How to Fertilize a Magnolia for More Buds in North America

The lovely magnolia family (Magnolia spp.) is a large and diverse group of plants that includes both deciduous and evergreen species. If you live in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 12, there is a magnolia for you. Magnolia trees do not usually need fertilizer to bloom. However, if blooming has slowed down, some careful fertilization is in order. Fertilize from late fall to early spring when the tree is dormant.

Slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer
Garden gloves
Broom (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Measure out slow-release, 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 pound per inch of trunk diameter. If you don't have a slow-release product, measure out 1/2 pound per inch of diameter. Wear garden gloves to protect your skin from irritation.
- 2
  Scatter the granules above the tree's root zone. The root zone of an established magnolia extends approximately one and a half times the diameter of the tree's canopy.
- 3
  Brush away fertilizer that lodges in the leaves of evergreen magnolia and other plants by gently tapping or brushing them with a broom. Fertilizer left on plant leaves can burn plant tissue.

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