Hi everyone, I have several passies of different varieties and none seem to want to bloom. The vines look very healthy and they are climbing everything. They are in full sun and only 1 is in very light dappled shade. Any ideas what I can do to get them to bloom?
Thanks, Linda
My Passie's won't bloom
Linda, if the vines are healthy then you just need to be patient. I have quite a few that are doing the same thing. I know some of them bloom better as the days get shorter, which will start to happen in a couple of weeks (eqinox is June 21st I think). If they are growing well, then I would not fertilize them (including bloom enhancing fertilizer). When the vines stop growing and the leaves start to yellow they may need fertilizer. I use half strength Dynamite (Nutricote) on my plants in pots, and have never had to fertilize anything that got its roots into the ground. Sometimes these passies just march to the beat of their own drum!
Mark
Thanks Mark, I will just have to wait. I appreciate your help. I have never used dynamite before. Sounds like something I need to check into.
Linda
Hi Linda,
Dynamite is the home gardeners version of Nutricote. I believe it is 13-13-13, time release granules. I got some at Home Depot a couple of years ago, but can't find it this year. It is available on Ebay.
Mark
Thanks Mark, I will look for it.
Linda, don't fertilize until your plants show signs that they need it. If they are in the ground, I think they should be fine. I usually use Miracle Gro in my pots (although I will be switching to my own mix as soon as I can), and don't fertilize in the first year. Then half strength in the spring or early summer if the plant looks like it needs it.
Mark