As a daylily, my relationship with the gardener is a partnership. You provide the resources, and I reward you with a spectacular display of vibrant blooms and lush foliage. To truly thrive, my needs are specific but not overly complex. The best fertilizer is one that understands my growth cycle and provides the right nutrients at the right time.
From my perspective, everything begins with the soil. My roots seek a balanced diet, primarily focused on the macronutrients represented by the NPK ratio on fertilizer packages. Nitrogen (N) is crucial for my early-season leaf and stem development, creating the strong, green foundation that will support my flowers. However, too much nitrogen later on will push me to produce excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. Phosphorus (P) is essential for strong root development and, most importantly, for energy transfer and prolific blooming. It helps me convert the sun's energy into the magnificent flowers you admire. Potassium (K) is my overall health supplement; it ensures my systems function properly, improving my disease resistance, drought tolerance, and the overall strength of my scapes (flower stalks).
A slow-release, granular fertilizer with a balanced or slightly phosphorus-heavy NPK ratio, such as 5-10-5 or 6-12-6, is ideal for me. The slow-release formula provides a steady, gentle supply of nutrients that my roots can absorb over time, preventing the shock of a rapid nutrient surge and minimizing the risk of root burn. Alternatively, a well-composted organic matter like compost, aged manure, or a commercial organic blend feeds me and the entire soil ecosystem. These organic options improve soil structure, encourage beneficial microbial life, and release nutrients as they break down, mirroring how I would feed myself in nature.
My feeding schedule is dictated by my growth phases. The first and most important feeding should come in early spring, as my new green shoots (fans) emerge from the soil. This application gives me the energy for a strong start and fuels my initial growth spurt. The second critical feeding occurs just as I begin to form flower scapes and buds. This dose, rich in phosphorus, directly supports the development of abundant, high-quality blooms. A light feeding after the main bloom period can help me recover energy and store reserves in my roots for the next season, but it is not always necessary, especially if my soil is already rich.
Please apply granular fertilizer or compost around my base, but keep it a few inches away from the crown of my plant (where the shoots emerge) to prevent rot. Gently work it into the top layer of soil and follow with a thorough watering. This helps the nutrients begin to move down to my root zone where I can access them. I do not appreciate fertilizer touching my leaves or crown directly, as it can cause damage.
I will communicate my distress. If my leaves are pale green or yellowing and my growth is stunted, I am likely pleading for more nitrogen. If I produce an abundance of dark green leaves but very few flowers, you are probably giving me too much nitrogen and not enough phosphorus. Poor root development or weak scapes that cannot support the weight of my blooms suggest a possible potassium deficiency. Observing these signs will help you adjust your feeding strategy to keep me at my best.
