Re: PH level and flower production

I think we should encourage any young student who is interested in horticulture, so I will give it a try.

Phosphorus is the plant nutrient that stimulates flowering. In acid (low pH) soils, phosphorus gets tied up with iron and aluminum and thus is less available to the plant. In alkaline (high pH) soils, phosphorus is less available because it gets tied up by calcium and magnesium. This happens because of the chemical reactions caused by the relatively higher concentrations of hydrogen ions in acid soil and the higher hydroxyl concentrations in alkaline soil.  

So, phosphorus is best available to plants at a neutral pH of 7. Theoretically then, plants would flower best at a pH of 7, and many do.  However, some plants have adapted to lower or higher pH conditions. (Good luck getting azaleas to grow, let alone bloom, at a pH of 7.)  

--Janis

In a message dated 12/12/01 11:04:16 PM Central Standard Time, perennials-owner@mallorn.com writes:

A neighbor's son, who is doing a school science project, asked me about the
effect of PH level on flower production.  Generally speaking, if a plant's
PH requirements are met, the plant should grow and perform better.  Other than this generalization, does anyone have anything else to offer on the subject which I could forward to him?  Thanks! Mea Maryland -


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