Introduction to Plant Food
Crape myrtles are the best go-to plantation for most gardens and homeowners. At this moment there is no specific fertilizer that is meant for crape myrtles as the main purpose of fertilizers is to ready the soil for what is to come. 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 balance(s) of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium would work for crape myrtles. It’s important to understand that the Crape Myrtles flower doesn’t bloom from day one, it takes time.
Some Considerations to Bear in Mind
Crape myrtle requires greater amounts of nitrogen for a blooming flower at the end of the season. Also, the growth naturally occurs the best in the ideal season. and since the goal here is to get a blooming plant then it’s vital to not overdo the fertilization or the snipping of plants as that can ruin it. It all depends on the soil ph by the end of the day so make sure that you get the ideal fertilizer to get the best formula and soil ph. Be sure to keep a long-term approach instead of just being confined to short-term benefits. If your plants don’t bloom this time around, just prepare for the upcoming seasons.
Moreover, it is advisable to go for quick-release granular fertilizers as crape myrtle trees require fertilizing on and off. If you plan on not doing it that often then maybe a low nitrogen slow-release granule fertilizer might just be it so do your research. Bloom can occur only when there is new growth in spring and summer exclusively so it’s best to get things set up ahead of time.
Some of the Best Fertilizers for Crape Myrtles
Our team scoured the internet to find the best fertilizer for crepe myrtles. Here’s what we came out with:
1. Nelson Crape Myrtle Food NutriStar
This fertilizer is ideal for indoor, outdoor, and container growth. This balanced fertilizer provides the highest absorption of nutrients in the soil. It’s best for all types of plants that are fond of acidity in their environment. It also works perfectly fine with just rainwater that usually comes in the spring seasons. It works for the most part if you use it correctly with regular checks.
Specifications
- This is a 10:15:9 NPK mix fertilizer for the best indoor, outdoor, and container growth.
- It features added sulfur to increase the soil ph whilst also creating immunity against diseases.
- This fertilizer has micronutrients for the most colorful blooms during the growing season.
Pros
- It requires reapplication every two months of application.
- It further encourages the plant to regrow after pruning.
Cons
- It can be a little too strong which can risk the life of crepe myrtle and other plant-based life when used in excess.
Testers Review
Our team agrees that this is the best fertilizer if you wish to get the best bloom in all cases. Our team is however concerned about the quantity and the risk of overdoing fertilization easily with this product.
2. Osmocote 277960 Smart Release Food
This fertilizer promotes stronger root growth for the best bloom. This fertilizer features granules that are dissolvable which releases the nutrients that are coaxed inside to allow the soil at any temperature to absorb the micronutrients and minerals. This allows the product to not require an additional application for four months which is all of the growing season.
Specifications
- This is a 14:14:14 NPK fertilizer ideal for crepe myrtles as it features smart release technology.
- This fertilizer has been formulated for flavourful vegetables and blooming crepe myrtle trees.
- It only requires reapplication after every 4 months which is one season.
Pros
- It features a unique resin coating that makes it work even in the coldest soil temperatures for early blooms.
- It features encapsulated nutrients for the soil to absorb to elevate the soil’s ph level.
Cons
- It can sometimes not work especially when water is not managed due to poor water efficiency.
Testers Review
Our team has found that the reviews regarding the product changed in 2018 when the complaints regarding the use of plastic to coat the fertilizer granules led to littering. Besides that, the product seems to work for most users.
3. Dr. Earth Flower Girl 101 Bud & Bloom Booster
This is a concentrated fertilizer that is made using recycles materials which is why it smells quite pungent. It is rated as the best product for family use in the gardens as it is safe to touch for adults and kids. It works for most plants that also include roses which means that it can easily work with crepe myrtles. This fertilizer features a strong kick to the soil which can jumpstart the growing process resulting in early blooms.
Specifications
- This is a 1:2:1 NPK fertilizer for improved shrub-based growth.
- It is an environmentally friendly product that is made from recycled groceries, fish, and meat.
- It is rated as safe for human touch from kids to adults.
Pros
- This fertilizer ensures healthier soil for the best growth conditions.
- It features strong and healthier plants and soils throughout the growing season.
Cons
- It requires calculated decision-making as it can kill due to a high concentration of fertilizer.
Testers Review
Our team has found that the balance of water input is essential as ignorance of that can lead to disaster for the plant. Our team found that this fertilizer improved the regrowth after pruning which increases the chance of a successful bloom with growth.
4. Scotts Flowering Tree & Shrub Plant Food 11-7-7
This continuous-release granule fertilizer is ideal for crepe myrtle growth which ensures bloom in the growing season. This fertilizer can ensure a stronger plant as it has a greater level of Nitrogen in it which is essential for chlorophyll production. It is fairly easy-to-use a fertilizer that takes into account the reapplication which is necessary every full moon. It is ideal for winter prep through water hardening which can make room for future blooms.
Specifications
- This is an 11:7:7 NPK that is meant for flowering trees.
- This is a continuous-release granular fertilizer that ensures gradual release of nutrients not requiring any reapplication for months.
- This features scrub granules that are ideal for crepe myrtle.
Pros
- It can be used to prepare the plant for the winter season through the water hardening process.
- It does not require reapplication as much as it has continuous release granules.
Cons
- It requires regular water checks to ensure that the roots don’t dry out. which can make the life a bit complicated.
Testers Review
Our team has found that this fertilizer has a higher acidity level that dries up the roots requiring more care and a better balance. Buyers can be caught off-guard if they use it wrong and their plants die out from dryness or too much water.
5. Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Plant Food 18-6-12
This fertilizer by Miracle-Gro features a continuous-release granule that takes care of feed for up to three months in a row. This fertilizer takes care of the water efficiency needs as it features micronutrients and minerals necessary for best growth to be absorbed into the soil. It can be used indoor, outdoor, ingroud, onground as well as containers for the best result imaginable. This fertilizer is ideal for plants that are based on high acidity level in the soil that is going to be used to grow the tree, fruit or vegetable in question.
Specifications
- This is an 18:6:12 NPK for blooming plants and trees.
- It takes care of fertilizing for 3 months which is most of the growing season.
- It’s ideal for in-ground and container growth.
Pros
- This fertilizer also provides deep lush foliage which results in brighter blooms on time or even in early spring
- This fertilizer improves the water efficiency in plants which can make the plant immune to winter
Cons
- It is more likely to kill the shrubs if not provided with enough water which is why regular water checks are essential.
Testers Review
Our team has found that buyers can potentially complain about it not working but that is not the fault of the fertilizer but instead the choice of fertilizer which can be due to poor research and knowledge of the conditions that the plant is provided.
Essential Minerals for Crepe Myrtle Fertilizers
Here are some essential minerals that Crepe myrtle requires:
Nitrogen – Nitrogen is important for healthy growth and early blooms. Too much of it and the plant might not bloom on time or at all in some cases.
Potassium – Potassium is essential for the movement of the nutrients towards where they’re needed. It provides strength and support to the plant which is important for blooms in the growing season each time.
Phosphorus – High phosphorus fertilizers are ideal to prep the soil for the growing season. Phosphorus enables water efficiency which is crucial for the survival of plant-based life.
Other minerals – other minerals such as zinc, iron, copper, etc are also essential nutrients; however, leave traces behind so be sure to change towards a more essential nutrient-oriented fertilizer. As the traces can change the soil properties making it sometimes unhealthy to continue the plantation.
How to Fertilize Crepe Myrtles
Since the growing season for crepe myrtle is spring and summer it’s advisable to get started with the fertilization going on at least a week before the growing season. Once the season arrives just put the planting in and keep a steady check on the soil ph and make sure that the feed is provided on time which is every two months.
Especially if you have used slow-release fertilizer then it’s advisable to slowly reduce the quantity over time to monthly feed. This is going to give enough time to grow which will result in bloom. All that’s left is watering the plant each time the plant or tree is fed. After a whilst just try to reduce the water that is given to allow the plant to harden off for winter dormancy.
FAQs for Crepe Myrtles
How Can I Make My Crepe Myrtle Bloom More?
In the case of grown trees if you wish to have more growth then weekly fertilizing is important. On the other hand, if you have smaller plantings then it’s advisable to feed crepe myrtles every month. Low nitrogen with high phosphorus might be the best for growing myrtle trees that are closer to their blooming stage. It is advisable to continue watering and reapplying food and then slowly reducing watering.
How Often to Feed Crepe Myrtles?
In the growing season for grown trees, it is advisable to feed Crepe Myrtle every week and if there are smaller plantings in question then monthly feed should suffice. The goal is to maintain the acidity level and keep the feed going without over or undergoing it. It also depends on the fertilizer some don’t require reapplication for months whereas some require is every two to three weeks.
When to Fertilize Crepe Myrtles?
It’s ideal to prepare the soil at least a month before the growing season. It’s recommended to continue the feed on a weekly or monthly basis depending on whether it’s a grown tree or a plant. The best time to get started is early spring when the moisture level is just ideal for the plant. Be sure to do all this ahead of time in order to avoid any uncertainties that may come your way.
Wrapping Things Up
Each type of fertilizer fulfills a purpose which is to provide essential nutrients for growth. Increment in the absorption of the nutrients in the soil whilst adding to the acidity can really result in a blooming flower. Moreover, each type depends on the soil in question so be sure to do your thorough research as some fertilizers leave behind traces of minerals that can be dangerous for future plantations.
You can also get your soil checked for the best fertilizer NPK ratio for your needs. It’s advisable to just use a multi-purpose fertilizer whilst keeping an eye out for water and other needs. Be sure to follow the directions provided for the best blooming crepe myrtle. Be sure you fertilize the plant ahead of time which is early spring. Just be sure not to overdo it as that can result in rotten soil.
