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- To: <s*@eskimo.com>
- Subject: Re: Banksia fertilizer
- From: "* J* <a*@acenet.com.au>
- Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 16:40:55 -0800
- Old-Date: Fri, 6 Feb 1998 11:36:29 +1100
To Sonnie and all I live in "Banksia-Land" - so may be able to help a little. Banksias don't hate phosphorus indeed it is just as essential to their well-being as it is to all plants. The perception arises because most Australian soils are deficient in phosphorus, consequently, most of the native flora has become extremely efficient at extracting what little is. Among the native plant fraternity the general recommendation is to use a fertiliser with a "safe" compostion of N, 10% P,4% K, 6-7% , or something close to this. It is important how you apply it. Firstly, the soil should be damp when the solid fertiliser is applied, secondly, it should be watered in well and any fertiliser on the leaves should be washed off or it may burn the foliage - particular with ground cover types. Light dressings should be applied in spring and early autumn. Banksias usually need "perfect" drainage so that they don't suffer - and die - from wet feet. Sandy soils are prefered with not too much organic matter, remember they grow in fairly poor soils in habitat and don't take too kindly to 'the good life'. Go easy with the fertiliser on your seedlings. I would suggest none for the first 3 months and then just a very dilute liquid application every couple of weeks. But keep watering as needed. I would also suggest you germinate outside in the open, at least with sun till midday. Transplant as soon as possible to avoid undue transplant shock. Remember, more plants are killed by kindness and indulgence than anything else! Russell ---------- > From: Sonnie Croft <newleaf@bright.net> > To: seeds-list@eskimo.com > Subject: Banksia fertilizer > Date: Friday, February 06, 1998 2:59 AM > > A couple of years ago I managed to grow 4 Banksia (Proteaceae) from seed - > for a while. They grudgingly grew to about 3-4 in. ht., then slowly went > into decline and died within 6 weeks. I now know these plants hate > phosphorus. I want to try again. All the fertilizers I have and all those > I see offered have some degree of this element in them. Is there a formula > available minus phos.? If I am to make my own, what do I use that is > readily available ? > > Sonnie > newleaf@bright.net
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