertilise tyee spinach
Spinacia oleracea 'Tyee'
Apply a balanced granular fertiliser before sowing. Supplement with a liquid nitrogen-rich feed every 3 weeks. Tyee is a heavy feeder during its rapid growth phase — adequate nitrogen is essential for deep green, lush leaves.
Root vegetables
Carrots, beetroot, potatoes. The reverse of leafy crops — go easy on nitrogen, which forks the roots and grows tops instead of a crop.
How to fertilise garlic
Allium sativum
Compost at planting and a balanced feed at the spring growth resume; stop feeding once bulbs start sizing.
How to fertilise carrot
Daucus carota
Low-nitrogen compost-amended soil. Excess nitrogen produces leafy tops and forked roots.
How to fertilise onions
Allium cepa
A balanced feed at planting; side-dress with nitrogen once leaves are growing strongly.
How to fertilise radish
Raphanus sativus
Light feeders; an annual top-dress with compost is plenty.
How to fertilise potato
Solanum tuberosum
A balanced feed at planting; nitrogen feed at earthing-up. Avoid excessive nitrogen — it produces leaf at the expense of tubers.
How to fertilise sweet potato
Ipomoea batatas
Low nitrogen — excess produces leaf at the expense of tubers; high-potash feed at flowering.
How to fertilise beet
Beta vulgaris
Balanced feed at planting; light side-dress mid-season.
How to fertilise turnip
Brassica rapa
Light balanced feed at planting; avoid heavy nitrogen.
How to fertilise parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
Light compost top-dress; high nitrogen produces forked roots.
How to fertilise garden carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Work a low-nitrogen, high-potassium and phosphorus fertiliser (e.g. 5-10-10) into the bed before sowing to 30 cm depth. Avoid nitrogen-heavy feeds — they produce lush tops and forked, hairy roots.
How to fertilise imperator carrot
Daucus carota 'Imperator'
Pre-sow balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser (5-10-10) incorporated to 35 cm. Mid-season potassium sulphate side-dress improves storage quality and sweetness. Excess nitrogen produces forked, hairy roots.
How to fertilise garden beet
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10) before sowing. Avoid excessive nitrogen (causes lush tops, small roots). A potassium-rich feed at midseason improves sweetness. Boron trace element essential — add borax to deficient soils.
How to fertilise cherry belle radish
Raphanus sativus 'Cherry Belle'
Generally requires minimal fertilising if soil is moderately fertile. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which push leafy top growth at the expense of the root. A low-nitrogen, high-potassium feed (e.g. 5-10-10) can improve root size and quality if soil is poor.
How to fertilise wild radish
Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus
Rarely fertilised in foraging contexts; if cultivating for edibility, a single application of balanced general fertiliser at sowing improves leaf tenderness. Excess nitrogen encourages vegetative growth over flowering/pod set.
How to fertilise jerusalem artichoke
Helianthus tuberosus
Apply a balanced granular fertiliser (10-10-10) at planting. A light top-dressing of a potassium-rich fertiliser (e.g. sulphate of potash) in early summer supports tuber development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which produces tall leafy stems at the expense of tubers.
How to fertilise kohlrabi 'kossak'
Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes 'Kossak'
Moderate-to-heavy feeder: prepare soil with compost or balanced fertiliser, then feed every 3-4 weeks; balanced nutrition (not excess nitrogen) favours firm, sweet bulbs over leafy tops.
How to fertilise korean radish 'altari'
Raphanus sativus var. caudatus 'Altari'
Feed with a balanced fertiliser; moderate nitrogen supports the edible tops, but excess causes forking and lush leaves over roots. A potassium boost during bulking firms the roots.
How to fertilise rattail radish
Raphanus sativus var. caudatus
Feed with a balanced fertiliser; avoid heavy nitrogen, which favours foliage over flowering. A light feed at the onset of flowering supports sustained pod production.
How to fertilise parsnip 'tender and true'
Pastinaca sativa 'Tender and True'
Avoid fresh nitrogen-rich feeds, which cause forking and lush tops; grow in soil enriched for a previous crop. A balanced low-nitrogen, potassium-rich feed mid-season supports clean root growth.
How to fertilise parsnip 'javelin'
Pastinaca sativa 'Javelin'
Low feeder. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which spur leafy tops and forked, hairy roots. A balanced, low-nitrogen base dressing or a little potassium-rich feed at sowing is plenty; over-rich ground harms root quality.
How to fertilise parsnip 'gladiator'
Pastinaca sativa 'Gladiator'
Light feeder. Keep nitrogen low to avoid lush tops and forked roots. A balanced low-nitrogen base dressing suits it; a midseason potassium-rich feed supports root fill without compromising shape. Never sow into freshly manured ground.
How to fertilise beetroot 'boldor'
Beta vulgaris 'Boldor'
Light feeder. Too much nitrogen produces leaves at the expense of roots; grow in soil enriched the previous year and add only a balanced low-nitrogen feed if growth is weak.
How to fertilise beetroot 'boltardy'
Beta vulgaris 'Boltardy'
Light feeder. Excess nitrogen favours leaf over root, so grow in previously enriched soil and apply only a balanced low-nitrogen feed if growth lags.
How to fertilise carrot 'atomic red'
Daucus carota subsp. sativus 'Atomic Red'
Low feeders. Work in balanced compost before sowing; avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which push leafy tops and forked roots. A single low-nitrogen, potassium-rich feed mid-season is ample.
Beans & peas
Legumes fix their own nitrogen. Feeding them nitrogen is wasted at best and suppresses the nodules at worst.
How to fertilise bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
No nitrogen needed; a balanced feed at planting and compost mulch carry the crop.
How to fertilise pole beans
Phaseolus vulgaris
Light balanced feed at planting; avoid high nitrogen.
How to fertilise lima beans
Phaseolus lunatus
Light balanced feed at planting; avoid high nitrogen.
How to fertilise snap peas
Pisum sativum
Light balanced feed at planting; avoid high nitrogen.
How to fertilise snow peas
Pisum sativum
Light balanced feed at planting; avoid high nitrogen.
How to fertilise miniature pumpkin
Cucurbita pepo 'Jack Be Little'
Use a balanced 10-10-10 granular fertiliser at planting. Once flowers appear, switch to a potassium-rich feed (e.g. tomato fertiliser) to support fruit development. Avoid high nitrogen after flowering as it promotes foliage at the expense of fruit.
How to fertilise buttercup squash
Cucurbita maxima 'Buttercup'
Pre-plant with balanced 10-10-10 granular fertiliser or rich compost. Once flowering begins, switch to a low-nitrogen, higher-potassium fertiliser (5-10-10) applied every 3–4 weeks to promote fruit fill. Avoid high nitrogen at fruiting stage, which causes excessive vine growth at the expense of yield.
How to fertilise mangel-wurzel
Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris 'Mangel'
Apply a high-potassium fertiliser (e.g. 5-5-10) before sowing to support large root development. Side-dress with a balanced fertiliser at thinning. Avoid high nitrogen which produces excessive leaf at the expense of root bulk. A single pre-season compost incorporation is usually sufficient.
How to fertilise daikon radish
Raphanus sativus 'Daikon'
Apply a balanced fertiliser (5-10-10) at sowing. Side-dress with potassium and phosphorus mid-growth. Avoid high nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth at the expense of root. One application at planting is usually sufficient for a short crop.
How to fertilise ridge gourd
Luffa acutangula
Incorporate a balanced slow-release fertiliser (10-10-10) at planting. Feed every 2–3 weeks with a potassium-rich liquid fertiliser once flowering begins. Avoid high nitrogen at the fruiting stage, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of yield.
How to fertilise chickpea
Cicer arietinum
Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium ciceri inoculant (specific to chickpea) before sowing — the correct strain is different from other legumes. Apply a light phosphorus and potassium starter. Avoid nitrogen; chickpeas generate their own and excess N suppresses nodulation.
How to fertilise edamame
Glycine max 'Edamame'
Inoculate with Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant before sowing. Incorporate a balanced fertiliser or well-rotted compost at planting. Side-dress with potassium at flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds; as a legume it fixes its own nitrogen via root nodules.
How to fertilise cabernet sauvignon grape
Vitis vinifera 'Cabernet Sauvignon'
Moderate potassium feed in early spring. Avoid high nitrogen inputs. Cabernet Sauvignon is a vigorous grower; excessive fertilisation causes large canopies with poor fruit concentration and delayed ripening. Annual compost mulch on poor soils is usually sufficient supplement.
How to fertilise pignut hickory
Carya glabra
Rarely needed in decent ground. Topdress with compost or a balanced slow-release tree fertiliser in early spring on poor soils; avoid high nitrogen, which favours leaf over nut.
How to fertilise four-leaf pinyon
Pinus quadrifolia
Rarely needs feeding. Lean native soils suit it; a light application of slow-release conifer fertiliser in spring can help young trees, but avoid high nitrogen, which forces soft, weak growth on this naturally slow species.
How to fertilise fuyu persimmon
Diospyros kaki 'Fuyu'
Modest feeder. Apply a balanced fruit-tree fertiliser or aged compost in early spring; avoid high nitrogen, which causes excessive fruit drop and lush foliage at the expense of crop.
How to fertilise parsnip 'hollow crown'
Pastinaca sativa 'Hollow Crown'
Low feeder. Avoid high nitrogen, which encourages leafy tops and forked, hairy roots. A balanced low-nitrogen base dressing is sufficient; never sow into freshly manured soil. A little potassium midseason aids root quality.
How to fertilise salsify 'mammoth sandwich island'
Tragopogon porrifolius 'Mammoth Sandwich Island'
Light feeder. Avoid high nitrogen and fresh manure, which fork the roots; a single dressing of balanced low-nitrogen fertiliser or compost worked in before sowing is usually enough.
How to fertilise carrot 'dragon'
Daucus carota subsp. sativus 'Dragon'
Light feeder. Avoid high nitrogen and fresh manure, which fork the roots; grow in soil enriched the previous season and add only a balanced low-nitrogen feed if needed.
How to fertilise belgian endive (witloof)
Cichorium intybus var. foliosum 'Witloof'
Field stage is a light-to-moderate feeder: avoid high nitrogen, which produces soft growth and forked roots rather than a clean storage root. A modest balanced feed early on is enough. No feeding is needed during forcing, as the chicon draws entirely on the root's stored reserves.
How to fertilise florence fennel 'romanesco'
Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum 'Romanesco'
Work in balanced organic matter before sowing; a light side-dressing of balanced feed once bulbs begin to swell. Avoid high nitrogen, which favours leaf over bulb.
How to fertilise jerusalem artichoke 'red fuseau'
Helianthus tuberosus 'Red Fuseau'
Generally needs little feed. On poor soils, a spring dressing of balanced fertiliser or compost is plenty; avoid high nitrogen, which produces lush top growth over tubers.
How to fertilise black mulberry
Morus nigra
Feed lightly in spring while young with a balanced fertiliser or compost mulch. Mature trees seldom need feeding; avoid high nitrogen, which encourages soft growth and fewer berries.
How to fertilise 'golden' beetroot
Beta vulgaris 'Golden'
A moderate feeder. Incorporate compost or a low-nitrogen balanced feed pre-sowing; avoid high nitrogen, which favours leaves over roots. A single light side-dressing mid-season suffices if foliage is pale. Maintain adequate boron to prevent internal blackening.
Heavy-feeding flowers
Roses, petunias, dahlias, geraniums. Big appetites and a high-potash feed through the season is what drives a long, dense display.
How to fertilise bird of paradise
Strelitzia reginae
Balanced feed at half strength every 4 weeks during the growing season; potassium-heavy feed once a year encourages flowering.
How to fertilise rose
Rosa
Specialist rose feed in early spring and again after the first flush. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure.
How to fertilise hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
A high-potash feed every 2 weeks during flowering; halve in winter rest.
How to fertilise geranium (pelargonium)
Pelargonium × hortorum
A high-potash feed every 2 weeks through summer.
How to fertilise petunia
Petunia × hybrida
A high-potash feed weekly through summer; petunias are heavy feeders.
How to fertilise dahlia
Dahlia pinnata
A balanced feed at planting; switch to a low-nitrogen high-potash feed once buds appear.
How to fertilise sunflower
Helianthus annuus
A balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed once flower buds form.
How to fertilise iris
Iris germanica
Low-nitrogen feed (5-10-10) in spring and after flowering.
How to fertilise snapdragon
Antirrhinum majus
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed monthly during flowering.
How to fertilise sweet pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Balanced feed at planting; high-potash feed every 2-3 weeks during flowering.
How to fertilise primrose
Primula vulgaris
Compost top-dress in autumn.
How to fertilise goldfish plant
Nematanthus gregarius
Feed every two to four weeks through spring and summer with a balanced or high-potash liquid houseplant feed diluted to half strength to support continuous flowering. Stop or feed only sparingly in autumn and winter when growth slows. Over-feeding produces lush leaves at the expense of blooms.
How to fertilise easter cactus
Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri (syn. Schlumbergera gaertneri, Hatiora gaertneri)
Feed monthly through the active growing and flowering period (roughly spring to late summer) with a dilute, low-nitrogen or balanced houseplant feed at half strength; a high-potash tomato-type feed also suits the bloom phase. Stop feeding entirely during the autumn-to-winter cool rest. Resume only once new growth or buds appear.
How to fertilise flamingo flower
Anthurium scherzerianum
Feed every 2 weeks from spring to autumn with a diluted orchid or balanced houseplant fertiliser. A high-phosphorus or flowering feed supports more spathes. Stop feeding in winter while growth slows. Over-fertilising can cause salt build-up and brown leaf tips, so flush the soil occasionally.
How to fertilise many-flowered cape primrose
Streptocarpus polyanthus
Apply a half-strength high-potassium liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks from spring to late summer to support the extended flowering period. Do not fertilise during winter dormancy.
How to fertilise black sedge
Carex nigra
Generally requires no supplemental fertilizer in its natural boggy habitat, where nutrients are provided by decomposing organic matter. If growing in a contained bog garden or container with artificial media, apply a light balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid high-phosphorus feeds near water bodies.
How to fertilise golden fescue
Festuca glauca 'Golden Toupee'
Feed sparingly — once in early spring with a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertiliser (e.g. high potash/phosphate). Rich, high-nitrogen feeds cause rapid, floppy growth that detracts from the compact form and characteristic gold colouring.
How to fertilise rose campion
Lychnis coronaria
Do not feed. Fertilising produces excessively lush, floppy growth in this plant, which performs best in unfertilised, poor soil. Additional nutrients also reduce the characteristic silver intensity of the felted foliage.
How to fertilise scarlet dahlia
Dahlia coccinea
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser (e.g. tomato feed) every 2 weeks from bud formation through late summer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which delay flowering. In poor soils, incorporate balanced fertiliser at planting.
How to fertilise dahlia
Dahlia merckii
Feed monthly from midsummer with a balanced or low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertiliser. Avoid over-feeding with nitrogen, which produces lush foliage but few flowers on this naturally light-stemmed species.
How to fertilise bishop of llandaff dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Bishop of Llandaff'
Apply a high-potassium liquid feed (tomato fertiliser) fortnightly from first bud to late season. Incorporate a balanced granular fertiliser (e.g. Growmore) when planting tubers. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds that darken foliage at the expense of blooms.
How to fertilise café au lait dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Café au Lait'
Feed with a high-potassium, low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks from first bud until 6 weeks before the first expected frost. Excess nitrogen promotes large, lush plants with poor bloom counts. A single application of balanced granular fertiliser at planting is sufficient for the early growing phase.
How to fertilise thomas edison dahlia
Dahlia pinnata 'Thomas Edison'
Apply high-potassium tomato feed fortnightly from first bud development through late summer. Supplement with a granular balanced fertiliser worked into the planting hole at the time of tuber planting. Avoid over-application of nitrogen.
How to fertilise dwarf bearded iris
Iris pumila
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and potassium fertiliser (e.g. 5-10-10) lightly in early spring as new growth emerges and again immediately after flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote lush foliage at the expense of blooms.
Flowers that want it lean
Lavender, nasturtium, cosmos. Feed them and you get leaves instead of flowers — poor soil is the technique.
How to fertilise lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Almost none; lean soil produces strong scent. A spring top-dress with compost is plenty.
How to fertilise chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
None required in average garden soil.
How to fertilise marigold
Tagetes
A balanced feed at planting; too much nitrogen produces foliage at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
None needed; rich soil produces leaf at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
None needed; over-feeding produces leaf at expense of flowers.
How to fertilise freesia
Freesia spp. (incl. Freesia corymbosa, Freesia × hybrida)
Feed every one to two weeks with a high-potassium fertiliser (such as a tomato feed) from the moment the first flower buds appear, continuing until the foliage begins to die back. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage soft, lush growth at the expense of flowers and increase disease risk.
How to fertilise clematis
Clematis spp.
Clematis in fertile ground soil need little feeding; an annual spring mulch of a 5-7.5cm (2-3in) layer of organic matter is usually enough. The RHS recommends feeding container-grown clematis throughout spring and summer with an organic-based, general-purpose liquid fertiliser. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage leaf at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise calendula
Calendula officinalis
A light feeder. Work a little compost into the bed at planting; an occasional balanced feed is plenty. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which give leaves at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise ice plant
Sedum spectabile
Minimal; generally none required. On very impoverished soil, apply a light balanced feed once in spring only. Rich feeding produces oversized, floppy stems prone to rot.
How to fertilise meadow oat grass
Helictochloa pratensis
None required or recommended. This species is adapted to nutrient-poor soils and fertilising will give a competitive advantage to coarser grasses at its expense, and may promote rank, floppy growth uncharacteristic of the species. Use it in low-fertility meadow mixes without supplemental feeding.
How to fertilise purple needlegrass
Nassella pulchra
None required. Native to nutrient-poor soils; fertilising promotes lush but short-lived, disease-susceptible growth and reduces the plant's natural drought tolerance. Use without supplemental feeding in native plant gardens.
How to fertilise powwow wild berry coneflower
Echinacea purpurea 'PowWow Wild Berry'
Apply a low-nitrogen, balanced slow-release fertiliser once in spring at label rate. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers and increase susceptibility to crown rot, particularly in containers.
How to fertilise alma potschke aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Alma Potschke'
Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertiliser (10-10-10) in early spring as growth resumes. A second application of high-potassium feed (e.g. tomato fertiliser) in midsummer supports flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds in summer, which promote lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise king george aster
Aster amellus 'King George'
One application of balanced granular fertiliser in early spring is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen or rich compost mulches — they encourage vegetative growth at the expense of flowers and plant longevity.
How to fertilise red larkspur
Delphinium nudicaule
Apply a low-nitrogen balanced fertilizer sparingly in early spring as growth begins. Avoid over-feeding, which produces lush but mildew-prone foliage at the expense of flowers. No feed needed once plants enter summer dormancy.
How to fertilise common peony
Paeonia officinalis
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10) in early spring as shoots emerge. Supplement with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus feed just before bud formation to support blooms. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise long-leaved speedwell
Veronica longifolia
Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10) in early spring as growth emerges. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes lush foliage at the expense of flowers. One application per season is sufficient in average garden soil.
How to fertilise the governor lupine
Lupinus x regalis 'The Governor'
Lupins fix their own atmospheric nitrogen via root nodules and need little nitrogen fertiliser — adding high-nitrogen feeds encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers. In poor soils, apply a low-nitrogen, potassium-rich fertiliser (e.g. sulphate of potash) in early spring. Top-dress with well-rotted compost in autumn rather than heavy feeding.
How to fertilise american turk's cap lily
Lilium superbum
Top-dress with well-rotted compost in early spring. Apply a balanced granular fertiliser (5-10-10) as shoots emerge. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise marsh afrikaner
Gladiolus tristis
Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer at planting in autumn. One liquid feed with a potassium-rich formula (e.g. tomato feed) as buds form is sufficient; over-feeding promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise crested iris
Iris cristata
Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertiliser in early spring as growth resumes. Alternatively, top-dress with well-rotted leaf mould or compost in autumn. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise forbes' glory of the snow
Chionodoxa forbesii
Generally not required in garden soils of average fertility. A light top-dressing of bone meal at planting time in autumn aids establishment. Do not over-fertilise — excess nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise kobus magnolia
Magnolia kobus
Apply a balanced general-purpose or acid-lover fertiliser in early spring. Established mature trees need minimal feeding if growing in fertile soil. Avoid over-fertilising, which encourages excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise guelder rose
Viburnum opulus
Generally undemanding in fertile garden soils. Apply a general-purpose balanced fertiliser or well-rotted garden compost in early spring. Over-feeding produces lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers and berries; avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers.
Bulbs
Tulips, daffodils, crocuses. They feed for next year, not this one — the critical window is after flowering, leaves still green.
How to fertilise tulip
Tulipa
Bulb fertiliser at planting; bone meal in autumn is traditional.
How to fertilise daffodil
Narcissus
Bulb fertiliser at planting; a light potassium feed after flowering helps next year’s buds.
How to fertilise crocus
Crocus vernus
Bulb fertiliser in autumn at planting; light feed in spring as leaves emerge.
How to fertilise hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis
Bulb fertiliser at planting; light feed as leaves emerge.
How to fertilise lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis
Leaf-mould top-dress in spring.
How to fertilise red spider lily
Lycoris radiata
Feed lightly. Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen bulb fertiliser in autumn as flower scapes and then leaves emerge, and again in late winter while foliage is active. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which encourages leaves at the expense of flowers. No feeding is needed during summer dormancy.
How to fertilise chinese peony
Paeonia lactiflora
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium balanced fertilizer (e.g. tomato feed) in early spring as red shoots emerge, and again after flowering to support root development. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Top-dress with well-rotted compost or bone meal in autumn.
How to fertilise common garden tulip
Tulipa gesneriana
Apply a high-potassium bulb fertiliser (e.g. tomato fertiliser or sulphate of potash) in early spring as shoots emerge, and again after flowering while foliage is green, to replenish the bulb for the following year. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds. In autumn, a light dressing of bone meal at planting time aids root establishment.
How to fertilise waterlily tulip
Tulipa kaufmanniana
Apply a granular bulb fertiliser or balanced feed with high potassium when leaves emerge in late winter–early spring, and once more immediately after flowering. Feeding after flowering while leaves are green is especially valuable for T. kaufmanniana as it perennialises more reliably than many tulips when well-nourished. Avoid nitrogenous feeds.
How to fertilise emperor tulip
Tulipa fosteriana
Feed with a high-potassium bulb fertiliser in early spring as shoots break ground and again immediately after flowering while foliage is still green to rebuild the bulb. Emperor tulips that receive post-flowering feeding are significantly more likely to perennialise successfully. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which produce soft, disease-prone growth.
How to fertilise greig's tulip
Tulipa greigii
Apply a granular potassium-rich bulb fertiliser when shoots emerge in late winter and repeat after flowering while foliage remains green. The post-flowering feed is particularly important for perennialisation. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds; no heavy mulching of the crown. A light top-dressing of bone meal at autumn planting aids root establishment.
How to fertilise late tulip
Tulipa tarda
T. tarda performs best in lean soils and generally needs no feeding in established rock garden or gravel settings. In richer border soils, apply a low-dose high-potassium bulb fertiliser after flowering while leaves are still green, to help the bulbs ripen and offset production. Heavy feeding causes leafy growth and reduced flowering.
How to fertilise dwarf tulip
Tulipa humilis
Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium bulb fertiliser (e.g. tomato feed) twice during active foliage growth in spring. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds that promote leaf at the expense of bulb formation. Do not feed during dormancy.
How to fertilise turkestan tulip
Tulipa turkestanica
Apply a high-potassium, low-nitrogen bulb fertiliser at bud emergence in late winter and once more as flowers fade. Feeding after flowering helps rebuild the bulb for the following year. No feeding during dormancy.
How to fertilise queen of night tulip
Tulipa gesneriana 'Queen of Night'
Top-dress with a balanced granular fertiliser (e.g. Growmore) at bulb emergence in late winter. Apply a high-potassium liquid feed (tomato fertiliser) as buds form. If lifting and storing annually, feed is less critical but extends bulb viability for the following season.
How to fertilise angelique double tulip
Tulipa gesneriana 'Angelique'
Apply a high-potassium bulb fertiliser (e.g. Tomorite or Chempak Bulb Fertiliser) at shoot emergence in late winter and again at bud stage. Feeding after flowering, while foliage remains green, is most important for bulb regeneration if planning to lift and store.
How to fertilise daffodil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
In naturalised settings, annual top-dressing with leaf mould or a slow-release bulb fertiliser (high in potassium and phosphorus) applied after flowering supports long-term persistence. In borders, apply a general balanced fertiliser at shoot emergence. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of bulb formation.
How to fertilise poet's narcissus
Narcissus poeticus
Apply a balanced bulb fertiliser (e.g. Bulb Tone or high-potassium granular feed) at shoot emergence in late winter. A second application after flowering, while foliage is still green and photosynthesising, directly feeds bulb regeneration. Naturalised plantings need less frequent feeding — top-dress with leaf mould every 2–3 years.
How to fertilise jonquil
Narcissus jonquilla
Apply a high-potassium, low-nitrogen bulb fertiliser at shoot emergence in early spring. A second application as flowers fade maintains bulb quality. In warm climates where it naturalises in grass, a light annual top-dressing with a balanced granular fertiliser in late autumn suffices.
How to fertilise bunch-flowered narcissus
Narcissus tazetta
Not required during indoor forcing — bulbs flower on stored energy. For outdoor cultivation in mild climates, apply a balanced bulb fertiliser at shoot emergence and again after flowering while foliage is green, to regenerate bulbs for the following season. Excessive nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
How to fertilise hoop petticoat daffodil
Narcissus bulbocodium
Apply a balanced or low-nitrogen bulb fertiliser (e.g., 5-10-10) in early spring as shoots emerge. Feed once more after flowering, while foliage is still green, to replenish the bulb for next season. Do not feed during summer dormancy.
How to fertilise angel's tears narcissus
Narcissus triandrus
Feed with a balanced bulb fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting in autumn and again in early spring. A post-flowering liquid feed of high-potassium fertiliser (e.g., tomato food) while leaves are still green encourages strong bulb development for the following season.
How to fertilise rock daffodil
Narcissus rupicola
Feed sparingly — too much fertiliser promotes soft, disease-prone growth. Apply a very dilute, high-potassium liquid feed (quarter strength) once as shoots emerge in early spring and once after flowering while leaves remain green. Avoid any nitrogen-heavy formulations.
How to fertilise ice follies daffodil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus 'Ice Follies'
Apply a granular bulb fertiliser (high in phosphorus and potassium) at planting in autumn and top-dress again in early spring as shoots emerge. A liquid high-potassium feed after flowering helps rebuild bulb reserves while foliage is still active. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds.
Restrained-feed herbs
Rosemary, thyme, sage. The aromatic-oil flavour is strongest on poor soil, so feeding actively makes them worse.
How to fertilise rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Very light feeder — a quarter-strength balanced feed once or twice a season is plenty.
How to fertilise thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Almost none required; an annual top-dress with compost is plenty.
How to fertilise oregano
Origanum vulgare
Very light feeder; a top-dress of compost in spring is enough.
How to fertilise sage
Salvia officinalis
A spring top-dress with compost is plenty.
How to fertilise french tarragon
Artemisia dracunculus
Compost in spring; minimal additional feeding.
How to fertilise sweet marjoram
Origanum majorana
Light feed at planting; lean soil concentrates flavour.
How to fertilise catnip
Nepeta cataria
None needed in average soil.
How to fertilise summer savory
Satureja hortensis
Light feed at planting; lean soil concentrates flavour.
How to fertilise winter savory
Satureja montana
None needed in average soil; lean conditions intensify flavour.
How to fertilise wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
None needed in average soil.
How to fertilise english thyme
Thymus vulgaris 'English'
Feed sparingly — once in early spring with a balanced granular fertiliser (e.g. 5-10-5) to support new growth. Over-feeding produces soft, flavourless leaves. No further feeding needed during the season; the plant's naturally lean Mediterranean habitat dictates minimal nutrition.
How to fertilise broad-leaved thyme
Thymus pulegioides
Minimal feeding needed. Apply a balanced granular fertiliser (low nitrogen) once in early spring if growth appears poor. Rich feeding reduces aromatic intensity and hardens the plant's tolerance to cold and drought.
How to fertilise tufted thyme
Thymus caespititius
Do not feed routinely. A very light application of low-phosphorus, low-nitrogen grit-bed top-dressing in spring is sufficient. Excess nutrients cause the cushion to open up, losing its ornamental form and becoming vulnerable to winter rot.
How to fertilise spanish marjoram
Thymus mastichina
Feed sparingly — once in spring with a balanced granular fertiliser at half the recommended rate. Excessive nitrogen reduces oil concentration and makes growth soft and less aromatic. Container plants benefit from a single light feed in early summer.
How to fertilise winter marjoram
Origanum heracleoticum
Feed very sparingly — a single application of balanced granular fertiliser in early spring is sufficient for plants in ground. Container plants may benefit from a light liquid feed (low nitrogen) once in late spring. Over-fertilising reduces the concentration of volatile oils that give the herb its flavour.
How to fertilise bellhop plant
Origanum rotundifolium
Feed once in spring with a low-nitrogen, balanced fertiliser at half rate. Rich feeding produces excessive soft growth at the expense of the ornamental bract display. Ground plants need no additional feeding if in lean soil; container plants in a gritty mix benefit from one light liquid feed mid-season.
How to fertilise ornamental oregano
Origanum × hybridum
A single light application of balanced granular fertiliser in early spring is all that is needed. Over-feeding with nitrogen produces excessive leafy growth at the expense of the ornamental bracts. Container plants should have the top layer of compost replaced with fresh gritty mix annually in spring.
How to fertilise smooth oregano
Origanum laevigatum
Feed minimally — apply a balanced low-nitrogen granular fertiliser once in early spring. Soil that is too fertile reduces flower production and makes plants floppy. Container specimens benefit from a single liquid feed in late spring. Replace the top 5 cm of potting mix with fresh gritty compost each spring.
How to fertilise tuscan blue rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue'
Fertilise sparingly — a single light application of balanced granular fertiliser in early spring is sufficient. Lean soil promotes hardiness and high essential oil content. Avoid autumn feeding to prevent soft frost-susceptible growth.
How to fertilise creeping rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
Apply a light balanced granular fertiliser in spring only. 'Prostratus' is less hardy than upright rosemary and autumn feeding promotes frost-susceptible soft growth. Lean soil is preferred to maintain hardiness and aromatic oil content.
How to fertilise creeping savory
Satureja spicigera
Minimal feeding required. A light top-dressing of balanced granular fertiliser in early spring is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which produce soft, less aromatic growth. Container specimens can receive a half-strength balanced liquid feed once a month from spring through midsummer.
How to fertilise caraway
Carum carvi
Work a balanced general-purpose fertiliser into the soil at planting. During the second-year seed-setting stage, a light top-dressing of a balanced granular feed in early spring is beneficial. Avoid high nitrogen, which delays seed formation. Essentially a low-maintenance crop requiring minimal additional feeding.
How to fertilise lavandin
Lavandula x intermedia
Minimal feeding required. Lean soils produce the most aromatic, compact plants. A light potassium feed in spring is the maximum recommended. Avoid all nitrogen-rich fertilisers.
How to fertilise red bee balm
Monarda russeliana
Minimal feeding required. A light top-dressing of compost in spring is sufficient in most soils. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, which produce lush, disease-prone growth. Lean soil promotes the best flowering.
Leafy culinary herbs
Basil, parsley, mint. Soft, fast and harvested hard — a modest balanced feed keeps tender growth coming without bolting.
How to fertilise basil
Ocimum basilicum
Half-strength balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season; nothing fancy needed.
How to fertilise herb garden
mixed culinary herbs
Light feeding only — over-fed herbs lose flavour. A half-strength balanced feed every 4-6 weeks during growth.
How to fertilise mint
Mentha
A balanced feed every 6 weeks during the growing season is plenty.
How to fertilise parsley
Petroselinum crispum
A balanced feed every 4 weeks during heavy harvesting.
How to fertilise cilantro / coriander
Coriandrum sativum
A balanced feed at planting and again at 4 weeks; over-feeding reduces flavour.
How to fertilise dill
Anethum graveolens
Light feed at planting; avoid high nitrogen.
How to fertilise chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Compost top-dress in spring.
How to fertilise lemon balm
Melissa officinalis
Light compost in spring.
How to fertilise lemon verbena
Aloysia citrodora
Balanced feed monthly in growing season.
How to fertilise lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
Balanced feed monthly during growth.
How to fertilise stevia
Stevia rebaudiana
Balanced feed monthly during growth; low nitrogen for sweetest leaves.
How to fertilise bay laurel
Laurus nobilis
Balanced feed monthly in pots during growing season.
How to fertilise fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Light feed at planting; legume so avoid high nitrogen.
How to fertilise anise hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Light compost in spring.
How to fertilise thai basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Thai'
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g. 10-10-10 NPK) diluted to half strength every 3–4 weeks during active growth. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds once plants are established, as excessive nitrogen reduces essential oil concentration and flavor.
How to fertilise lemon basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Lemon'
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser (NPK 5-5-5 or similar) at half strength every 3–4 weeks during the growing season. Excess nitrogen promotes lush growth at the expense of essential oil production; moderate feeding preserves the lemon fragrance.
How to fertilise lemon basil
Ocimum × citriodorum
Apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser (e.g. NPK 10-10-10) every 3–4 weeks during the growing season. The hybrid is a moderate feeder; over-fertilising with nitrogen reduces lemon aroma by diluting essential oil concentration.
How to fertilise lemon thyme
Thymus × citriodorus
Apply a light dressing of balanced granular fertiliser in early spring only. Over-fertilising weakens the plant's aromatic profile. The hybrid's variegated cultivars can revert to green if pushed with high-nitrogen feeds — minimal feeding preserves both fragrance and leaf colour.
How to fertilise creeping thyme
Thymus praecox
Rarely needs feeding. A very light top-dressing of balanced granular fertiliser in early spring is optional. Over-feeding destroys the compact mat habit and produces soft growth that is susceptible to disease and frost damage.
How to fertilise corn mint
Mentha arvensis
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength once a month during the growing season (April–September). A nitrogen-forward feed promotes leafy, harvestable growth. Avoid over-fertilising, which can dilute menthol content. Top-dress containers with compost in spring.
How to fertilise horse mint
Mentha longifolia
Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half recommended strength. As with most mints, avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leafy but less aromatic growth. A compost mulch applied in spring reduces the need for supplemental feeding.
How to fertilise mojito mint
Mentha × villosa
Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during spring and summer to support the high leaf-production rate. A feed with slightly elevated nitrogen (e.g. 10:5:5) encourages leafy growth for harvesting. Reduce to nil in autumn and winter. Top-dress pots with fresh compost each spring.
How to fertilise slow-bolt cilantro
Coriandrum sativum 'Slow Bolt'
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser (e.g. 5-10-10) at sowing time. Excess nitrogen encourages leafy growth but also faster bolting. Avoid heavy feeding once flower buds appear.
How to fertilise calypso cilantro
Coriandrum sativum 'Calypso'
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen granular fertiliser at planting. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which push leafy growth but can hasten bolting. For container growing, a diluted liquid feed once at transplanting is sufficient.
Not sure when to feed?
Open the Growli app, add your plant, and I'll track its feeding season, remind you on the right weeks, and pause automatically over winter rest. Prefer the background first? Read the houseplant fertiliser schedule or get the full care brief at /plant-care.
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