Question
Dear Sir,

I live in Western North Carolina. I would like information/advice on fertilzing azaleas ( and other acid lovin' plants ). Information such as:
1. When to fertilize
2. What is a good fertilizer makeup for acid lovin' plants, i.e. ( 10-10-10 ) etc.?
3. How much fertilizer should I put on an azalea plants that are about 3' high?

Thanking you in advance,
Dale


Answer
Fertilize your azaleas just as the buds start to show some color.

Use an acidifying fertilizer such as miracid (synthetic), cottonseed meal (organic) or a product such as Espoma's Holytone (highly recommended). Holy tone has a NPK value of 4-6-4, but 5-10-10, 10-10-10, etc will also work.

The advantage of using the fertilizers which are specially formulated for azaleas, holys, and other acid loving plants is that these will make the soil pH lover naturally. Using regular 10-10-10 will also have a mild acidifying effect, but not as good as Holy tone for example.

Holy tone fertilizers - and other organic fertilzers - are very good for Azaleas as they feed very light in cool soil and gradually more as the soil warm. This matches the growth habit of the Azaleas and it is a perfect combination. If you can not find any of these organic alternatives, then try Miracid (the acidifying alternative to Miracle grow fertilizers).


Avoid extreme amounts of nitrogen (such as lawn fertilizer) and phosphorous (such as "bloom boosters").

Use 1 cupful (generous fistfull) of Holly-tone per foot of branch spread. Double the quantity if branch spread is 3 feet or larger. Brach spread is the width of the branches (not the height).

I do not recommend fertilizing azaleas in the fall although some people do that.