Question
Why do my azelias produce a bud,but before it can blossem it turns brown and falls off? How do I get them to bloom? I live in Minnesota. I keep them potted and bring them in during winter.

Answer
Hi Vickie,
Thanx for your question.  You keep your azaleas in pots and keep them indoors during the winter?  Azaleas do require some dormancy, even in the Deep South.  Southern azaleas are rated for zones 7-9 and benefit from some cool, winter dormancy.  Other azaleas are hardy to zone 4.  If you don't allow the azaleas to rest in the winter, they will eventually, spend themselves and die as they are not being allowed to gather energy and "rest" during the winter for next year's growth.  The Southern azaleas won't survive outdoors in Minnesota.  For azaleas grown outdoors, the most common reason for bud drop is cold periods which damage the bud.  This usually occurs after early warm periods stimulate bud growth and then a cold period moves in.  Too much nitrogen can cause bud drop.  You should not feed the plants in the winter.

How long have you had the azaleas and how long have you been growing them indoors?
thx,
Tom