Are your plants looking a bit tired by the end of summer? Here’s how to tell if they need nutrients
By mid-August, the plants in the garden have been through a lot. The tomatoes and peppers are bearing fruit, the geraniums and petunias are in constant bloom, and the oleander is producing more and more buds, whilst the soil in the balcony boxes, raised beds and pots are gradually losing their nutrient content as a result of frequent watering.
When a plant starts to fade, turn yellow or wilt, many people automatically give it more water. In the summer heat, watering is indeed vital, but it is not always the solution. If the soil’s nutrient reserves are depleted, the plant will not be able to thrive properly, even if it receives enough water.
We’ll show you the signs to look out for to recognise nutrient deficiencies, and which Florimo product you can use to provide targeted support for your plants.
1. The leaves are fading or turning yellow
If the plant’s leaves gradually lose their bright green colour and the lower leaves start to turn yellow, whilst the soil is not dry, this may be due to a lack of nutrients. This is particularly common in vegetables with high nutrient requirements, such as:
- as for tomatoes,
- with paprika,
- when it comes to cucumbers,
- leafy vegetables.
In such cases, nutrients that can be absorbed quickly may be required. Florimo’s plant-specific nutrient solutions reach the roots along with the irrigation water, making them a practical solution during the summer months. For kitchen garden plants undergoing intensive growth, Florimo mineral fertiliser can also be used to support growth and fruit set.
Florimo solution: plant-specific Florimo nutrient solutions, Florimo mineral fertilisers.
2. Flowering is reduced or no crop is produced
Continuous flowering and fruit production require a great deal of energy. If your geraniums, petunias or oleanders are producing fewer and fewer flowers, and your tomato plants are producing hardly any new trusses, it may be that the plant has already used up the nutrients available in the soil.
A nutrient solution tailored to the plant’s needs can help maintain flowering, support fruit development and give new life to a plant that has become exhausted by mid-summer.
For balcony planters, you can choose, for example, a balcony or geranium fertiliser; for Mediterranean plants, a Mediterranean, oleander or citrus fertiliser; and for houseplants, a foliage plant or orchid fertiliser.
Florimo solution: the Florimo nutrient solution suitable for that particular group of plants.
3. Growth comes to a halt
Plants that were growing rapidly at the start of the summer may slow down noticeably by July. This may indicate a lack of nutrients if:
- no new shoots appear,
- the new leaves are smaller than usual,
- the crops develop more slowly,
- Overall, the plant looks rather weak.
If the water supply is adequate, it is worth considering how to replenish nutrients. Liquid fertiliser or mineral fertiliser can be used as a quick fix. For pot plants, balcony plants and houseplants, Florimo fertiliser sticks can be a convenient alternative: they release nutrients gradually, so you don’t need to add separate fertiliser every time you water.
Florimo solution: Florimo nutrient solutions, Florimo mineral fertilisers or longer-lasting Florimo’s friends.
4. Balcony planters and pots run out quickly
There is little soil available to the plants in balcony planters and pots. The nutrient reserves in this limited amount of soil are depleted more quickly, and frequent watering in summer can also cause some of the nutrients to be washed out of the growing medium.
For this reason, flowers, herbs and vegetables grown on a balcony may need to be replenished more regularly than those grown in the open ground.
Florimo liquid fertiliser solutions can be easily added to the irrigation water. Those who prefer to deal with nutrient replenishment less frequently can opt for Florimo slow-release fertiliser, which remains effective for up to 12 weeks.
Florimo’s range includes, amongst other things, planters designed for general-purpose plants, flowering plants, balcony and geranium plants, Mediterranean plants, foliage and green plants, as well as orchids.
Florimo solution: fertiliser solution for balconies and geraniums, plant-specific nutrient solution or Florimo energy bar.
5. Mediterranean plants produce fewer buds
Oleanders, citrus trees, olive trees and boxwood grow most vigorously during the warmer months. However, plants grown in tubs can rely solely on the water and nutrients contained in the soil within the pot.
If flowering decreases, the foliage turns pale or new shoots fail to develop, it is worth choosing a product formulated for Mediterranean plants.
Florimo’s regular Mediterranean plant food provides readily available nutrients, whilst Florimo’s Mediterranean fertiliser sticks offer a more convenient, longer-lasting solution. When planting or repotting, Florimo Mediterranean potting compost can be used to create the right growing medium for the roots.
Florimo solution: Florimo Mediterranean nutrient solution, Mediterranean snack bar, or for planting or repotting Florimo Mediterranean potting compost.
6. The new leaves on houseplants are smaller or paler
A significant proportion of houseplants grow actively during the summer. If the new leaves are smaller or paler, or if the plant’s growth slows down noticeably, it may need regular feeding.
For foliage plants, flowering houseplants, orchids, bonsai and cacti, it is advisable to choose a Florimo fertiliser solution formulated to meet the specific needs of the plant group in question. Fertiliser sticks, which provide a gradual supply of nutrients, may be a practical option for those who prefer simpler and less frequent dosing.
Florimo solution: plant-specific Florimo nutrient solution or Florimo energy bar.
7. The soil in the kitchen garden or raised bed has become depleted
Fast-growing, high-yielding vegetables use up a significant amount of nutrients in a short space of time. Moreover, as there is a limited amount of soil available in raised beds, nutrient reserves may be depleted more quickly.
As well as fertiliser solutions that provide immediate help, it is therefore worth keeping an eye on the long-term condition of the soil.
Florimo organic fertilisers can enrich the soil with nutrients and help to maintain its favourable structure and biological activity. The range includes, amongst other things, composted cattle manure, vegetable manure, strawberry manure, manure for flowers, geraniums and roses, as well as manure recommended for evergreen plants, shrubs and trees.
Mineral, or inorganic, fertilisers can provide a more concentrated supply of nutrients for plants with high nutrient requirements. When using them, you must always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Florimo solution: Florimo vegetable fertiliser, composted cattle manure, plant-specific organic fertiliser or Florimo mineral fertiliser.
When should you choose which Florimo product?
Nutrient solution – when rapid assistance is needed
A liquid nutrient solution It can be a good choice if the plant is already showing visible signs such as fading foliage, slower growth or reduced flowering. It can be easily applied with the irrigation water, and you can choose a formulation tailored to the plant’s needs.
Feeding tube – if you want a simple, continuous supply
A feed bar A practical solution for potted plants, balcony plants and houseplants, as well as Mediterranean plants grown in tubs. It releases nutrients gradually, making it particularly useful for busy gardeners or in the run-up to a holiday.
Organic fertiliser – if you’d like to improve the condition of the soil as well
A organic fertilisers They are particularly suitable for use in kitchen gardens, raised beds and flower beds, as well as around shrubs and trees. Not only do they supply nutrients to the soil, but they also help to maintain its long-term fertility.
Mineral fertiliser – for crops with high nutrient requirements
The mineral fertilisers They provide targeted and intensive nutrient replenishment. They can be of assistance for tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, profusely flowering ornamental plants and other vigorous plants.
Gardening Quick Reference Guide
A problem that has arisen | Recommended Florimo solution |
Leaves that are fading or turning yellow | |
Few flowers or fruits | Flourishing, balcony-, Mediterranean or other plant-specific nutrient solutions |
Slowing growth | |
A balcony planter that runs out of soil quickly | |
A Mediterranean plant that grows poorly | Mediterranean nutrient solution, feed bar and, if necessary, Mediterranean potting compost |
Faded houseplants | Foliage plants—, flowering plant– or orchid fertiliser solution, or feed bar |
Depleted soil in a kitchen garden or raised bed | Organic fertiliser, vegetable manure, composted cattle manure or mineral fertiliser |
Drinking more water isn’t always the answer
On sweltering summer days, proper watering is, of course, particularly important. However, over-watering does not replenish missing nutrients; in fact, it can leach them further from pots and balcony planters.
Before applying fertiliser, always check the soil moisture level, the plant’s general condition, and whether the symptoms are caused by pests, disease or root problems. Use fertiliser and nutrient solutions strictly in accordance with the dosage instructions on the product packaging. Over-fertilisation will not speed up growth and may damage the plant.
Give your plants a new lease of life for the second half of the summer!
Fading leaves, a lack of flowering and slowing growth do not necessarily mean that there is nothing left to do as summer draws to a close. By recognising the signs your plants are giving and providing the right nutrients, your vegetables can continue to produce, your ornamental plants can produce more flowers, and your balcony planters can remain colourful for a long time to come.
Discover Florimo nutrient solutions, support beams, organic and mineral fertilisers Browse our range, find the solution that best suits your plants’ needs, then find out where your nearest Florimo partner is!
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch – our team of experts will be happy to help!
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