Expert: C.L. Fornari - 2/25/2008

Question
What fertilizer is best for new guinea impatients and more blooms?

Answer
Debbie,
In order to bloom well New Guinea Impatiens need at least two hours of direct sun - if they don't get at least that amount of sun no fertilizer will help.  Aside from the required sunshine, all annuals bloom best when given a fertilizer that has some good nitrogen in it. Avoid so-called "bloom buster" "bloomer" fertilizers that have a high middle number and stick with those with even numbers (10-10-10) or slightly higher first number which is the percentage of nitrogen. The Proven Winners fertilizers have such a formulation as does Osmocote Indoor Outdoor and several other chemical fertilizers. Neptune's harvest fish and seaweed blend is an organic liquid with, I believe, percentages that run 2-3-1 so this would be OK too.  

It used to be that people were advised to use a fertilizer with a large percentage of phosphate, which is the middle number, but current research shows that a more even amount of all of the three basic nutrients, or a more slightly raised nitrogen level is better for today's annuals.

I hope this helps!
C.L.