Planting Azalea Bushes to Bloom

Preparing the Soil

• 1

  Amend the planting bed, if necessary. Azaleas need a bed that is rich in organic matter and loose to a depth of about a foot. Improve and loosen the soil by spreading a layer of pine bark or peat moss over the planting bed and digging it in with a shovel. This improves the drainage and the pine bark or peat moss increases the acidity of the soil as it breaks down.

• 2

  Test pH of the soil. Your cooperative extension agent can tell you how to get a soil test in your area, or you can purchase a pH test kit at a garden center. Follow the package instructions carefully. A test from a laboratory considers the construction of the soil as well as the pH value and gives a more accurate adjustment procedure.

• 3

  Adjust the soil pH using agricultural sulfur. Azaleas need a pH between 5.0 and 5.5. The amount of sulfur you need depends on the construction of your soil as well as the current pH, but you can use these estimates to get started: For a soil pH of 6.5, use 1.5 pounds of sulfur per 100 square feet; to adjust a pH of 7.0, use 9 pounds of sulfur; adjust a pH of 7.5 with 11.5 pounds of sulfur. You may have to retest and readjust several times to bring the pH within range. Dig deeply to mix the soil after applying the sulfur.

Planting

• 4

  Dig a hole as deep as the azalea's container and about twice as wide.

• 5

  Remove the shrub from the container and examine the roots. If some of the roots are encircling the root ball, cut through them vertically with a sharp knife. Make three or four cuts about 1/4 inch deep.

• 6

  Set the azalea bush in the center of the hole. The soil line of the plant should be even with the surrounding soil. Lay a yard stick across the hole to check the soil level. Adjust the hole by adding or removing soil, if necessary. Press down firmly with your foot after adding soil to give the roots a firm base.

• 7

  Fill in around the sides of the roots with soil removed from the hole, pressing down with your hands as you go.

• 8

  Water the soil around the shrub slowly, allowing as much water as possible to sink into the soil.

• 9

  Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the shrub. Pull it back a few inches from the stem to prevent rot.