Water Gardening: When do water lilies Bloom, 0 by shadowgirl

shadowgirl wrote:
Never heard of anyone using liquid on WL. I fertilize every two weeks when using pond tabs. But wait until there are at least 6 good sized leaves before doing it that often. This year I am using slow release 13-13-13 purchased at the feed store (20# for 8.00). Then bundle a one tablespoon for lilies and two for lotus in cut up old panty hose. Actually I know people that fertilize every week especially their lotus and tropical WL. The big tropical night bloomers like Red Flare and Texas Shell Pink really bloom there little hearts out with heavy feeding. This is strictly my opinion and my personal experience but I doubt if you would burn your WL's since the fertilizer gets so diluted and to get a good show it takes heavy feeding. The more the beeter, full sun all day is the best for lots of blooms. As for algae I use hydrogen peroxide to control hair and string algae so the fertilizer is'nt really an issue. With enough surface cover and the right plant combination green water is minimal. Your hardy WL's will quit blooming around the second week of September, that's why you need to grow tropical WL too. They bloom until the frost. Here is a picture of a pond, not mine but a friend, with WL being fertilized every week or so.

Edited for easier understanding
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This message was edited Jul 2, 2005 9:24 AM