Flower seedling feeding schedule

In addition to regular watering, additional lighting, protection from diseases and pests, flower seedlings vitally need fertilizers, thanks to which they will become strong, easily withstand hardening and transplantation into open ground.



Special attention should be paid to seedlings growing in a low-nutrient substrate, for example, peat tablets, plants that have not been picked and develop for a long time in one container. But sick and insect-damaged specimens should first be cured and only then fed.

Since flower sowing is carried out at different times, depending on the type and variety of plant, the feeding schedule is made for each crop individually. And it is usually tied to the phases of development, and not to specific days of the calendar.

During the cultivation of seedlings, at least 2-3 feedings should be carried out. If necessary, add nutrients every 7-14 days before planting the bushes in the ground.
 

First fertilizing of flower seedlings

The first fertilizing is usually done 10-15 days after emergence, when at least one true leaf appears on the seedlings. However, this procedure is optional. It should not be done if the soil mixture is fertile enough and the plants do not show signs of mineral deficiency. If pelleted seeds covered with a nutrient shell were purchased for sowing, then there is no need for this fertilizing either.
 

Second fertilizing of flower seedlings

This fertilizing is mandatory. It is useful to first add organic matter: mature compost, vermicompost, sapropel or leaf humus. EM preparations will also be beneficial. Organic matter will enrich the soil microflora, which helps plants absorb minerals.
 

Third feeding of flower seedlings

The period for this feeding is approximately two weeks after the previous one. It allows plants to compensate for the lack of nutrition. The bushes will become taller and more leafy.



Organic fertilizers are suitable for feeding. However, you should carefully monitor the composition of complex products and never use fertilizers with chlorine, even if the packaging indicates that the drug is allowed to be used for seedlings.

If necessary, the procedure can be repeated every 7-10 days. Stop feeding at least five days before planting seedlings in open ground.
 

Fourth feeding of flower seedlings

The seedlings can be fed for the fourth time during planting in open ground. To do this, add compost or ready-made complex fertilizers to the hole.

The same products are used for further fertilizing.
 

Rules for fertilizing flower seedlings

Compliance with the schedule and the use of high-quality fertilizers do not always guarantee a good result. It is also important to remember the rules for applying fertilizers.

• The best time for fertilizing is in the morning, in cloudy weather.
• Before applying fertilizers under the root, the seedlings should be watered the day before to avoid over-moistening the soil.
• It is not recommended to mix preparations if you are not sure that these products can be combined.
• For spraying, use less saturated solutions than for watering.
• When watering, ensure that the solution does not get on the leaves and stems.
• For preparing solutions, it is better to take soft, settled water.
• You cannot exceed the rate of fertilizer application, so as not to burn the roots of the seedlings. To be on the safe side, you can even make a lower concentration than the manufacturer recommends.
• Before applying fertilizer, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the needs of the plant being grown.