We
have been growing Brugs for about 7 or 8 years now. We used to
bring them in the house for the winter and then I read somewhere they
are hardy to USDA Zone 7
(we're in Zone 8) so now we leave them in the ground, mulch them well,
and they pop back up in the spring. The USDA Zone map I have
linked to above shows the changes between 1990 and 2006. Click on
the 'Play' button next to the state of Georgia to see the changes.
Fertilizer
A
lot of gardeners assume that they should apply a high-phosphorous
fertilizer to encourage bloom, but that doesn't apply to
Brugmansia. They like a fairly high nitrogen fertilizer, we have
been using a granular 15-5-10 lawn fertilizer for our plants in the
ground. We also apply epsom salt to the root zone in early spring
and then again in July. This helps the Brugs hold their flower
buds during the heat of the summer.
For the Brugs in pots I generally mix a healthy dose of bat guano,
earthworm castings and Espoma RoseTone
fertilizer in good clean potting soil. Then I supplement with
plain old MiracleGro in the water once a week. I get the bat
guano, earthworm castings and Espoma RoseTone at my local feed store,
since we lack a real garden center close by.
Espoma
is a brand name, they make several different fertilizers that are
mostly organic. I like the RoseTone for the potted Brugs because
it's a low grade fertilizer (it's 6-4-4) that won't burn them up.
The reason I like to go more organic in potted Brugs is that with
manufactured (or non-organic) fertilizers the salts tend to build up in
the potting soil and the end result is they burn the plant.
Potting Soil
I usually get a 4 cu ft
compressed bale of ProMix
potting soil. Into that I mix one 10 lb bag of bat guano and 2
one pound tubs of earthworm castings and two 5 pound bags of Espoma
RoseTone. I have what I need to mix it in, a big compost drum
that turns. I have mixed it in a wheelbarrow with a shovel and
the strength of my back too!
For smaller amounts, here's a formula:
2 cu ft potting soil (it's not compressed, so the proportions are not
the same)
1.25 pounds bat guano
.5 pound earthworm castings (some claim this helps control
fungus gnats and other pests)
1.25 pounds Espoma RoseTone
I think places like Lowe's, Home Depot and Tractor Supply carry those
things. If they don't, they should - LOL. I have seen some
reasonable deals on eBay for earthworm castings too.
I guess I should amend my statement about using MiracleGro, too.
If the plant in a pot is being watered once a day because it's getting
dried out in that length of time, then MiracleGro once a week is fine.
BUT,
if the plant needs watering only every 3 or 4 days, apply MiracleGro
only every OTHER week, so the salts don't build up so much in the soil.
Brugs in pots can become iron deficient also and I do apply some Ironite
to the top of the soil twice a year.
Garden Soil
In
the ground, Brugs seem to like a slightly acid soil, around 6.5 on the pH meter, if you're
into that sort of thing. I use granular lime here on our acid
soil to bring the pH up a bit. I also apply iron (like Ironite
granular) twice a year, they can become iron deficient in some
soils. Applying iron does lower the pH of the soil, so if you use
this with acid soils, adjust your lime accordingly. My
husband is the local 'Compost King' so we topdress with good compost in
the spring and the fall.
For
hard clay soils use granular gypsum to break up the clay. This
tends to raise the pH (not much) and you may need to adjust your
acidifiers if you are in an alkaline clay.
For
alkaline soils, get in touch with your local Agricultural
Extension agent for general recommendations about
how to lower the pH of your soil. A combination of sulfur and
iron generally works well.
Water
Whether in the ground or in pots, they like adequate water but do not
like being waterlogged. In hot summer areas a water holding
polymer product like Soil Moist
added to the potting soil can help keep potted plants hydrated.
Sun Exposure
Here
in the hot Texas summers our Brugmansia do better in morning sun,
afternoon shade. In your area they may do well in full sun.
If you keep yours in pots you can experiment with how much sun exposure
they get and see what works best for you.
www.
Here are some links to sites that have been helpful to us, not just
with Brugs, but with all aspects of gardening:
American Brugmansia and Datura Society: http://www.abads.net/
Brugmansia Growers International: http://www.brugmansia.us/
Dave's Garden: http://davesgarden.com/
They each require a membership fee to use the member functions, but
they have good public info also.
Geez, I almost sound like
I know what I'm doing! LOL! The hubby is currently reading
a greenhouse management book and has been grilling me about the info
he's learning. My schooling in Horticulture took place nearly 20
years ago and it's been a mental workout to dredge all that up
again. I do know, and experience has taught me, that gardening
begins with the soil. I think that's why I never mind getting my
hands covered in it!
Maggi's Garden Magic
(Von Russell Farm)