Your Quick Hydrangea Fertilizing Checklist

Ready to give your hydrangeas a boost? Follow these simple steps for happy, healthy blooms. Check off the boxes as you go!

Step 1: Prep Work (Know Before You Grow!)

Know Your Hydrangea Type: Does it bloom on old wood (like Bigleaf, Oakleaf) or new wood (like Panicle, Smooth)? This affects timing!
Test Your Soil (Ideally!): Know your soil pH, especially if you want blue or pink flowers on Bigleaf/Mountain types. pH affects nutrient uptake and color.
Choose the Right Fertilizer:
- For Blue Blooms (Bigleaf/Mountain): Use low-phosphorus (low middle number, like 12-4-8) or acid-loving plant food (like Holly-Tone).
- For Pink Blooms (Bigleaf/Mountain): Balanced (like 10-10-10) or general-purpose is fine.
- For White/Other Types (Panicle, Smooth, Oakleaf): Balanced or general-purpose usually works great.
- Consider slow-release options for less frequent feeding.
Check the Calendar: Is it the right time? Early spring is usually the first feed. Stop feeding by late summer (late July/early August)!

Read the Label: Follow the instructions on your specific fertilizer bag for how much to use (based on plant size or area).
Find the Drip Line: Locate the ground directly under the outermost tips of the branches.
Spread Evenly: Sprinkle the measured granular fertilizer in a circle around the plant, centered on that drip line.
Keep Away From the Base: IMPORTANT! Do not pile fertilizer directly against the main stems or trunk – this can cause burning!
Brush Off Leaves: If any granules land on the leaves, gently brush them off before watering.

Water Thoroughly: Water the fertilized area well right after applying (unless heavy rain is expected very soon). This dissolves the nutrients and helps prevent root burn.
Clean Up: Put away your fertilizer and tools. Wash your hands.
Observe: Keep an eye on your hydrangea over the next few weeks for signs of healthy growth (or any issues like leaf scorch).
Mark Your Calendar (Optional): Note when you fertilized so you know when the next application might be due (or when to stop for the season).

That's it! Following these steps helps ensure you're feeding your hydrangeas effectively and safely. Enjoy those beautiful blooms!