# Star Jasmine Fertilizer Needs
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Soil Testing
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It's vital to test the soil before planting the star jasmine. The soil pH determines the acidity of the soil. Plants grown in a soil with the wrong pH can't access the necessary nutrients in the soil and fail to thrive. Star jasmine prefers mildly acidic soil with a pH of 6 to 7. The test kit determines the pH level and provides information on the amount of amending necessary to bring the soil into the correct acidity range. Beds may require sulfur amendments if they are low acid or an addition of lime if they are high acid.
Organic Nutrients
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Some nutrients are supplied to the star jasmine from decaying organic matter in the soil. Beds high in organic matter drain well while retaining enough moisture so they don't dry completely. Work compost into the bed prior to planting a new jasmine vine to provide organic matter. The roots quickly access the nutrients in the compost. Add a 1-inch thick top-dressing of fresh compost each spring to replenish the organic nutrients in the growing site.
Fertilizer Types
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Fertilizer nutrient amounts are listed on the label. The label lists three numbers, referred to as the N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) amount. Star jasmine vines require equal amounts of these three main nutrient elements. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K rating of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 provides suitable nutrition. Use a granular, slow-release fertilizer if you prefer to feed the plant once yearly. Soluble fertilizers require more frequent application as they quickly leach out of the soil.
Application
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Star jasmine leaves develop a yellow color when they are suffering from a nutrient deficiency. Fertilizing the plants in spring as new growth begins provides the necessary food before the plants suffer deficiency stress. The amount of fertilizer depends on the size of the vine and the N-P-K rating; 2 to 3 tbsp. per vine of a 10-10-10 blend usually provides enough nutrients for a single plant. Sprinkle granular fertilizer around the base of the vine, about 8 inches out from the main stem.
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