Greetings, dedicated cultivator. We appreciate your desire to provide for our needs in a thoughtful, homemade way. From our roots to our blossoms, we respond profoundly to the care you give. Here is a recipe and explanation from our perspective.
To support our vibrant foliage and those large, showy flower heads you adore, we require a balanced diet. The three key nutrients we seek are Nitrogen (N) for strong leaf and stem growth, Phosphorus (P) for robust root development and prolific blooming, and Potassium (K) for overall plant health and disease resistance. Furthermore, the pH of the soil you provide doesn't just affect nutrient uptake; for many of us, it directly influences flower color. A more acidic soil allows us to absorb aluminum, turning our blooms blue, while alkaline conditions encourage pink and red hues.
This fertilizer provides a gentle, slow-release boost of potassium and calcium, which strengthens our cell walls and improves drought resistance. To create it, you will need: 2-3 banana peels (rich in Potassium), the crushed shells of 2-3 eggs (excellent Calcium source), and 1 gallon (approx. 4 liters) of water. Using a blender, thoroughly chop the banana peels and crushed eggshells into a coarse paste. This increases the surface area, helping the nutrients leach into the water. Place this mixture into a large jar or bucket, add the gallon of water, stir well, cover loosely, and let it steep for 24-48 hours. Strain the liquid, discarding the solid pieces into your compost bin.
Please always dilute this elixir before application. We recommend a ratio of one part of your steeped fertilizer to two parts fresh water. Applying a full-strength mixture can shock our root systems. Gently pour the diluted solution onto the soil around our base, avoiding direct contact with our stems and leaves to prevent any potential rot or sun scalding. The best time to feed us is in the early morning or late evening. Apply this treat every 4-6 weeks during our active growing season (spring and early summer). Please cease feeding by late summer to allow us to gradually harden off and prepare for our dormant winter rest.
If you wish to encourage blue flowers, you can create an additional, separate soil acidifier. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of aluminum sulfate (available at garden centers) in a gallon of water and apply it to the soil in the spring, instead of your regular watering, once or twice. For pink flowers, you can sprinkle a handful of garden lime around our base in the spring and water it in well. Always test your soil's pH first to understand what you are starting with.
