When Is My Wisteria Going to Bloom?

About Wisteria

• Though a hardy plant that can tolerate a number of soil types, including clay and sand, it grows best in a loamy, well-draining soil in a neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, according to Ohio State University horticulturalist Jane C. Martin. This vine must be supported on a trellis, arbor, pergola or other such structure. After its abundant flowers bloom, wisteria produces greenish-brown pods, like peapods. Wisteria is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9

Wisteria Care

• Set plants in the soil at the same depth the plant was in the nursery. New plants require 1 inch of water per week, through either rainfall or irrigation. Only water during dry periods if plants appear to wilt. Fertilize the plants annually in the spring as the growing season begins. The appearance and blooming of the plant will determine the type of fertilizer needed, whether balanced or higher in phosphorus and potassium than in nitrogen. Train plants to climb the trellis or support as they grow. Remove side shoots as needed to train the vine to the desired shape. Both summer and late winter pruning will help to produce more flowers.

Wisteria Blooming Times

• Some types of wisteria bloom all at once, while other varieties bloom over several weeks. This can occur from April through June, depending on environmental conditions in your area.Gardeners growing wisteria vines from seed will have to wait from five to seven years for the vines to mature enough to produce flowers, according to University of Arkansas horticulturalist Gerald Klingaman. Those grown from cuttings of mature vines can enjoy blooms in two to three years. Regular pruning that keeps wisteria growth in check will help to produce good flowering.

Problems With Blooming

• Wisteria need several years to establish before they will bloom fully. Wisteria can also experience problems with blooming when the nitrogen content of fertilizer is too high. This causes overgrowth of foliage at the expense of good flower production. Wisteria also can fail to bloom if they do not get sufficient sunlight during the day. Cut back overhanging foliage to allow more sunlight, or move the vines to an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. Pruning the vines previous year's growth severely will also cause failure to bloom, according to New Mexico State University horticulturalist Curtis W. Smith.