SOIL TEST INFORMATION SHEET NO. H-810

Prepared by Extension Horticulturist Allen D. Owings

Flowers – Annual

1.	Fertilize warm-season bedding plants at the rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1000 ft2

2.	Fertilize cool season bedding plants at the rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1000 ft2   at or prior to planting.  Fertilizer can be broadcasted or incorporated into the top 1-2” of the soil surface.

3.	A slow release fertilizer is preferred over 8-8-8, 13-13-13, or 34-0-0.

4.	Water-soluble liquid fertilizers can be applied with irrigation water to supplement a regular fertilization program.  This is most commonly done on container grown plants.

5.	Annual flowers being maintained over an entire growing season (example: March through late summer/ early fall) benefit from a re-application of fertilizer about halfway through the growing season.  Apply at the rate of 0.5-1.0 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 ft2.

6.	Maintain good cultural practices (insect an disease control, weed-free beds, proper irrigation, removing dead flowers) to optimize performance of annual flowers.

7.	New landscape beds having high contents of organic matter (pine bark, etc.) may need additional fertilizer applications during the first season in use.

8.	Maintain the proper soil pH for the annual flowers being grown.  Recommended pH varies from 5.5 to 6.5.  Modify soil pH by lowering with sulfur or aluminum sulfate or raising with dolomitic limestone.

9.	Contact your county agent for additional information and help in your fertilization program.  The agent also receives a copy of this report for the parish office files.