Lilies are a real decoration of any flowerbed. Their large fragrant flowers can turn a garden into a luxurious flower garden, but for this the plants need proper care. May is the most important period for feeding lilies, because at this time they are actively growing leaves, forming buds and need additional nutrition. If you apply fertilizers correctly, the flowers will be large, bright and will bloom much longer.
Why is it important to feed lilies in May?
After winter, the soil often loses a significant portion of its nutrients. Lilies begin to grow actively and quickly extract nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus from the soil. Without sufficient nutrition, the plant may form small buds, weak stems, and pale flowers.
May top dressing helps:
- strengthen the root system;
- stimulate the growth of large buds;
- make the petals brighter;
- extend the flowering period;
- increase resistance to disease and temperature changes.
The best fertilizers for lilies in spring
Nitrogen fertilizers for active growth
In early May, lilies need nitrogen, which helps them quickly build up green mass. The following are great for this:
- ammonium nitrate;
- urea;
- chicken manure infusion;
- fermented mullein.
It is important not to overdo it with nitrogen, otherwise the plant will actively grow leaves, not buds.
Phosphorus and potassium are the secret to big flowers
When the lilies start to form buds, it is worth switching to fertilizers with a high content of phosphorus and potassium. These elements are responsible for lush flowering and rich color of the petals.
Well suited:
- wood ash;
- superphosphate;
- potassium magnesia;
- complex fertilizers for flowering plants.
Experienced gardeners advise sprinkling the soil around lilies with wood ash after rain or watering. This not only nourishes the plant, but also protects it from fungal diseases.
Folk remedies for feeding lilies
Many gardeners use natural fertilizers, which give excellent results without unnecessary chemicals.
Yeast infusion
For cooking you need:
- 10 g of dry yeast;
- 2 tablespoons sugar;
- 10 liters of warm water.
The mixture is left to infuse for several hours, after which the lilies are watered under the root. This solution stimulates growth and strengthens the roots.
Nettle infusion
Nettle contains a lot of trace elements and nitrogen. It is poured with water, left for several days and used for watering. Lilies grow much faster after such feeding.
How to properly feed lilies
For fertilizers to be beneficial, it is important to follow several rules:
- Feed plants only in moist soil.
- Do not apply fertilizer in hot weather.
- Alternate mineral and organic fertilizers.
- Do not exceed recommended doses.
- After applying fertilizer, be sure to water the flower bed.
Mistakes that can ruin flowering
Some gardeners make mistakes that cause lilies to bloom poorly or even get sick.
The most common mistakes:
- excess nitrogen fertilizers;
- use of fresh manure;
- fertilizing dry soil;
- too frequent fertilization;
- watering with cold water.
How to get truly luxurious blooms
For large and bright flowers, it is important not only to properly feed lilies, but also to provide them with enough sun, regular watering, and loose soil. If you give the plants a little attention in May, by summer the flowerbed will delight with huge fragrant flowers that will become a real decoration of the garden.
Proper feeding of lilies in spring is a simple secret that will help you get lush flowering even without expensive means. 🌸