Daylilies are some of the most low-maintenance and stunning guests you can invite into your garden. Their gorgeous blooms are definitely the star of the show, but if your plants are looking a little lackluster lately, a little extra boost of fertilizer might be just what they need to get their groove back.
Fertilizer Fuels Those Blooms
If you want that “wow” factor, keeping your daylilies well-fed is key to helping them develop those signature flowers. You can use fertilizer to get things back on track as soon as you notice blooms aren’t appearing or if the plant just isn’t as full as it used to be. But it’s not just about looks! Fertilizer is a major factor in the long-term health of your plants. These nutrients act like a shield against pests and diseases while giving the plant the energy it needs to grow strong and push out fresh new shoots.
Timing is Everything
The best time to feed your daylilies is right when you’re planting them—just mix some fertilizer directly into the soil. If you do that, you’re set for the rest of the year! Even for established plants, they aren’t high-maintenance; usually, one good feeding a year is all they need to thrive.
Of course, there’s an exception to every rule. If you’re growing daylilies in pots, you’ll want to fertilize them more often, ideally between May and June. Just make sure to stop by July—fertilizing too late in the season can actually make the plant less winter-hardy and more prone to frost damage.
Common Fertilizing Mistakes
There are a few “dos and don’ts” to keep in mind. For starters, never sprinkle fertilizer directly onto the plant’s leaves, as this can cause burns. Be extra gentle with young plants and avoid overdoing it; too much fertilizer can actually cause the flower stalks to split. Also, take a look at your dirt. If you have sandy or nutrient-poor soil, your daylilies will need to be fed more frequently. For container gardens, a liquid fertilizer is usually your best bet.
Choosing the Right Product
When shopping for fertilizer, keep an eye on the N-P-K ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium). For daylilies, a 5-10-5 ratio is the sweet spot. Here are some great options to keep your plants happy:
- Compost
- Manure
- Pond water (it’s surprisingly nutrient-rich!)
- Slow-release fertilizer
- Specialized “bloom booster” fertilizers
Alternatively, you can give your daylilies a thick layer of bark mulch. As it breaks down, it releases nutrients steadily into the soil, so you can sit back, relax, and let nature do the work for you.
