Question 1

Why do I need to fertilize my Crested cockscomb?

Accepted Answer

Plants need nutrients to survive; most gardeners, regardless of experience, are well aware of this factor. However, without food, Crested cockscomb will die out soon after the first pollination. Therefore, providing the right type of nutrients in the right amounts is the best way to keep Crested cockscomb going throughout the blooming season and producing large, beautiful flowers.

Fertilizer also helps Crested cockscomb build a large, healthy root system. This plant needs all the help it can get since its root system is very thin and easily damaged. Fertilizing at planting helps Crested cockscomb build a solid root structure that not only provides stability to the plant, but also sets the stage for a sensational flowering performance. When timed correctly, fertilization can greatly extend Crested cockscomb's flowering period.

Question 2

When is the best time to fertilize my Crested cockscomb?

Accepted Answer

Crested cockscomb puts on tremendous growth early in the growing season, once the danger of the last frost has passed. It’s during this time that Crested cockscomb should be fertilized; more specifically, during planting. The idea is to apply when the plant is first planted in the ground or in planters; however you choose to plant it. This will be the only dose of fertilizer until later in the year, when blooms are in full force.

Once the season is in full swing and Crested cockscomb has opened most of its blooms at full size, it’s time to start fertilizing again. Around the time when blooms are at peak output, begin fertilizing again once every three to four weeks, as weather permits. Then, after Crested cockscomb starts to put out fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there’s no need to fertilize when the plant can’t produce any more blooms.

Question 3

When should I avoid fertilizing my Crested cockscomb?

Accepted Answer

While regular fertilizing is important for Crested cockscomb, it absolutely can be applied at the wrong time. Some situations call for holding back the fertilizer once in a while. These are usually climate related, but they also include a variety of controllable factors. Essentially, when something is wrong with the plant, the soil, or the climate, wait it out until things have been smoothed over and the plant has recovered.

An example of when not to fertilize is if there are severe or unexpected changes in the weather. If a cold nap suddenly comes in the middle of summer, wait until it’s warm again to start fertilizing. The same stands for if the soil becomes too dry or too packed to absorb anything. At this point, fertilizer will be going straight to the roots, rather than being diffused by soil before it reaches them. As you can imagine, the roots of Crested cockscomb aren’t very fond of that.

When temperatures soar during the hottest parts of the day into the 90-degree fahrenheit range, don’t apply fertilizer. Since fertilizer can be broken down at various speeds depending on temperature, it’s especially important not to allow hot temperatures to break it down too quickly. Pests or diseases should also be treated and cleared up before re-fertilizing.

Question 4

How do I fertilize my Crested cockscomb?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the type of fertilizer you have, specific fertilizing instructions may vary. However, there are a few general tips for applying most types of fertilizer to Crested cockscomb. The first fertilizer application, which should be when you first plant Crested cockscomb, will likely consist of mixing the recommended amount of fertilizer into the soil before planting and watering in the Crested cockscomb.

Subsequent fertilizing may look a little different. For pellet fertilizers, simply mix the pellets into the top inch of soil around the outer edge of the plant, where the roots are. Water them in very well at first, then water regularly after that. Other fertilizers may be mixed into a watering can and applied just like a regular watering. Follow any instructions on fertilizer packaging for consistency, but if you’d rather keep things on a regular schedule, shoot for every three to four weeks.

Question 5

What happens if I fertilize my Crested cockscomb too much?

Accepted Answer

Over-fertilizing is a very easy mistake to make for first-time gardeners, or even for experienced gardeners trying out a new product. Fortunately, Crested cockscomb makes this issue known very well by displaying several signs of distress. You may notice that its leaves are yellowing quickly, the foliage may wilt, or new blooms may be under-developed. These are all clear signs of too much food.

When you fertilize Crested cockscomb too frequently, you create uninhabitable soil conditions. Soil may become too hot, which is a term used to describe when soil is too saturated with minerals, nutrients, or compost, and ends up burning the roots of anything planted in it. It’s a good idea to flush out the soil well once a month or so, just by watering twice as much as normal with good drainage.

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What type of fertilizer does my Crested cockscomb need?

More Questions About Crested cockscomb

Why do I need to fertilize my Crested cockscomb?

When is the best time to fertilize my Crested cockscomb?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Crested cockscomb?

How do I fertilize my Crested cockscomb?

What happens if I fertilize my Crested cockscomb too much?