When it comes to planting flowers, you know that you need the right soil, sun, and watering techniques. Most gardeners think that is enough. However, plants often need a little something extra.
Fertilizer is ideal because it provides the right nutrients so that the flowers grow large and strong. We are going to talk about the best fertilizer for flowers.
You will get to see the reviews on each particular product. This will help you make a more informed decision. However, we also include helpful tips and advice.
Table of Contents
What Kind of Fertilizer to Use for Flowers?
There are multiple types of fertilizer out there, so it is hard to pick one. Often, you will want a complete fertilizer. This provides the three significant elements that flowers require to grow.
Nitrogen (N) is there to promote healthy foliage (leaves). You also need Phosphate or Phosphorus (P), which stimulates the root system and helps it become stronger. Potash or Potassium (K) is necessary for fruit and flower formation.
The label of the fertilizer will list those nutrients using the NPK format. This indicates Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium. You will see numbers, and they represent the percentage of that nutrient.
For example, a label that says 10-10-10 fertilizer has 10 percent of each. The back of the container will also include any filler ingredients. These can consist of clay (powder fertilizer), limestone, and sawdust.
Often, flower fertilizers have more phosphorus than other ingredients. This is because healthy flowers need a robust root system. Giving a big phosphate boost ensures that the flowers get a head start.
Chemical Fertilizers
Manufacturers of fertilizer are likely to create artificial ones by using inorganic chemicals. These form compounds, such as magnesium sulfate or ammonium nitrate. They do have their advantages.
For one, they are inexpensive, but they are also readily available. Most of them are rapid-release formulations, so annual plants can get nutrients more quickly.
However, there are some disadvantages to using chemicals, as well. You could over-apply the fertilizer. This could burn the plant.
These fertilizers come in many formulations. Pellets, powders, and liquid concentrate are the most popular. They might come in a pre-measured packet. All you have to do is add it to the water and go.
The issue with that is the packets can be expensive. It is often best to buy a large container of fertilizer and measure it yourself.
The 10 Best Fertilizers For Your Flower Plants
When it comes to finding the best fertilizer for your flowers, you may be in a rush. The table below can help you compare things quickly. You will get a good idea of each product to help you make an informed decision.
1. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food
If you want large blooms, you need a fertilizer that has more potassium. The Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Bloom Booster Flower Food has you covered. You’ll notice that you have more blooms, and their color is more vibrant.
This product is designed for any blooming plant. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether you have marigolds, azaleas, or hydrangeas. They can all benefit from this fertilizer.
Since it is from the Miracle-Gro company, you can use the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. However, you don’t have to buy special equipment. You can use the fertilizer with a traditional watering can.
The product is specially developed to contain more phosphorus, as well. This is necessary to promote a healthy root system. Most fertilizer manufacturers believe this is the start of producing beautiful blooms.
You’ll find that this fertilizer works almost instantly when you apply it. Therefore, you are going to achieve fast results. One box will feed about 600 square feet with the feeder.
Of course, you can use it for potted plants, but you can also use it in window boxes. If you have flowers in a garden setting, you can also spray this fertilizer directly on the ground.
2. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
Those who are interested in larger plants may want to consider Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food. It is ideal for all types of plants. These include vegetables, flowers, shrubs, trees, and houseplants.
This product comes in three sizes: 1.5, 3, and 5 pounds. You’ll also note the helpful resealable top. That way, you don’t have to worry about knocking it over accidentally while you’re preparing the fertilizer.
If you own the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder, you can use it with this product. However, you don’t have to go out and buy it. You can also use a watering can to fertilize the flowers.
Many people worry about ‘burning’ or ‘scorching’ the plants. This can happen with some commercially manufactured fertilizers. You’ll find that this product is guaranteed not to burn them if you use it correctly.
Of course, you also have to consider plant placement. You need the right amount of sunlight and good soil. When that and watering aren’t enough, add this fertilizer to the mix.
Feeding should be done once every seven to 14 days. You should also use it during the active growing season. Depending on how many plants you have, one container might last the growing season.
3. Bayer Advanced 701110A All in One Rose and Flower Care Granules
Whether you’re a rose grower or like to grow many flowering plants, you need the right fertilizer. The Bayer Advanced 701110A All in One Rose and Flower Care Granules works on all types of flowers, even roses.
It’s actually three products in one container. You’ll find that it helps with insect and disease control, as well as fertilizing plants. Just one application can protect your flowers for about six weeks.
This means that you can protect your plants from aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, and more. You can also reduce the risk of your plants developing mildew, black spot, and southern blight.
Other pests can also be controlled, such as leaf beetles, lace bugs, psyllids, whiteflies, and more.
The NPK ratio is 6-9-6, which means there is the same amount of potassium and nitrogen with more Phosphorus. This is essential to build a strong root system. Of course, the other nutrients are important for bloom growth and vibrant colors.
You will be able to treat up to 32 plants with the four-pound container. It only comes in granules, but this means it is easier to sprinkle onto the plants. Plus, you won’t have to mix anything in water.
4. Jobe’s Organics 09627 Organic Fertilizer
Many gardeners want to go organic, even when they are just growing flowers. If this sounds like you, then Jobe’s Organics 09627 Organic Fertilizer might be ideal. It comes in a 3-5-4 ratio.
This means that there is more phosphorus (5 percent), which promotes healthy root systems. There is a bit more potassium than nitrogen, but both are needed for bigger, more vibrant blooms.
Because it is organic, there are no harmful chemicals included. Therefore, it is pet- and people-friendly. You won’t risk burning the plants when you use the product as directed.
Of course, Jobe’s is well-known for having a proprietary blend of microbes with all fertilizers. This means you get biome with archaea. You’ll find it breaks down the nutrients quickly to provide faster results.
The product will also improve the condition of the soil over time. Therefore, the next growing season might be even better. You might see more flowers, making it a quick-release and slow-release fertilizer.
Sizes include 1.5, 4, and 16-pound bags that are resealable and waterproof. You’ll find a variety of ‘styles’. Pick the one that best meets your plants’ needs, such as the annual and perennial version for regular flowers.
5. Fox Farm FX14049 Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula
Most people think that one product cannot do it all. If that sounds like you, the Fox Farm FX14049 Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula is ideal. It has three different products to help your plants grow well.
The Tiger Bloom is an extra-strength fertilizer with a 2-8-4 ratio. It provides more phosphorus, so your root systems are robust. There’s more potassium for larger, more colorful blooms, as well.
Primarily, the Fox Farm Grow Big is an instant concentrated liquid plant food. You should start using this immediately. This will help the greenery grow strong (leaves).
Once the plant buds or starts to flower, you will then use the Tiger Bloom to promote larger blooms. The Big Bloom concentrate is also available. You’ll use it throughout the growing cycles.
Big Bloom works to heal your plant’s root system and will also increase nutrient cycling. Therefore, the plants will use up the nutrients more efficiently. The concentrate is made from bat guano and earthworm castings, so it is ideal for any plants.
Of course, these three products work well for late-season, mature flowers, and fruits. You’ll be able to grow bigger, lusher plants and flowers.
6. JR Peters Jacks Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer
Sometimes, you want to use a fertilizer that has a lot of the NPK ratio so that you don’t have to feed the plants as often. If that’s the case, consider JR Peters Jacks Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer. With a 10-30-20 ratio, you will promote healthy growth and only have to feed once a month.
This product comes in a 1.5 or 4-pound container, and you can also buy two or three packs at a time. That way, you will never run out and can buy in bulk.
Of course, it’s a water-soluble food, so you will need to mix it with water and spray or use a watering can dispense it. The container comes with a measuring spoon and indications for how much to use on the label.
Though many people worry about burning the plant by using too much fertilizer, this product tells you exactly how much to utilize. If you apply it as directed, you won’t have to worry about damaging your plants.
You’ll find that this product also contains a micronutrient package inside it. This delivers more nutrition to promote green foliage and strong roots. Plus, it will feed through the leaves, so you don’t have to worry about where it is sprayed.
7. Flower Fuel Fertilizer
People looking for a bloom booster may like the Flower Fuel Fertilizer. It has a variety of vitamins, amino acids, and organics included with it.
Though it has plenty of potassium and phosphorus, it only contains one percent of nitrogen. This may not be enough to have bigger, more vibrant blooms.
However, the manufacturer claims that the formulation will help you achieve bigger and denser harvests. You’ll also have more resin and essential oil content. That can mean more valuable crops that look better and produce more.
Each jar of this product contains 40 proprietary ingredients. This means that no other manufacturer uses those same items. It contains hormones, organic components, and all trace and microelements.
Flower Fuel is hydroponic-grade fertilizer that is water-soluble. Therefore, it will work well with all base nutrients, including the two and three-part versions. It also works in any soil, aeroponic, hydroponic, or coco system.
You’ll find four sizes, including 250, 1,000, 5,000, and 20,000 grams. The 250-gram size will treat up to 200 gallons of water.
Please note that you must have a base nutrient to use this product effectively. Often, this is water. That means that you cannot sprinkle the fertilizer directly on the plants.
8. Dr. Earth 707P Organic 8 Bud & Bloom Fertilizer
Some people only like to use organic products. Therefore, the Dr. Earth 707P Organic 8 Bud & Bloom Fertilizer might be ideal. It is designed to feed tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, and corms.
This includes roses, Bougainvillea, flower plants, vines, and citrus/fruit trees. Of course, every ingredient is natural and/or organic. Therefore, you can use it around children and pets without issue.
Though it contains a ratio of 3-9-4 for NPK needs, it also has a blend of other helpful vitamins and nutrients. These include alfalfa, fishbone, and feather meal. You’ll also find mined potassium sulfate and soft rock phosphate.
Since it is organic, you don’t have to worry about it having sewage sludge, chicken manure, or GMOs. Plus, it also features pro-biotics, with seven chains of soil microbes. You’ll also find endo and ectomycorrhizae.
One feeding can last several months, but you can also choose to use less and feed more often. If you’re worried about ‘burning’ the plant, this might be ideal.
Of course, this product is designed to do many things at once. You’ll see more abundance of buds and blooms, you’ll have bigger flowers, and it will also support the root system.
9. Premium Water Soluble Fertilizer
Though many people like to use a fertilizer that is just sprinkled on the flowers, you may prefer something that is mixed with water. The Premium Water Soluble Fertilizer might be your favorite go-to. It comes in a resealable container with a carrying handle and measuring scoop.
This means you can easily use the right amount of fertilizer based on the plant size and recommendations on the label. Of course, you need to focus on the NPK ratios.
The Proven Winners brand features a 24-12-17 blend. It will promote bigger blooms, but it might not do enough for the root system. With 17 percent potassium, your flowers will be more resistant to diseases, as well.
You can use this product in a variety of settings. Whether you have a hanging basket, container planter, or landscape beds, this is ideal. Plus, it also works well for window boxes.
While some people may prefer a time-released product, this is a fast-acting fertilizer. Therefore, the nutrients get absorbed into the water easily and will quickly deliver the right amounts of nutrients. It works well for annuals.
Ideally, you will want to use this product every week or every third watering. However, it can be used on any flowering plant you might have. Plus, it’s designed to improve performance and prolong the plant’s life.
For reference, there is also a continuous-release version from Proven Winners. It contains a 15-7-15 ratio and is designed to be used as a time-released fertilizer.
10. Espoma PT18 Plant Tone
When it comes to organic, people either love it or hate it. Those who prefer to use organic fertilizer will like Espoma PT18 Plant Tone. It comes in an 18- or 36-pound bag with resealable tabs.
This product is all-natural and all-purpose. It will work on vegetables, trees, flowers, and shrubs. Plus, it contains a special bio-tone formula for bigger blooms and growth.
You’ll find that the product is a slow-release fertilizer. That means you apply it less frequently, and it will continually feed the plants. It features a 5-3-3 ratio.
Of course, this may not be ideal for some plants. Remember, you often need similar amounts of nitrogen and potassium (first and third numbers). The middle number indicates phosphorus, which should also be relatively high.
Because this fertilizer is a slow-release one, it is ideal to sprinkle it directly onto the soil. It’s best to do this as you’re planting so that the product gets mixed into it thoroughly.
If you do use it on an existing plant, you should scatter it gently and water the plant thoroughly so that the product gets soaked into the soil. That will ensure that your flowers receive the nutrients without the risk of burning them.
What is the Best Fertilizer to Make Flowers Bloom?
It all comes down to the NPK ratio. You need all three to make the flowers bloom. In a nutshell, nitrogen is what produces the vegetation (the leaves and foliage). Potassium is required to ensure that the plant stays strong and healthy.
The real number to consider here is Phosphorus. It is what will produce fruit, flower buds, and roots. However, potassium is also essential for the formation of flower buds/fruit.
This means that you really need to focus on the NPK ratio listed on the package. Some manufacturers tend to hide this information. Sometimes, it’s because the product doesn’t have the right formulation for flowering plants.
Regardless, it is best to look for something that has the same percentages across the board. You can also choose a fertilizer with higher amounts of nitrogen and potassium. Though phosphorus can be a bit lower, it should still be comparable to the other nutrients.
When is the Best Time to Fertilize Flowers?
Generally, it is best to fertilize your flowers at the start or peak of their growing cycle. It’s not ideal to wait until the flowers have already bloomed for the year. The umbrella rule for most of them is to start in early spring or the date of the last frost.
Often, you should fertilize early in the morning or late at night. Remember the NPK percentages here. Higher ratios mean you can feed the plants less, while low numbers indicate that you will be fertilizing every week.
How to Fertilize Flowers?
For flowers, you are likely to need about one pound of nitrogen for 1,000 square feet of flowers. It will also depend on the type of fertilizer. If it is water-soluble, you need to mix the right amounts with water.
The container you purchase will have indications for how much fertilizer and water to use. Make sure you heed this information to prevent burning the plant.
When using a dry fertilizer, you will want to sprinkle it all around the plant and use the right measurements. Then, immediately water the plant thoroughly. This prevents burning and helps the soil soak up the nutrients.
Those who are looking for good fertilizer for flowers are sure to be impressed with these 10 products. Of course, you may be wondering which one we thought was ideal. There were many from which to choose, but we do have a winner.
Ultimately, we were impressed with the fertilizers that did double or triple duty. This included two products. They are the Bayer Advanced and the Fox Farm Trio.
We chose to claim as winner the Fox Farm brand because it included three different products to be used at different times. This way, you have the best chance of having beautiful blooms and lush foliage.
I am having 10 numbers of hibiscus plant but some of them not blooming. Kindly suggest some good fertilizer