Azalea - Fertilization

Many varieties of fertilizers available…

With care, your regular garden fertilizer such as 8-8-8 can give satisfactory results. The method and rate of application are just as important as the type of fertilizer.

Azaleas like many shrubs require some nutrition through fertilization. There are some key factors to remember in fertilizing this favorite garden shrub.

Azaleas have a very shallow and extremely fine root system and require a moderate but even level of fertilizer elements in the soil. You can achieve satisfactory results from several different types of fertilizers.

Several types available…

Commercial growers of azaleas get best results from an analysis such as 12-48 containing a slow release or non-burning form of nitrogen. Others find the azalea and camellia specialty fertilizer to be effective. However, with care, your regular garden fertilizer such as 8-8-8 can give satisfactory results. The method and rate of application are just as important as the type of fertilizer. Be sure to follow the the specialty fertilizer.

Split applications helpful to plants…

If using a regular material such as 8-8-8 make split applications rather than one application per year. Use it in March, May and July at the rate of one tablespoon per foot of height or per foot of spread of the plant.

Apply carefully…

Spread the fertilizer uniformly over the mulch and slightly beyond the branch spread of the azalea. Take care to avoid getting the fertilizer on the stems and on the foliage.

To be sure rinse the foliage and stems as you thoroughly water the fertilizer into the soil. If you start out with small plants, twelve inches in height, use no more than a teaspoon per plant. Correct fertilization, along with careful watering during the spring, summer and fall will help you grow better azaleas.

For more information on fertilizing azaleas, contact your local County Extension Office.