From our perspective, the single most critical factor for our survival and prosperity is soil that does not hold excess water around our roots. We are equipped with thick, fleshy storage roots that act as larders for nutrients and energy. When these roots are forced to sit in waterlogged, anaerobic soil, they rapidly succumb to rot and fungal diseases, which is a death sentence. Therefore, the ideal soil must be loose and friable, allowing water to percolate through it quickly after irrigation or rain, providing our roots with both the moisture we need and the vital oxygen we must breathe.
The perfect soil structure for us is a deep, well-drained loam. This type of soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles. The sand component ensures the necessary drainage and aeration, preventing compaction. The silt and clay particles contribute to moisture retention and nutrient-holding capacity, ensuring that the water and food you provide aren't immediately washed away beyond our reach. This loamy structure also allows our extensive root systems to expand and explore deeply and widely with minimal resistance, establishing a strong, resilient foundation for our growth above ground.
Our roots function best within a specific chemical window. We strongly prefer a soil pH that is neutral to slightly alkaline, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5. In this range, the essential macro and micronutrients in the soil remain soluble and available for our root systems to absorb. If the soil becomes too acidic (a lower pH), key nutrients like phosphorus become chemically locked up and inaccessible to us, leading to stunted growth and poor flowering. While we can tolerate a very slight acidity, a significant deviation from our preferred pH range will cause us to struggle, no matter how rich the soil is otherwise.
We appreciate a fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Well-rotted compost, leaf mold, or aged manure incorporated into the planting hole and used as a top dressing provides a slow-release source of nutrients and further improves the soil's structure and moisture management. However, it is a common misconception that we are heavy feeders. We do not thrive in overly rich, heavily fertilized soils, particularly those high in nitrogen. Excessive nitrogen encourages weak, succulent foliage growth at the expense of flower production and can make us more susceptible to botrytis blight. A balanced, gentle approach to fertility is best.
It is just as important to understand what is detrimental to us. We categorically reject heavy, compacted clay soils that suffocate our roots and cause them to rot. Similarly, very sandy soils that drain too rapidly and lack the ability to retain any moisture or nutrients will leave us constantly stressed and undernourished. Furthermore, we will not grow well in soils that are highly acidic or in competition with the roots of large trees and shrubs, which will aggressively steal all the available water and nutrients, leaving us starved.
