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Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Can I fertilize my Rhododendrons this month?

I was going to get some Rhodoedndron food and sprinkle it around my plants. Is this a good month to do that? It is probably going to be our last 80 degree day here  and I wanted to do some yard work. Thanks for any suggestions!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,809
Registered: ‎12-24-2010

Re: Can I fertilize my Rhododendrons this month?

NO..........don't fertilize any plant at the end of summer.  Plants are getting prepared to sleep (dormant) for the winter months.  Save your fert until Spring when they need a little push for the growing season.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Can I fertilize my Rhododendrons this month?


@fthunt wrote:

NO..........don't fertilize any plant at the end of summer.  Plants are getting prepared to sleep (dormant) for the winter months.  Save your fert until Spring when they need a little push for the growing season.


@fthunt  Thanks. Guess I will wait until late winter. That is what I found on line. Do you agree?

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,809
Registered: ‎12-24-2010

Re: Can I fertilize my Rhododendrons this month?

Go ahead but I wouldn't do it.  If the ground is frozen the fert won't get to the roots and if the roots are domant they can't take it up.  But........do whatever you wish.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,620
Registered: ‎09-22-2010

Re: Can I fertilize my Rhododendrons this month?

I fertilize my rhododendrons in the early spring and again just after they bloom.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,397
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Can I fertilize my Rhododendrons this month?

If you fertilize now, any tender new growth that results will freeze.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,655
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Can I fertilize my Rhododendrons this month?

[ Edited ]

I usually fertilize in spring after they bloom or right before they do.

 

Some Extensions do say fertilize in fall so it will be taken & stored by the roots for use in spring. I think a lot of that advise depends on how warm your winters are (further South) than up North for it to matter.

☼The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. GBShaw☼
Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Can I fertilize my Rhododendrons this month?

Thank-you everyone fir your replies....I will wait until spring. 👍