Are you looking forward to your hydrangea’s massive blooms when the season gets warmer? So am I, but don’t wait! You need to fertilize these generous flowering shrubs early so they give you the most breathtaking floral display ever. And the best time to feed them is late winter or early spring.
The great news is that it is very easy to fertilize your hydrangeas in late winter or early spring; it will only take you a few minutes, and you will enjoy their massive blossoms for a very long time indeed!
The Best Time to Start Fertilizing Your Hydrangeas
The ideal time to start fertilizing hydrangeas is around late winter to early spring. But be careful; if you feed them too early, their dormant roots won’t absorb the nutrients, and you will have wasted them. On the other hand, if you act too late, you won’t promote vigorous growth and then blossoms.
So, when is the best time? Wait till frost is well and truly over, and soil temperature is steadily above 40°F (or 5.0°C). This is when your hydrangeas start coming out of dormancy, and when they start feeling “hungry”.
What Type of Fertilizer Is Best to Fertilize Hydrangeas in Late Winter or Early Spring?
“Can I use any type of fertilizer?” you may wonder… No, to feed your hydrangea in late winter (or early spring), you have two instructions to follow:
- You must choose a slow-release fertilizer.
- You must use a balanced fertilizer.
If you give them a fast release fertilizer, you will give your hydrangea a sudden boost, but at this stage, they need to grow slowly but healthy.
If you give them an unbalanced fertilizer, you will promote too much root, leaf or (far too early) flower growth. At this stage, they need a balanced diet for healthy growth. Next…
The Best Fertilizers to Use in Late Winter or Early Spring for Hydrangeas
You have two main options, both cheap and easy to use, to fertilize your hydrangeas in late winter or early spring…
- Compost, which is very balanced and also rich in both macro and micronutrients. Scatter a layer of about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) all around your hydrangea; don’t dig it in. It will slowly penetrate the soil and you don’t want to disturb the roots.
- A granular fertilizer with NPK 10-10-10 or maximum 16-16-16. Use about ½ to 1 cup per shrub, depending on the size. Again, don’t dig it in, or you will disturb the roots.
However, you can also use well-rotted manure, scattering 1 to 2 inches at the base (2.5 to 5.0 cm), like with compost. What is more, there are hydrangea specific fertilizers, and you will usually need 2 to 4 tablespoons per shrub, depending on their size.
What next?
After You Fertilize Your Hydrangeas in Late Winter or Early Spring
Now you have fed your hydrangeas, you have a few little things to do, all easy and fast.
For blue and pink hydrangeas, check the soil pH. If you want blue blossoms, they need a pH between 5.2 and 5.5, while if you wish them to turn pink, it will need to be between 6.0 and 6.2. You can use sulfur to make it more acidic, and lime to turn it a bit more alkaline.
Next, mulch your hydrangeas, this will keep the soil warm and preserve its nutrients.
Water regularly till you see the first flower buds, you can use a high phosphorus fertilizer, with NPK 10-20-10, or if you really want to boost their blossoms, even 10-30-20.
Feed Your Hydrangeas Early and Geet Massive Blooms
That’s all you need to do to get massive hydrangea blooms, you just need to act fast and fertilize them early, all the rest, as you can see, is all simple and cheap!
Written By
Amber Noyes
Amber Noyes was born and raised in a suburban California town, San Mateo. She holds a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of California as well as a BS in Biology from the University of San Francisco. With experience working on an organic farm, water conservation research, farmers’ markets, and plant nursery, she understands what makes plants thrive and how we can better understand the connection between microclimate and plant health. When she’s not on the land, Amber loves informing people of new ideas/things related to gardening, especially organic gardening, houseplants, and growing plants in a small space.