Fertilizer to Enhance Long Stem Plants

Long-Stemmed Plants

• Long-stemmed plants include a range of perennial bulbs, which produce long, thin flower stalks and separate leaves. These plants include tulips, daffodils, calla lilies, canna lilies, irises and daylilies. They require the right set of growing conditions and nutrition to bear their blooms and grow weak and wilted in the wrong conditions.

Sunlight

• One of the most important aspects of strong stem growth and blooming is adequate sun and space. Daffodils, tulips, irises and all lilies require six to eight hours of full sun every day. Stems grow weak, yellow and flimsy without this light. The stems also grow weak in still, crowded air and require adequate spacing for air flow and sun exposure.

Planting Soil

• Bulb plants require rich, supportive soil for healthy foliage and stem growth. Turn 3 to 4 inches of organic compost into the top 6 inches of soil to build a loose, rich and quick-draining foundation. Add bone meal or starter 6-24-24 fertilizer to the soil at planting for quicker root growing. Plant bulbs in quick-draining sites, as standing water leads to root and foliage rot.

Fertilizer, Compost and Nutrition

• Maintain perennial long-stemmed plants with 2 inches of water each week to keep the stems and foliage lush and firm. The University of Minnesota Extension suggests 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 granular fertilizer in spring for bulb perennials, for healthy summer growth and blooming. Mix new compost into the soil every spring, as well, for continued soil nutrition and quality.