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gayatri_rao
Nov 25, 2009, 07:27 AM
Appropriate manure for cultivation of cobaea

JudyKayTee
Nov 25, 2009, 08:01 AM
I am reading that it does not need to be fertilized because it's fast growing. Extra nutrients will cause it to grow even faster and the new growth will be weak.

I see no recommendation that manure be used under any conditions - if you must fertilize, use a weak solution of a general fertilizer.

KUXJ
Nov 25, 2009, 09:31 AM
Hi! Gayatri_rao, welcome to AMHD :)


appropriate manure for cultivation of cobaea

You can use any type, except canine or feline, but make sure it is mature, (well rotted) manure.

In general, annual vines, like Cobaea , like full sun and well-drained, good-quality soil. However, if planted in soil with too much manure or fertilized with too much nitrogen, they tend to produce excessive foliage and not enough flowers.

As JKT has stated:

Extra nutrients will cause it to grow even faster and the new growth will be weak. Hi! Judy, :)

If you want to fertilize, work a little compost/manure into the soil when you prepare the bed, or at most an all-purpose fertilizer, such as a 5-10-5, according to label directions.

The best time to fertilize is between growing seasons, or a weak solution (2-2-2 or 5-5-5) just as plants begin to bloom.
The reasoning behind fert when blooming is the plant is using extra energy when it is blooming, and it needs to restock its reserves.

Borrowed from Explore Cornell - Home Gardening - How to Grow Annuals - Caring for Annuals (http://www.hort.cornell.edu/gardening/homegardening/scene57ef.html)
"Fertilizing
Most annuals need fertile, well-drained soil for healthy growth. That's why it's important to incorporate organic matter when preparing beds. Some soils may also benefit from incorporating granular fertilizer before planting. (Check your soil test results to see how much you need.) Slow release sources of nitrogen applied at planting can meet nitrogen needs for the entire season.
If annuals become short of nitrogen, often indicated by yellowing of younger leaves, you can sidedress granular fertilizer or apply liquid fertilizer."

See also:
Explore Cornell - Home Gardening - Flower Growing Guides - Growing Guide - Cobaea scandens - Cathedral Bells (http://www.hort.cornell.edu/gardening/homegardening/scenecd22.html)

So, as you can see, fertilization starts before planting, with maybe a light application if you see the leaves yellowing.

May I ask why you feel the necessity to fertilize, is it because you do see some yellowing?

K

JudyKayTee
Nov 25, 2009, 10:13 AM
KUXJ - Do you have a Master Gardener designation from CCE?

Asking because of your source.

Small world!