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Feeding hydrangeas with citric acid is an effective way to obtain the desired flower color. A feature of the plant is its preference for a slightly acidic soil environment. Hydrangea will not grow in alkaline soil. Not every gardener can provide the bush with natural conditions for development. To slightly acidify the soil and create the necessary conditions for hydrangeas to bloom, many people use citric acid. This feeding provides the bush with comfortable conditions for growth and does not require special knowledge or skill.
You can achieve such spectacular flowering using simple folk remedies.
Is it possible to water hydrangea with citric acid?
The use of the substance is justified. It is due to the fact that it is impossible to grow a beautiful flower on alkaline or neutral soils. Such conditions are not suitable for the plant.
This is due to some features:
- Alkaline soil. Most often, this reaction occurs in saline soil in arid zones of steppe or forest-steppe regions. It is formed on a limestone base.In this condition of the soil, microelements turn into insoluble compounds (hydroxides), which become unavailable to hydrangeas as food. These are such important elements as zinc, phosphorus, iron, boron, manganese. Even applying fertilizers does not help provide the hydrangea with a sufficient amount of vitamins, which affects the development of the flower. The second parameter is the water-physical properties of the soil: when dry, it is dense and poorly permeable to air. When watering or after rain, on the contrary, it floats and becomes viscous. The result of growing on such soils will be chlorosis.
- Neutral soil is more suitable for growing crops. On it, hydrangea gives a dull pale pink color of flowers. But in this case, the acidity level should be the same throughout the season. But growth will still be slow.
The ability to regulate acidity will allow you to create a unique bush for a garden composition
The color of hydrangea inflorescences directly depends on the acidity level:
- a pH value of 4 gives a purple color;
- if it is equal to 4.5 pH, then the color turns blue;
- with a concentration variation of 4.8-5.5 pH produces blue and pink buds;
- values from 6.3 to 6.5 pH give a rich pink tint;
- for 7 pH the characteristic color is bright pink;
- white tone appears on neutral soil.
A gardener, observing the flowering of hydrangea, can easily find out when it is necessary to change the pH value. One of the proven folk remedies for acidification is considered to be acid - oxalic, acetic, malic. But the most common option remains lemon, which can also be used to water hydrangeas. During the growth process, even in acidic soil, the flower absorbs the necessary substances, and the pH value changes.Maintain the desired indicator by acidifying with lemon powder.
How to dilute citric acid for watering hydrangeas
To ensure that the prepared solution does not cause harm to your favorite plant, it should be prepared correctly. The acidifying solution is prepared from two components - pure water and powdered citric acid.
The advantage of citric acid is availability and low cost
You will need 10 liters of liquid and 2 tbsp. l. powder. It is best to dilute the acid in a small amount of water and then pour the solution into a bucket. With the prepared composition, you can already fertilize hydrangea with citric acid.
How much solution you need to prepare can be decided using the application rate. It is equal to 1 bucket per 1 sq. m of hydrangea planting area. Thus, the gardener calculates exactly how much solution he will need. You can replace the powdered component with freshly squeezed lemon juice. You will need the same amount.
How to acidify soil for hydrangea with citric acid
There are several rules that gardeners need to know and follow.
The first step should be to analyze the acidity of the soil to make sure that the operation is necessary.
They do this in various ways, using:
- A special device. It comes with instructions and is easy to use. The indicator is recorded very accurately.
- Litmus paper. It is sold complete with an indicator that determines the pH value by the color change.
- Vinegar and soda. For the procedure, you will need glass on which the soil to be tested is placed. Alkaline soil becomes foamy when watered with vinegar. Sour reacts to soda.
After determining the acidity level, you can already decide on the need for acidification.
The procedure for increasing acidity is carried out by watering the plant. This technique is the least expensive and labor-intensive; it avoids burning the roots of the plant and allows them to easily absorb the solution. It is important to first water the plant with plain water.
You can’t do without watering, otherwise you can harm the plant
This will make it easier for the gardener to penetrate the solution into the soil and protect the roots from burns.
The first time the hydrangea needs to be watered with citric acid after the buds awaken. Then you will need to follow the watering schedule throughout the growing season - once every 2 months. Some gardeners increase the frequency of events to once a month. This can be done on alkaline soil, but not more often, so as not to overdo it. It is very important to acidify with citric acid during the period of budding and flowering of hydrangea. Some visual information:
Useful tips
To fertilize hydrangea with citric acid without harming the plant, there are some nuances. Experienced gardeners willingly share their findings:
- The optimal balance for lush hydrangea flowering is 5.5 pH. It is best to stick to this value and try not to exceed it.
- During the development of the shrub, the acidity of the soil decreases due to the absorption of necessary elements. Therefore, the use of lemongrass is justified even on slightly acidic soil.
- Acidity always increases when fertilizers are added to the soil, especially nitrate, iron sulfate or urea.
- To produce the blue hues of flowers, hydrangeas need sufficient acidity. A decrease in the indicator leads to the appearance of pink or lilac flowers.
- The absence of citric acid can be compensated for by oxalic acid (in the same proportions) or vinegar (100 ml per 10 liters of water).
- Fertilizing with a powder solution has a very quick effect and is considered an “ambulance” for perennials.
- In addition to soil acidity, it is necessary to ensure that other conditions are met - correct location, maintaining a watering and fertilizing schedule. The light regime and looseness of the soil are very important so that the roots receive enough air.
- Indoor hydrangeas also require soil acidification. The event is carried out in a similar way using a solution.
Maintaining the required level of acidity allows you to obtain a variety of colors of hydrangea inflorescences and a healthy appearance of the plant.
For the sake of beautiful results, gardeners are ready to use the most extraordinary means.
Conclusion
Feeding hydrangea with citric acid is an effective and quick way to restore flower health and improve color. This method can be used throughout the growing season without much time and money.
Thank you, very useful article. In my garden, all the hydrangeas bloom pale pink and I didn’t even suspect it.that there is an acidity problem. Off to work!