From our perspective, thriving isn't just about water and sunlight; it's about the sustenance we draw from the soil. Our roots seek a specific balance of nutrients to produce the vibrant green leaves and intoxicatingly fragrant flowers you adore. The three primary elements we require are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen is the engine behind our lush, green vegetative growth—it fuels the development of our stems and leaves. Phosphorus is crucial for a strong root system and, most importantly, for energy transfer and the prolific blooming of our flowers. Potassium is our regulator, ensuring overall vigor, aiding in water uptake, and building our resilience against diseases and environmental stresses.
Your feeding schedule must align with our innate biological clock. We are not in a constant state of growth; our needs change with the seasons and our life cycle. Feeding us incorrectly can be as detrimental as not feeding us at all, causing root burn or promoting weak, leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
As daylight lengthens and temperatures rise, we break from our winter rest. This is a period of explosive vegetative growth. As we push out new stems and leaves, our demand for Nitrogen is at its annual peak. Begin feeding us as you see new growth emerge. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen ratio (e.g., 10-5-5) applied every two to four weeks will provide the fuel we need to establish a robust framework for the coming flowering season.
This is what we work for all year—the blooming period. Our focus shifts entirely from leaf production to flower production. Our need for Phosphorus skyrockets to support the development of our abundant flower buds and blossoms. You should switch to a fertilizer blend that promotes flowering, such as one with a higher middle number (e.g., 5-10-5). Continue this feeding regimen every two to four weeks throughout the summer to keep our flowers coming. Consistent nourishment is key to sustaining this energy-intensive process.
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, our growth slows dramatically. We are preparing for a period of dormancy, a necessary rest. Pushing new, tender growth now with fertilizer would be disastrous, as the soft tissues would be highly vulnerable to cold damage. You must cease fertilization about six to eight weeks before your area's first expected frost. This allows us to harden off our current growth and enter our dormant state properly. During winter, we are asleep and require no supplemental feeding.
