How to Fertilize Buttercups

Buttercups are a low-growing groundcover that sends up shoots with bright yellow flowers in the spring. They grow in all U.S. states and many areas classify them as a weed because of their rapid and invasive growth. They are also desirable plants, however, because they require very little care and are perennials that regrow each year. Although buttercups are not heavy feeders, an annual application of fertilizer will increase blooming.

Hose fertilizer sprayer
High-nitrogen, water-soluble fertilizer
Garden hose

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the top from a hose-end fertilizer applicator by unscrewing it. Insert a high-nitrogen, water-soluble fertilizer into the tank using the amount specified on the fertilizer package for the size of the buttercup planting site.
- 2
  Screw the top back onto the tank until it is tight. Then attach a garden hose to the water inlet valve at the back of the applicator, by twisting the plastic coupler clockwise where it meets the hose.
- 3
  Turn the outdoor water faucet on to start the flow of water. Aim the nozzle of the applicator at the buttercup plants and squeeze the trigger to apply the liquid to them. Hold the sprayer in one area for approximately 15 seconds before moving on to another area of buttercups.
- 4
  Continue spraying the buttercups until the fertilizer tank is empty.

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