Expert: Mike Mascio - 9/24/2009

Question
My verbena is in a hanging basket in the sun, has great long stems and looks very healthy, but will not flower.  What am I missing?

Answer
Jill, your soil is probably lacking phosphorus, the nutrient needed for blooming. I would purchase a water-soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen. Miracle-gro makes one called Bloom Booster. Apply it every 10 days throughout the growing season. Keep the plants deadheaded when the flowers are spent, and the plant should bloom going forward.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike