The Simple Springtime Addition That Will Make Your Cherry Blossoms Thrive

If your cherry blossom tree isn't bursting with blooms, the secret might lie in your fertilizing routine. The simple addition that will transform your tree is the right fertilizer at the right time. While some flowers grow best without commercial fertilizer, you don't need to worry about that particular aspect with cherry blossoms because they aren't too picky when it comes to synthetic or organic options. The more critical factor is being able to seize the opportune moment for adding nutrients to the soil. And in case you were wondering, that means during the early part of spring. 

For a cherry blossom tree to truly flourish, it needs a balanced feeding strategy designed specifically for bloom promotion. The fertilizer you choose should nurture the tree's roots and encourage a shift from leafy growth to spectacular flowering. Look for a product that supplies a measured dose of nutrients tailored for blossoming trees. By focusing on this critical step, you'll see an impressive transformation in the way your tree blooms every spring.

Do trees really need fertilizers? If you want your cherry blossom trees to produce more blooms, then they probably do. In most climates, the ideal window for adding fertilizer is early spring, roughly three weeks before the tree starts blooming. If your aim is to get more flowers, apply a cherry blossom-specific fertilizer, or one with a higher phosphorous content. 

If you've recently planted the cherry blossom trees and they're less than three years of age, add roughly a ¼ to ½ a cup of granular fertilizer. Meanwhile, mature trees may require between 1 to 2 cups spread evenly around the drip line. To apply the fertilizer, first water the area to moisten the root zone, then gently sprinkle the product and use a rake or your hand to mix it into the top 2 to 4 inches of soil. Water the tree thoroughly afterward. For a liquid application, mix the fertilizer with water and feed the soil directly if you want it to absorb the nutrients faster. Regardless of the tree's age and the product, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the fertilizer package.

Maintaining the right balance of nutrients is key to unlocking the cherry's full blooming potential. Too much nitrogen, while promoting vibrant green leaves, can inadvertently inhibit the beautiful blossoms you're aiming for. Instead, focus on a fertilizer formulation that emphasizes phosphorus with a Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium ratio of 5-10-5, which supports maximum flower growth. Phosphorus helps your tree channel its energy to produce a stunning spring display. A fertilizer like Just Scentsational Bare Ground Solutions' NPK 5-10-5 Fertilizer should meet these nutritional needs. 

Now, if you're unsure if your cherry blossom tree lacks any nutrients, some indicators you may need to switch up your routine include badly formed flowers, stalled growth, and yellow leaves. On the other hand, your tree is probably over-fertilized if its leaves look burnt or wilting. Apart from fertilization, your watering habits should also support proper nutrient absorption. Mature cherry blossom trees should be watered to a depth of 18 inches every three weeks or so.