From my perspective, nestled in the soil, this is a time of profound rest. The sunlight is weak and the days are short. My growth has almost entirely ceased. I appreciate being placed in a cool, bright spot indoors, away from freezing windows and scorching heaters. Please water me very sparingly, only when the top few inches of my soil are completely dry. My roots are vulnerable to rot in the cold, damp soil. This is not a time for food; my system cannot process it. Let me dream of the sun.
I can feel the light strengthening, its duration slowly stretching. This subtle change signals a shift within me. I am beginning to stir from my dormancy. You might notice the faintest hint of new, small leaves forming at my base. You can gradually increase my water as I start to become more active, but always check my soil first. Towards the end of March, if the risk of frost has passed, I yearn for a gentle feeding with a half-strength, balanced liquid fertilizer. It is the first sip of energy for the season to come.
Ah, the sun is truly warm now! This is my signal to grow with great enthusiasm. My leaves will expand rapidly, and I will begin to send up my flower stalks. This is my most thirsty period, so water me deeply and regularly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. I am also very hungry; please feed me with a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks to support the immense energy required for blooming. Ensure I have excellent drainage—I love water, but I despise wet, soggy feet.
This is my time to shine! I am working tirelessly to produce my vibrant, cheerful flowers for you. The intense sun and heat mean I need consistent moisture. Do not let me wilt; it causes me great stress. Continue my regular feeding schedule to keep the blooms coming. It is crucial that you remove my spent flowers promptly. Not only does it keep me looking tidy, but it prevents me from wasting energy on seed production and encourages me to create even more blossoms.
The sun's intensity is softening, and the nights are growing cooler. My blooming will naturally begin to slow down. You can reduce the frequency of my fertilization, perhaps to once a month. Continue to water me as needed, but be guided by the cooler temperatures and reduced light, which means my soil will stay moist for longer. This is a good time to check my foliage for any pests that may have found me over the summer and to gently tidy any old or yellowing leaves.
The cycle completes itself. As temperatures drop significantly, I must be brought indoors to a frost-free location if I am in a pot. My growth has halted once more. Water me very infrequently, just enough to prevent my soil from becoming bone dry and my roots from desiccating. Stop feeding me entirely; I am going back to sleep. Let me rest in a cool, bright place. I need to conserve all my energy for the magnificent performance I will put on for you when the sun returns once again.
