Daylilies are popular, hardy plants known for their vibrant blooms and adaptability in various garden settings. Despite their robust nature, providing proper nutrition can significantly enhance their growth and flowering. Understanding how to use homemade fertilizers offers a sustainable approach to supporting the health and bloom of these resilient perennials.
Nutritional Needs of Daylilies
Daylilies require a balanced array of nutrients for vigorous growth, strong root development, and abundant flowering. The primary macronutrients, often referred to as NPK, include Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Nitrogen promotes lush foliage and stem growth, contributing to the overall size of the plant. Phosphorus is crucial for root development and the production of flowers, ensuring a profusion of colorful blooms. Potassium supports the plant’s overall health, contributing to disease resistance and water regulation. Beyond these macronutrients, daylilies also benefit from various micronutrients like iron, magnesium, and calcium, which play roles in chlorophyll production, cell wall strength, and preventing yellowing of leaves.
Common Homemade Fertilizer Ingredients
Many common household items can be repurposed to provide valuable nutrients for daylilies. Coffee grounds offer a source of nitrogen, encouraging green, leafy growth. They also contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and can contribute to a slightly acidic soil environment. Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, supplying calcium for strong cell walls and overall plant structure. Banana peels are rich in potassium and contain some phosphorus, making them beneficial for flower and fruit development.
Compost and compost tea are highly valuable, providing a balanced supply of NPK, various micronutrients, and beneficial microbes that improve soil structure and nutrient availability. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) provides magnesium for chlorophyll production and sulfur. It helps promote greener foliage, especially in acidic or sandy soils where magnesium might be deficient. Wood ash, derived from burning untreated wood, offers potassium and calcium, but should be used sparingly due to its alkaline nature and potential to raise soil pH. Alfalfa meal provides nitrogen and other trace minerals, along with a natural growth hormone called triacontanol that stimulates root and stem development.
Preparing and Applying Homemade Fertilizers
Preparing homemade fertilizers often involves simple steps to make nutrients accessible to plants. For coffee grounds, simply sprinkle used grounds directly onto the soil around the daylilies or lightly mix them into the top few inches. Avoid applying too thick a layer, as they can compact and create a water-resistant barrier.
Eggshells should be thoroughly cleaned and crushed into a fine powder to allow for quicker breakdown and nutrient release. Sprinkle this powder around the base of the plants and gently work it into the soil.
Banana peels can be buried directly in the soil near the plant roots, chopped into small pieces to speed up decomposition, or steeped in water to create a liquid fertilizer. For compost, simply top-dress the soil around the daylilies with a layer of finished compost.
To make compost tea, steep mature compost in water for a day or two, then strain and use the liquid as a drench or foliar spray. Epsom salt can be dissolved in water at a rate of about one tablespoon per gallon and applied as a liquid solution around the plant base.
For wood ash, ensure it is completely cooled and free of embers before sifting to remove large charcoal pieces. Spread a thin layer sparingly around the plants, as too much can alter soil pH. Alfalfa meal can be broadcast around the plants and lightly worked into the soil, or soaked in water to create an alfalfa tea for liquid feeding.
Always water daylilies before applying any fertilizer, especially granular forms, and water again immediately after to help dissolve nutrients and prevent potential root burn.
Timing and Frequency of Application
Early spring, as new shoots begin to emerge, is an excellent time for the first feeding, providing energy for robust growth. A second application can be beneficial after the main blooming period, typically in mid-summer, to help the plants recover and build strength for the following season.
Homemade fertilizers, especially organic materials like compost and alfalfa meal, are slow-release by nature. This means their nutrients become available gradually as microorganisms break them down in the soil. Therefore, less frequent application is usually needed compared to synthetic fertilizers. Applying once or twice during the growing season is often sufficient. Avoiding fertilization in late fall in colder climates prevents new growth that could be damaged by frost.
Tips and Considerations for Homemade Fertilizers
Before applying any homemade fertilizer, considering a soil test can provide valuable insights into your soil’s existing nutrient levels and pH. Daylilies generally prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Observing your plant’s response after fertilization is also important; healthy daylilies typically show vibrant green leaves and abundant blooms. Yellowing leaf tips, for instance, might indicate excessive fertilization.
Avoid over-fertilization, even with natural materials, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances or foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Proper watering helps distribute nutrients and prevents fertilizer burn. Homemade fertilizers primarily enhance soil health and provide a steady, gentle supply of nutrients, differing from the more concentrated and rapid release of synthetic options. They often function as supplements to healthy soil rather than complete replacements for all nutritional needs.