Camellias
are dormant when their buds are developing and blooming.Depending upon the variety and the season,
they are either already dormant or going dormant in Sothern California by
September 1.Until new growth begins,
about April 1, it is important to recognize that fertilizers used during
dormancy, if any, be appropriately formulated with an acidic reaction, low
nitrogen (to limit foliage growth), and high phosphorus (to produce blooms of
high quality and color).Some 0-10-10(nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizers
are available, but the consensus is that a small amount of nitrogen, in the 2 –
3% range, is preferable to zero nitrogen.
Some
suitably formulated fertilizers are Red Star’s granular 2-10-10 Flower Power
and Master Nursery’s liquid 2-10-10 Master Bloom.There are a number of bloom-enhancing
products that have this 1:5 ratio of nitrogen:phosphorus, but most have too
much nitrogen for camellias, i.e.,
10-50-10, and similar numbers.These
types can be used safely if the product is diluted until the nitrogen is in the
2-3% range.This is easily and
accurately done by dissolving into five gallons of water the amount of
fertilizer intended for one gallon of water.
Do
not fertilize a dry plant, but water thoroughly the day before
fertilizing.In general, a granular
fertilizer should be applied every 4-6 weeks and a liquid fertilizer every 2-4
weeks during the dormant period.
Be
aware that the recent increase in the cost of phosphorus has caused some
companies to alter their products so that they contain more nitrogen and less
phosphorus than before.For superior
blooms, search out those products that still have the 1:5 nitrogen:phosphorus
ratio.
