Fertilizing and replanting

[Gina]

Hi,
I have several questions on the 6" plants I just received. I was wondering if I can fertilize them on their first watering? I have HVH houseplant fert. or should I wait? Also my plan is to eventually put them in the ground, should I wait until next year or wait until they fill in the 6" pots?  I live in Vista, CA. and there is not too much problem with frost.

Thank you in advance!

[Charlie]

Good question, Gina. The hibiscus you received have been fertilized every time they are watered, which is almost every day because it is so hot in the greenhouse. If you stop fertilizing them now they will not be very happy. For best results, use the fertilizer once a week or even more often if you can. They will grow better and bloom more and the flowers will be more colorful.

The 4 inch pots should not be planted straight into the ground. But, you say you have the 6 inch pots so it is safe to plant them in the ground any time now. You will find when you gently pull the pot off the plant that they already have roots that have grown to the bottom of the pot. It might be a help to read the page called "Potting and Planting Hibiscus" on the HVH web site at this link: http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/care/potting.htm

Anybody else have any tips about planting straight into your garden?

Charlie

[Doll]

If the spot you will be planting them is in full sun, you might want to slowly acclimate them to full sun.

[Charlie]

Good point, Doll. The plants are grown in a fair amount of shade (so the greenhouse does not overheat), and do need to be gradually introduced to the sun or else put in a partly shady place.

If you do put them in full sun right away and see some white spots develop on the leaves this is due to "sunburn" Sunburn is rarely fatal but can cause leaf damage and even loss of some leaves.

Charlie

[Gina]

Thank you so much for the information! I will be watering and slowly starting the inside to outside transition. Also thank you for the beautiful plants that you guys sent me. Quite a few had buds on them and I am so excited to see them bloom!

Have a great day!