How to Fertilize a Bower Vine

Fertilize a bower vine two or three times the first two years, according to the University of Florida. Fertilize once in late winter or early spring and once in early to mid fall. The third, but optional fertilizer application, is applied in the summer if the plant is not flowering well. In subsequent years, only fertilize a bower vine when you want it to grow faster or when the plant's growth is reduced or stunted, leading you to believe that it needs fertilizer; first, though, rule out other possibilities for the plant's inability to grow.

Select a water-soluble fertilizer that contains both nitrogen and phosphorus, but has no potassium, such as one labeled with the N-P-K ratio 10-0-10 or 15-0-15.

Read the dosing chart on the fertilizer's label. Apply the corresponding amount for your bower vine's size and age. This varies among fertilizers, which contain different amounts of nutrients.

Spread the measured-out fertilizer evenly around your plant, with your hands. Extend outward to evenly cover an area that's two times the width of your plant. Apply the fertilizer directly on the ground, avoiding the plant at all costs. Fertilizers can "burn" plants.

Water your bower vine with 1 to 2 inches of water after fertilizing. Watering helps dissolve and send the fertilizer to the plant's roots.