Have you ever had plants that didn’t bloom the way you expected them to? They look so pretty in the catalogs. So naturally, you’re expecting that same picture-perfect display of blooms in your own garden. Only to have it sputter and struggle.
What’s causing your plants not to bloom?
Here, I’ll explain all the reasons why your plants may not be performing as expected and what can be done to correct that. We’ll start with the most common cause for a lack of blooms, insufficient nutrient availability.
Without steady access to vital macro and micronutrients, as well as the trace elements required to boost them, flowering plants simply won’t have the energy to produce and sustain buds. Regardless of how much water and sunlight they’re getting. The good news is, this problem can easily be solved by finding the best flower fertilizer for your specific plants and shrubs.
- Best Flower Fertilizers
- What Nutrients Help Flowers Bloom?
- Types of Fertilizer for Flowers
- Flower Fertilizer Reviews
- 1. Down to Earth Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer 3-15-0
- 2. Jack's Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer 10-30-20
- 3. Jobe's Organics Rose & Flower Fertilizer Spikes 3-5-3
- 4. Espoma Organic Bone Meal 4-12-0
- 5. Ferti-lome Blooming & Rooting Soluble Plant Food 9-58-8
- 6. Scotts Super Bloom Plant Food 12-55-6
- 7. Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Rose And Bloom 10-18-9
- How to Fertilize Flowers
- When to Fertilize Flowering Plants
- Verdict: Best Fertilizer for Flowers
- FAQs Flower Fertilizers
Best Flower Fertilizers
For effective ways to increase blooms and color on healthy plants, be sure to read all the way to the bottom for my complete list of top-performing fertilizers. If you just need quick, reliable advice for the best flower fertilizer, here are my two top picks.
Best Organic Fertilizer
Down to Earth Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer 3-15-0
Phosphorus-rich for maximizing flower bud formation. A completely organic, slow-releasing, bone meal option that provides nutrients for up to four months.
Best Water-Soluble Fertilizer
Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer 10-30-20
A uniquely designed water-soluble, bloom-boosting formula for flowers growing in less-than-desirable soil. Quickly adds an infusion of nutrients to improve soil and increase bloom time.
Best Fertilizer Spikes
Jobe’s Organic Rose & Flower Fertilizer Spikes 3-5-3
A quick and easy, mess-free way to improve the condition of your soil, while providing an optimized NPK ratio for vibrant, abundant blooms and healthy foliage.
By the way, our site is supported by visitors like you. Some links on this page may be affiliate links which means if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! You can find out more here.
What Nutrients Help Flowers Bloom?
Studies have shown that plants recognize seasonal changes based on available sunlight and median temperatures in their environment. An increase or decrease in these factors triggers enzymes and proteins to either ramp up or slow down growth and bud production. Throw weather conditions into the mix and flower yield will be affected, as well.
Even if all these factors are perfect, though, plants will produce very few blooms without access to vital nutrients.
All plants require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (macronutrients) to thrive and bloom. Yet, phosphorus is what drives bud formation, fruit, and seeds. Which are the primary goals of a flowering plant’s reproductive process.
N-P-K Ratio for Flower Development
Flowering plants benefit from an NPK ratio that’s higher in phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen. But when they benefit depends on whether they’re flowering ornamentals or fruiting plants.
With ornamentals (and certain vegetables) one NPK ratio, throughout the season, is sufficient. A ratio of roughly 1:3:2, representing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium percentages, is recommended.
Most fruiting plants, however, require more of one nutrient than another, at different stages of development. Fruit trees, berry bushes, melons, and squash perform best when given more nitrogen to start. Then, prefer more phosphorus and potassium as buds set.
Effect of Soil pH
Vegetables and many ornamentals thrive in a soil pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Fruit trees prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. While berry bushes, hydrangeas, and azaleas perform better in a lower soil pH (with higher acidity) between 4.0 and 5.0.
No matter the preference of your flowering plants, it’s important to get it right. Why? Because if your soil pH is too low, nutrients become too mobile. Meaning they end up flooding the soil, resulting in the accidental over-fertilizing of your plants. This can lead to severe plant damage.
In pH that’s too high, the opposite happens. Nutrients become locked in the soil, unable to flow toward plant roots.
Minerals
Just as important as macronutrients in the health and vitality of plants, are minerals and trace elements (or secondary nutrients). Among these are iron, manganese, copper, and boron.
Macronutrients can’t perform their jobs to maximum capacity without the help of their micronutrient counterparts.
Minerals work with nitrogen to build the complex molecules necessary for structural components like leaves, stems, and roots. A process that starts with creating the green chlorophyll cells that facilitate photosynthesis in plant foliage.
Minerals then aid phosphorus and potassium in healthy and abundant bud, flower, fruit, and seed production.
Types of Fertilizer for Flowers
Four different fertilizer categories offer flexible options for various application and gardening preferences.
- Quick Release – liquid/water-soluble options offer immediate uptake of nutrients. Resulting in accelerated plant improvement and growth.
- Slow Release – Concentrated granules and spikes offer a steady stream of nutrients over an extended period of time, with little risk of plant burn.
- Organic – made from minerals, plant material, and animal bi-products that contain vital nutrients. Nourishing plants and improving soil fertility, simultaneously.
- Inorganic – manufactured with minerals and chemicals, these can result in a quick boost of growth. But can also potentially contaminate soil and do little to increase fertility.
Liquid Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers come in pre-mixed, concentrated and water-soluble granule form. These can be applied with a watering can or hose attachment, around your plants.
Liquids also come in either organic or synthetic forms. Either way, nutrients are immediately conveyed to the root system through the soil. Some are also formulated to be used as foliar sprays, which can provide instant relief for yellow foliage.
Controlled Release Granules
Slow-releasing granules are very simple to use and can provide consistent, controlled nourishment for up to nine months, depending on the brand. That means fewer applications and less work for you. These are also less likely to cause root burn or other plant damage.
Nutrients are released by warming soil temperatures. Soil microbes and fungi then consume these nutrients and convert them into a form that is easily absorbed by plants.
Organic vs Synthetic Fertilizers
Choosing between an organic or synthetic flower fertilizer is a simple matter of gardening style, application preference, and end-result intentions.
Organics contain levels of nutrients similar to what plants receive in the wild. They can nourish your plants for longer, while improving soil fertility with little risk of contamination.
Inorganics are mass-produced using minerals and lab-created materials. These can produce more lush foliage and a higher bloom count but can also potentially contaminate nearby water sources and soil.
Flower Fertilizer Reviews
Product testing and review research take time, effort, and money. For your convenience, I’ve done some extensive testing on several different blooming plants in my own garden, both edible and ornamental. Below are my picks for the top 7 fertilizers to increase blooming on healthy plants.
Pros
- A readily available source of organic nutrients
- Includes vital micronutrients for optimal plant health
Cons
- May exhibit an earthy odor
As I mentioned at the top of this article, this slow-releasing bone meal option lasts for up to four months and delivered a steady flow of phosphorus and calcium to my annuals and perennials. Resulting in an abundance of blooms with outstanding color and size.
These granules also performed really well in the flowering stage of my tomatoes, squash, and melons. Improved blooming and decreased bud drop vastly increased my yield.
How To Use: New transplants – mix in 1-2 tbsp per hole, then water well. For established plants – side dress with 2-4 oz per month during the growing season.
Pros
- Quick dilution for use with watering cans or hose attachments
- Extends bloom time beyond expectation
Cons
- Not recommended for plants growing in highly fertile soil
Nobody’s soil is perfect, and no product seems to understand that better than this phosphorus-rich formula from Jack’s Classic. This water-soluble option will nourish flowers growing in everything from “moderately fertile soil” to “basically just dirt”.
This can be diluted to whatever strength you need and provided my plants with a fast infusion of nutrients, in the most effective ratio. Not only did I see healthy plants producing a generous number of blooms, but an increased tolerance for drought, as well.
How To Use: Mix 1 teaspoon per gallon of water (or more for further dilution) and apply to flowering plants once per week.
Pros
- Effective nutrition for roses and other flowering shrubs
- Slow-releasing for longer feeding and fewer applications
Cons
- Maybe at a slightly higher price point than other brands
These spikes from Jobe’s are formulated to encourage luxurious roses. But, with an NPK that could benefit other bloomers, too. So, I tested this rose fertilizer spike on some rose varieties in my collection. As well as some peonies and lilacs.
I was impressed because they’re relatively small and easy to push into the loamy soil around both my potted and ground-planted specimens. The plant type didn’t seem to affect performance. The surprisingly large buds that formed told of lush beauty and fragrance to come.
How To Use: Insert this combination of healthy microbes and organic nutrients around roses and other blooming perennials every 4-6 weeks, beginning in spring when new growth sprouts.
Pros
- All-natural source of organic phosphorus and nitrogen
- Helps to loosen heavy, clay soil
Cons
- Not recommended for plant species that require more potassium to bud
An alternative to Down-to-Earth’s offering, this similar ratio from Espoma requires 10lbs per 100 sq ft. (instead of 2.5lbs per 100 sq ft.), but you only need to apply it once or twice per season, versus every month.
The natural phosphorus that this provides can’t be beat for giving flowering plants what they need to produce abundant blooms, especially if you’re an organic gardener. The NPK in this also offers just enough nitrogen to support healthy foliage growth.
How To Use: Apply 1 or 2 pounds depending upon the size of the shrub or tree. Apply 2 oz or one tablespoon per potted plant and work into the soil.
Pros
- Focuses on robust root support for large, vibrant foliage and flowers
- Versatile enough for ornamentals and vegetables
Cons
- Not recommended for use on phosphorus-sensitive plants
These water-soluble granules from Ferti-lome are formulated to focus on overall plant health. Promoting robust root development for more blooms and healthy foliage.
The leaves on the plants I tested this on were huge and the contrasting vein color, on some, was just stunning against the vibrant color of the blooms.
I usually see some yellowing on my plants by mid-august, due to the heat. But, I didn’t see any of the plants I tested, because this is also formulated to increase tolerance to environmental stresses.
How To Use: Mix 2 tablespoons into each gallon of water used. Then, repeat every 1-2 weeks during the growing season.
Pros
- Effective in both harsh and temperate climates
- Extended bloom times on single-season bloomers
Cons
- Frequent watering may be necessary to avoid root burn
Scotts offers this water-soluble, phosphorus-rich formula that promises instant feeding while protecting against root burn, when used as directed. I live in a region with a short growing season, so I have to start my flowering annuals indoors.
Not only did this NPK produce brightly-colored, abundant blooms on my petunias, pansies, and nasturtiums, but hastened maturity in these plants for a longer bloom time!
Of course, this NPK ratio will do the same for perennial, flowering shrubs and bulbs, as well.
How To Use: Pre-moisten soil prior to application. Then mix two teaspoons into each gallon of water used and water normally. Repeat every 7-14 days.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients to feed microbes in the soil
- Includes vital micronutrient
Cons
- Not recommended for rich, fertile soil
I found this granular option from Miracle-Gro, with its simple “shake and feed” application method, to work best in the nutrient-depleted soil around some of my potted bloomers.
Each granule is formulated to be attractive to hungry soil microbes, who then convert nutrients into a readily available form.
The color on my container combinations became more vibrant, as well as the veining and coloration in the foliage. I no longer saw browning around the edges of leaves, which would otherwise indicate a nutrient deficiency.
How To Use: Apply 1 tbsp per 1 sq ft evenly across the soil. Apply dry. Do not pre-mix with water.
How to Fertilize Flowers
Waiting to fertilize flower seedlings until they’re well established outside is key to their success. As, tiny plants can be sensitive to fertilizer.
Once ornamentals are established, a phosphorus-rich NPK will provide the right ratio of nutrients for bountiful blooms and lush foliage.
For flowering vegetables, a higher nitrogen NPK will encourage strong root growth and plant structure, while young. Once buds set, more phosphorus will support healthy blooms and fruit.
For acid-loving bloomers, make sure your phosphorus-rich flower fertilizer has a bit of sulfur in it to maintain the right pH for them to produce.
When to Fertilize Flowering Plants
When to fertilize flowering plants, whether they’re perennials, annuals, bulbs, or shrubs, will depend on the formula and application method of your fertilizer.
Typically, slow-release granules and spikes are applied once in spring, as soon as the first new shoots begin to appear. Then, a second time (again, depending on the brand) in either summer or fall.
Flowering perennials don’t require fertilizing in winter, while they’re dormant. Even if they’re winter-flowering varieties that only go partially dormant.
Liquids should also be started in spring and then repeated as the manufacturer recommends throughout the growing season.
How Often to Apply Fertilizer
How often to fertilize will differ between application methods. For example, Down to Earth’s fast-acting, organic bone meal recommends fresh applications every 4 weeks. Versus Espoma’s slow-release formula, which only needs one application in spring and again in fall.
Water-soluble options, like Jack’s Classic, should be applied every two weeks for consistent nourishment, as should MiracleGro’s BloomBooster formula. The frequency could be even higher for potted plants, due to water and nutrient leaching.
Verdict: Best Fertilizer for Flowers
Well, I believe the verdict is in! The most effective flower fertilizer for your bloomers will primarily depend on plant variety.
Most will need a higher dose of phosphorus at some point, regardless of species. In which case, I recommend you reach for Down to Earth Organic Bone Meal.
Best Organic Fertilizer
Down to Earth Organic Bone Meal Fertilizer 3-15-0
Phosphorus-rich for maximizing flower bud formation. A completely organic, slow-releasing, bone meal option that provides nutrients for up to four months.
Most flowering vegetables will need higher nitrogen to start. But, once they begin to bud, these and ornamental bloomers will benefit from a 1:3:2 NPK ratio throughout the entire growing season. That’s when Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster is the perfect choice.
Best Water-Soluble Fertilizer
Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer 10-30-20
A uniquely designed, water-soluble and bloom boosting formula for flowers growing in less-than-desirable soil. Quickly adds an infusion of nutrients to improve soil and increase bloom time.
For a no-fuss fertilizer approach, I recommend Jobe’s Organics Rose & Flower Fertilizer Spikes. Just insert them into the soil around your flowering plants for vibrant and long-lasting blooms and enriched soil.
Best Fertilizer Spikes
Jobe’s Organic Rose & Flower Fertilizer Spikes 3-5-3
A quick, easy and mess-free way to improve the condition of soil, while also ensuring the right NPK ratio for vibrant, abundant blooms and healthy foliage.
