On Mar 5, 2023, at 6:12 PM, R Hansen via pbs <pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net> wrote:

Jane has a question about fertilizer application with temps still in the 40s
during the day.

****I usually apply soluble fertilizer to plants in my unheated bulb house
now. However, we are having an unusually cold late winter: near freezing
every night, and in the 40s F daytime. Many plants are in active growth,
if a bit later than usual. Should I apply fertilizer now, or wait until
the daytime temperatures are a bit higher? ***

In hort school we were always reminded to avoid fertilizing at least until
the daytime temps hit 50+ because the plants couldn't utilize the fertilizer
at lower temperatures. Whether that is still the case, I don't know, but
have followed that rule forever.

I too use a fertilizer that's resin-coated and releases at cooler
temperatures. Osmocote works fine in the Willamette Valley and many
nurseries use it, but under controlled conditions, in greenhouses, in can
yards where the plants are in black containers that readily and quickly
absorb heat.

I tend to use bone meal more than commercial fertilizers, being careful to
stir it into the soil mix and have always grown my plants as hard as I can.
Consequently, I almost never get complaints about a plant dying in someone's
garden (or at least I haven't been told). Sometimes that attitude has
backfired - I should have been fertilizing a bit and paid the consequences,
but fertilizing anything is a fine line and there are so many variables,
almost from year to the next, temperatures, moisture, cold, frost, you name
it.

When in doubt use a third to half of whatever vague dosing regimen is listed
on the label, unless you have an unusually sensitive plant - our natives
come to mind - that really doesn't like any extra nutrition. Repotting every
couple of years and watching the watering are almost more important than
fertilizer.

Robin Hansen
Snow again this morning
Southwest Oregon, USA

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