Jacaranda trees, when in full bloom, are among the most stunning flowering trees. For gardeners and homeowners residing in USDA zones 9B through 11, where these trees flourish, planting a jacaranda is one of the best ways to add vibrant color to the landscape. These trees bloom with magnificent purple flowers. However, merely planting a tree and neglecting it won’t yield the best blooms—you must provide your jacaranda tree with proper care and fertilizer. The type and timing of fertilization are crucial, as fertilizing during winter can actually result in fewer blooms.
Jacaranda trees (Jacaranda mimosifolia) typically don’t bloom until they are several years old, so patience is essential if your young tree isn’t flowering yet. However, if your mature tree still isn’t blooming, you may need to adjust your fertilizing strategy. It’s recommended to fertilize jacaranda trees in early spring using a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. Many people also apply an additional dose of fertilizer in mid-summer.
Fertilizer Timing and Type Can Impact Jacaranda Blooms
Like most trees, jacarandas should not be fertilized when they aren’t actively growing. Spring is the optimal time to fertilize your jacaranda tree, as it provides the energy needed for flowering and thriving throughout the growing season. If you decide to fertilize again later in the summer, ensure it isn’t too close to autumn. Late summer fertilization can result in excessive delicate new growth, which may be vulnerable to winter damage.
It’s not only about the timing of fertilization but also the type of fertilizer. Using a fertilizer with minimal nitrogen is crucial for flowering trees like jacarandas because nitrogen encourages plants to focus energy on leaf and foliage growth, often at the expense of flowers. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or a 5-10-10 fertilizer with less nitrogen, is generally the best choice for encouraging jacaranda blooms.
Additionally, ensure you’re not inadvertently giving your jacaranda extra nitrogen fertilizer while fertilizing your lawn or other nearby plants. The fertilizer suitable for your lawn may not be ideal for promoting jacaranda blooms.
