Proper fertilization of your Kalmia latifolia Minuet will lead to healthier and more disease resistant plants, as well as provide you with many more enjoyable blooms. Although it is tempting to spend less time by not raking the mulch back during fertilization, the results will be less than desirable, if the fertilizer is applied on top of the mulch. You can then rake the mulch back around the base of the Kalmia latifolia Minuet. Apply the fertilizer according to the label directions immediately on top of the soil, and be sure to water the plant thoroughly after the application. When you have selected your fertilizer and are ready to apply it, be sure to rake your mulch back to the drip line of each plant being careful to not disturb the tender surface roots. Although the three elements just mentioned are the major elements necessary for good plant performance, there some minor elements that are just as important in consideration of Kalmia Latifolia nutrition. Plants that are deficient in Potassium, are usually growing more slowly than normal, have fewer flowers and seed, and are more susceptible to disease than plants with adequate levels of Potassium. Potassium is the element represented by the third number on the fertilizer bag. Also, plants with insufficient amounts of Phosphorus may have poorer root systems.

A deficiency of Phosphorus may affect the energy transfer in the plant, and result in stunted growth as well. The second number in the fertilizer equation is representative of Phosphorus. Plants will sometimes also produce less flowers as a result of too much nitrogen. Sometimes, the growth is taller and longer with less than desirable branching when Nitrogen is deficient.

Not all Nitrogen deficiencies result in stunted growth. Plants that are deficient in Nitrogen are usually not growing vigorously. The first of these three numbers refers to Nitrogen, which is the primary element necessary for good, balanced growth within the Kalmia latifolia Minuet. When looking at most fertilizers, they are described by three numbers on the bag. Try to cure the problem before adding fertilizer. If a plant is struggling due to a disease or root problems, the fertilizer will only add stress to it's life. Never fertilize a plant with a chemical fertilizer if the plant looks sick or wilted. If over-fertilization is severe, the plant may just wilt and die. When roots are burned, the first sign is often scorched looking leaves. It is much, much better to err on the side of too little fertilizer than too much. 'Fertilizer burn' can occur when too much fertilizer is applied, resulting in a drying out of the fine hair-like roots and damage or even death of the Kalmia latifolia Minuet. Over-fertilization can be much more detrimental than under-fertilization. The amount of chemical fertilizer used per plant will vary with the size of the plant and it's root system. If you are looking for a fertilizing routine tailored to your specific conditions, a soil sample should be taken and the fertilizer and trace elements matched to the needs of your soil. A less expensive fast release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 will work just as well if applied twice during the early spring and very early summer. However, slow-release is certainly not the only way to fertilizer Kalmia Latifolias such as Kalmia latifolia Minuet. If you can find a fertilizer formulated for shrubs and trees, this fertilizer would work well on Kalmia Latifolias. There are many slow-release fertilizers on the market. If chemical fertilizers are used on your Kalmia latifolia Minuet, applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a year is probably the simplest solution. Organic additions to the soil can also be combined with a shot of chemical fertilizer for maximum effect. Since an organic method of applying manure and/or compost around the roots, produces excellent results and also improves the condition of the soil, this would be an excellent first line of attack. Either chemical fertilizers or organic matter can be used successfully with Kalmia-Latifolias. Fertilize Kalmia latifolia Minuet again 6 to 8 weeks later to encourage extra flowers or faster growth of young shrubs. Azalea's such as Kalmia latifolia Minuet grow best if they are fertilized lightly in the spring once frost has passed with a well-balanced, extended-release, fertilizer such as Espoma Holly-tone.

Kalmia minuet