Question 1

Why do I need to fertilize my Jerusalem cherry?

Accepted Answer

The primary reason why Jerusalem cherry needs regular fertilization is that they have showy leaves that require a lot of energy to produce and maintain. The challenge is that your Jerusalem cherry must not only allot enough energy to keep its leaves in good shape, but it must also find enough energy to support the growth of its stems, branches, roots, and all its other vital structures.

If you neglect fertilization, there are two outcomes that are likely to take place. The first is that the leaves of your Jerusalem cherry will begin to lose their natural color or texture while looking somewhat unhealthy overall, which detracts greatly from its ornamental appeal. The other outcome is that your Jerusalem cherry will begin to slow its growth overall or produce weak growth that could be prone to breakage.

Question 2

When should I avoid fertilizing my Jerusalem cherry?

Accepted Answer

Throughout most of the year, it is permissible to maintain a regular fertilization schedule for your Jerusalem cherry. During the active growing season of spring, summer, and early fall. However, during the winter, this plant should not receive fertilizer at all.

During winter, Jerusalem cherry will enter a dormant growth phase. In that phase, the plant will either put forth no new growth or very little new growth. That lack of active growth means that your Jerusalem cherry will be using less energy overall, which is why fertilization is not needed at that time.

Question 3

What type of fertilizer does my Jerusalem cherry need?

Accepted Answer

The fertilizer for a Jerusalem cherry has a specific blend of nutrients, each of which is present in relatively low amounts. An ideal fertilizer will have an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2. However, a general-purpose fertilizer that has an even blend of nutrients can work well in some cases. Still, even when using a balanced fertilizer, the ratio number representing the volume of each nutrient should be at 3 or lower.

The fertilizer you use can be either granular or liquid based. If you choose to use a liquid-based fertilizer, it is often best to dilute the strength by half. While there is not much downside to granular fertilizer, it is often most sensible to use liquid fertilizer, especially if you feed your Jerusalem cherry while you supply water.

Question 4

How do I fertilize my Jerusalem cherry?

Accepted Answer

One of the easiest ways to fertilize a Jerusalem cherry is to feed it anytime that you water it. To perform this method, gather your fertilizer and a water container, such as a watering can. Then mix the fertilizer with water to dilute its strength. Then, simply pour the water with the fertilizer onto the soil and allow it to soak down to the roots.

Alternatively, you could use a granular fertilizer. If you use a granular fertilizer, all you need to do is sprinkle some of the fertilizer on the soil in which your Jerusalem cherry lives. Granular fertilizers are usually slow-release fertilizers which means you won't need to fertilize as often as you would with a liquid fertilizer. In either case, it is beneficial to water while you feed your Jerusalem cherry.

Question 5

What happens if I fertilize my Jerusalem cherry too much?

Accepted Answer

The signs of improper fertilization for a Jerusalem cherry should become obvious relatively quickly. Overfertilization is specifically harmful to this plant, and it can cause several visible signs. The most common signs are browning leaf margins, yellowing leaves, wilting leaves, excess fertilizer build-up in the soil, and loss of foliage.

Jerusalem cherry are also vulnerable to a complication known as fertilizer burn, in which a plant receives too many nutrients, which causes the roots to dry out and cease their main function. However, if you give your Jerusalem cherry water while you feed it, it is far less likely that fertilizer burn will occur.

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When is the best time to fertilize my Jerusalem cherry?

More Questions About Jerusalem cherry

Why do I need to fertilize my Jerusalem cherry?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Jerusalem cherry?

What type of fertilizer does my Jerusalem cherry need?

How do I fertilize my Jerusalem cherry?

What happens if I fertilize my Jerusalem cherry too much?