How to ensure potted heathers bloom through autumn
Planning to buy potted heathers? If you want them to adorn your balcony or garden into late autumn, perform one simple task. Their purple-pink flowers will be a delight well into October.
19 August 2024 18:16
Heather is a perennial plant from the heather family found throughout Europe. It is distinguished by its unique, small, bell-shaped flowers with a characteristic pink-purple colour. Despite its numerous health benefits, it is most commonly used as an ornamental plant.
Blooming heathers are a real adornment for a balcony or garden. Properly cared for, they please the eye for two up to three months. How to extend their blooming period? Perform one simple task right after purchasing the seedlings, and the plant will reward you with a beautiful appearance.
Do it right after purchase. Heathers will bloom for several weeks
There are about 300 species of heathers worldwide, each differing in colour, appearance, and size. Some bloom as early as August, while others fully develop only in October. In late summer, early varieties first appear in garden stores and markets. It is one of the most popular autumn balcony plants.
How to care for heathers? If you plan to grow them on the balcony immediately after purchase, transplant them into a larger pot with drainage. For a single seedling, the container's diameter should be at least 15 centimeters. This will give the plant a chance to grow. Do not forget about the right soil. Heathers develop best in dry, well-drained, sandy soil with an acidic or slightly acidic reaction. You can buy it at any garden store.
Before placing the heathers in the container, sprinkle a bit of expanded clay at the bottom, which acts as drainage. The aggregate will prevent overwatering and support proper root growth. Where to place heathers? In a warm, sunny place sheltered from the wind. After transplanting, water the plants immediately with soft, settled water. Do not use too much water, as heathers are very sensitive to overwatering. Repeat the procedure once a week throughout the blooming period.
What to fertilise heathers with?
Heathers, like any other plant, require fertilization. For heathers, use multi-component, specialist fertilizers. Both liquid, gel, and granulate forms will work. How often to fertilize heathers? Three times a year. The first fertilization should take place between late March and April, the second in June, and the third in the first half of August.
