As the soil warms and the first green shoots of our new growth push towards the sun in early spring, our internal systems begin to stir from dormancy. This is the most critical time for you to support us. We are ravenous, but our roots are still tender. A gentle, balanced meal is what we crave most. As our leafy foliage begins to form a basal clump, we require a foundation of nutrients to fuel the entire season's growth. Applying a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (something like a 5-10-5 or 10-10-10) around our base at this time provides a steady, sustained release of energy. This initial feeding is paramount; it directly influences our strength, stem sturdiness, and ultimately, the number of flower buds we can set.
As we grow taller and our stems branch in late spring to early summer, our needs shift. We are working tirelessly, using photosynthesis to create energy, but we need specific elements to build the complex structures of our buds. This is when phosphorus becomes our best friend. Phosphorus (the middle number in a fertilizer ratio) is essential for promoting vigorous root development and, most importantly for you, spectacular flower production. A second, lighter application of a fertilizer higher in phosphorus as we begin to form flower buds can make a significant difference. Think of it as a targeted boost, ensuring we have the raw materials to create the vibrant, daisy-like blooms you love so much.
Please, never dump fertilizer directly onto our crown or stems. This can cause severe root burn, damaging our delicate tissues and leaving us vulnerable to disease. The correct method is to gently scratch the granular fertilizer into the soil around our drip line (the area on the ground directly below our outermost leaves) and then water it in deeply. This delivers the nutrients directly to our root zone where we can absorb them efficiently. Watering is non-negotiable; it activates the fertilizer and prevents it from just sitting on the surface, potentially harming us or washing away. We prefer consistently moist soil, and a deep watering after feeding ensures the nutrients travel down to our roots.
As our glorious late-summer and autumn display begins to wind down and our flowers fade, our needs change drastically. We must begin to prepare for winter rest. Applying fertilizer too late in the season, especially nitrogen-rich formulas, is detrimental. It encourages a flush of tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. This new growth will be killed, wasting our precious stored energy and potentially weakening the entire plant, making us susceptible to winter kill. Once we have finished our main flowering show, our focus turns inward to storing energy in our roots, not on producing new leaves. Please allow us to do this naturally without the stimulus of extra food.
