Expert: Mike Mascio - 4/22/2007

Question
What fertilzer do yall use? How much water? Does it need sun? When the blooms fade away, Do you cut for more added blooms? Hfar do you cut?  

Answer
You can use any water-soluable fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus. Schultz and Miracle-Gro for flowers both work. Just make sure the second number of the three on the fertilizer ratio is at least double the first. This is the ratio of phosphorus to nitrogen.

Verbena need at least 8 hours of sun per day. You must cut the faded blooms or else the plant will go to seed. Just cut the bloom right below the flower. The more you prune, the more flowers you will get.

Verbena need 2" of water per week. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. Water deep to force the roots down into the soil. Shallow watering causes the roots to reach for the soil and results in weak plants.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike