Question
Is 3% nitrogen too much in a liquid fertiliser for impatiens? I was planning on using fish emulsion fertiliser if it is appropriate.
Thanks

Answer
Hello again Alison

I understand that you were disappointed with my answer to your question.  So I'll try again.

Firstly I'd like to give you some information about the three main components of fertiliser, which you will find detailed on the packaging as 3 numbers, i.e. 5-5-5 or any other combination of numbers.  The 1st number is the percentage of nitrogen (N) in the mix, the 2nd number is the percentage of phosphorus (P) and the 3rd number is the percentage of potassium (K).

Nitrogen is necessary for the healthy growth of leaf
Phosphorus is necessary for the development of a healthy root system, and
Potassium is necessary for the development of healthy and abundant flowers or fruit.

So - 3% nitrogen would not be too much in a liquid fertilizer if you have bought plants from a garden center #which I am assuming is the case), as the leafs should already be fully formed and only need a 'maintenance' amount of nitrogen.

Fish emulsion fertiliser usually contains a higher percentage of nitrogen than either of the other two components, so I feel that at the stage of plant development where the leafs are already well grown, you really need a fertiliser with a higher percentage of potassium for flower development - but - once the buds break it really is better to apply a 'balanced' fertiliser, as I advised in my first answer.

I hope this answer gives you more of the information you required, but if you have any further enquiries please get back to me.

Gill