Question 1

Why do I need to fertilize my Bittersweet?

Accepted Answer

The leaves of the Bittersweet comprise most of its main structure, and fertilization is one of the most impactful ways that you can ensure that those leaves look great while also serving their function. Proper fertilization will help your Bittersweet hold leaves with consistent color and a healthy texture.

Fertilization also works below the soil's surface to help your Bittersweet generate new roots and maintain the roots that are already part of the root system. This means that fertilization will not just keep your plant healthy now, but it will also help your plant be better capable of absorbing soil nutrients in the future.

Question 2

When is the best time to fertilize my Bittersweet?

Accepted Answer

If you grow your Bittersweet outdoors each year, this perennial plant will send new growth shooting out in early spring. The emergence of those leaves is a sign that the time is right to begin fertilization for the year.

Often, a Bittersweet will perform just fine with a single application of fertilizer when the spring arrives. However, if you wish to maximize the growth of your Bittersweet, you can repeat the feeding multiple times throughout the spring and early summer. If you choose this route, you can feed your Bittersweet about once every month to a month and a half.

Question 3

What type of fertilizer does my Bittersweet need?

Accepted Answer

Fortunately, choosing the best fertilizer for a Bittersweet is a very straightforward task. These plants will thrive on a general-purpose garden fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A fertilizer that has a ratio of 10-10-10 or something similar will be very effective. When in doubt, be sure to avoid fertilizers that have high amounts of nitrogen.

Most of the best fertilizer for a Bittersweet will come in a granular form. These fertilizers should be slow-release and will be very easy to apply to the soil. It can also be helpful to feed your Bittersweet using an organic soil amendment such as compost.

Question 4

How do I fertilize my Bittersweet?

Accepted Answer

Wait until your Bittersweet has just barely poked its first leaves through the soil's surface in early spring. Once you see that sign, apply a granular slow-release fertilizer with a balanced formula to the soil that surrounds the base of your Bittersweet.

You can repeat a similar process later in the season if you choose. When reapplying fertilizer to a Bittersweet, you should, again, apply the fertilizer to the soil at the base of the plant rather than to the plant itself. At times, this may require you to move some leaves out of the way to access the soil above the roots. It's also often a good choice to water your Bittersweet before and after you feed it.

Question 5

What happens if I fertilize my Bittersweet too much?

Accepted Answer

The Bittersweet doesn't necessarily need to receive high volumes of fertilizer each year, which means overfertilization is entirely possible. If you overfertilize your Bittersweet, you will likely notice first that the leaves have turned brown.

Overfertilization of Bittersweet is especially common if you use a fertilizer that has higher concentrations of nitrogen. High nitrogen content will likely cause the leaves of your Bittersweet to become discolored, lose much of their moisture, and begin curling at the margins. Many gardeners avoid such complications by limiting fertilization of their Bittersweet to once per year in early spring.

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When should I avoid fertilizing my Bittersweet?

More Questions About Bittersweet

Why do I need to fertilize my Bittersweet?

When is the best time to fertilize my Bittersweet?

What type of fertilizer does my Bittersweet need?

How do I fertilize my Bittersweet?

What happens if I fertilize my Bittersweet too much?