I was just fertilizing with Miracid. Aside from greening up the leaves, is there much of a difference in bloom color when you up the acidity in the soil? Some times it takes forever for things to finally sink in but was thinking about hydrangea blooms changing color. Seems to me that the bloom colors I have are more vibrant than they were last year. Am I imagining it?
Changing the acidity
Good going, Liz! No, I don`t think you imagine it. LOL I used calcium in the water and got my rose hybrid from pale pink to deep pinkish red. Also L`Amour benefited from it, even if it has not the color of the L`Amour on pictures. The plants also started to grow faster and showing less leaf damage due to the wind.
I think colors are better with the acid fertilizer, but not too often. Also, sun takes the color out of the flowers, we have had in the 90's last three weeks, everything is faded, came out bright pinks etc.
This message was edited Saturday, Jul 13th 10:50 AM
Liz, i have noticed more intense color with more fertilizer, which i guess all fertilizer lowers the ph some. it's a good way to separate the frosties from the isabellas, lol.
These plants were fertilized religiously all last summer and through the winter in the GH.
Well, now I'm lost Tonny. All were fertilized with Miracle Grow in the GH over the winter. Several had the whitish calcium buildup on the surface of the soil. I thought acid was in order. Still do.
I'm still trying to find the perfect balance between my fertilizers and my water. As we know - water differs.
So, will more acid in my program give me more vibrant blooms??
That is the question.
Liz,
I've noticed that Miracle Grow intensifies the color of leaves and flowers. The yellow and green variegated coleus I bought was very pale yellow is now a vibrant yellow and rich green. I'm using Miracle Grow on all of my plants this year.
I make sure that every two weeks I really soak all potted plants until water runs out the bottom. This helps to remove the excess salt build up.
Good question Liz. Hang in there and maybe someone will be able to tell you. I am interested in the Miracid versus the Miracle Grow also (acidic vs. regular fertilizer). I don't think all gardners realize they are different. haha
I think I will switch from MG to MA for a few weeks and see if I can see an enhancement in the flower colors and leaf color on the brugs. I have already come to the conclusion that brugs getting only morning and noonish sunshine look the best for me here in WV.
Owen
Our water PH here is near 9.2 very high calcium...after all we are located over ancient ocean beds here in Iowa....millions of years ago ..sea creatures existed here...hard to believe but tru..Iowa has numerous limstone quarries...full of fossils,anyway..our water is naturally hard so any fertilizer that lowers the PH would help.Miracid would work fine..but is very high Nitrogen too.