Azalea Care

Planting: Azaleas are shallow-rooted and should be planted in a well-drained acid soil mix. Dig a hole at least three times as wide and a few inches deeper than the size of container. Place azalea about 1 inch above ground level so that the roots may obtain air, fill peat mix around root ball of azalea firmly and water thoroughly.

Watering: Azaleas should be kept moist, but never soggy wet. Water well and deeply, but only as often as your own weather conditions demand.

Fertilizing: Azaleas are very light feeders, and three to four feedings spaced from April through September are sufficient. Use a good azalea acid food.

Pruning: Most varieties of azaleas require one good pinching or pruning of new spring growth in July, thus creating more branches and bushiness for fall bud setting. However, when azaleas are young and vigorous, especially with the southern indicas, pruning on new growth should continue through September.

Forcing Azaleas: Place potted azaleas in a greenhouse for one week at 55°f. Then gradually increase temperature to 65°f.

Cooler climates should keep azaleas at 65°f. To force for desired time. Warmer climates may be able to force azaleas at lower temperature depending on weather. Under normal conditions, forcing at 65°f., azaleas should be blooming in 4-6 weeks. Decrease temperature if azaleas are forcing to fast. Do not use overhead watering systems when forcing azaleas. The azalea branches tend to open up leaving holes in the center of the plant. We recommend hand watering at pot level or drip irrigation.