Increase Your Flower Power

Posted by Hilda M. Morrill

July 16, 2011

It's midsummer and you're enjoying your garden; but it's possible to make your flowers look even better.

Following are some easy and effective ways to increase your "flower power."

- Remove faded flowers on all blooming plants. Removing the flowers prevents energy from going into seed production and instead promotes the formation of new flowers. (Editor's note: An exception would be when you are planning on saving the seed pods of some heirloom strains, such as breadseed poppies, to harvest seeds in late summer or early fall.)

- Pinch back plants that have become long and straggly. If the annuals in your window box need a haircut, don't be afraid to get out your garden scissors. Don't give plants a buzz cut though, as harsh cut backs may take too long to outgrow.

- Water during extended dry periods. This may seem like common sense, but check your plants to see if the soil is dry. Most plants need the equivalent of an inch of water a week, more in very hot weather. Many plants are shallow-rooted and cannot find enough moisture to grow and flower if the soil is dry several inches down. A healthy plant that has enough moisture will produce more flowers.

- Try to avoid watering during the heat of midday. Water drops on delicate blossoms may cause them to burn in the hot sun. It's best to direct water at the soil, not the plant.

- During hot summer weather when you are watering more often, nutrients can leach out of the soil and need to be replaced. Fertilizers that are high in phosphorus are a good choice for blossom building, as this nutrient builds roots and promotes flowers. Choose a fertilizer with a higher middle number, such as 5-10-5. Fertilizers list the ratio of the 3 major elements in this order: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Always use fertilizers at the rate recommended on the package label.

- Remove leaves and stems that are brown or diseased. Old foliage may harbor fungal diseases that can spread to healthy parts of the plant. Remember, a healthy plant produces more flowers!

- Summer is a great time to buy flowering plants on sale. Add some color now where you see holes in your garden. Also, it's a good time to look for plants online and read through catalogs to see what you might want to order for fall delivery.

- Watch for pests or the start of disease. Hand pick Japanese beetles, asparagus beetles, or lily leaf beetles and put them in a container of soapy water (they tend to drop off leaves when disturbed, so may fall into the container on their own if you hold it beneath them). You can dispatch slugs in soapy water also. Your local USDA Extension Service office can help with questions about plant diseases if you call or bring in a sample.

- Finally, be sure to take the time to sit and enjoy your handiwork, and pick herbs or flowers to dry. Invite a friend to see your garden or bring a bouquet to someone and share it that way.

And be sure to take plenty of photos!

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We thank Michelle Tranquillo of White Flower Farm
(www.whiteflowerfarm.com) for sharing these tips with us.