Hardly any of the flowers have developed into pods!

Hardly any of the flowers have developed into pods on the 3 plants that I have. They were planted last September and were smothered when I got. Any ideas? Many thanks. Ian

Re: Hardly any of the flowers have developed into pods!

Reply from Valerie Munro

Hi Ian

What a pity - but I think that it has more to do with poor pollination that anything else. Also, have you been feeding them? Flowering plant, and especially those that go on to produce decorative seed pods, really do need to have a high measure of potassium in the fertiliser. All plant fertiliser manufacturers have to declare the NPK ratio of their product, and this can be found on one of the side panels.

I would recommend that you use one that has at least double the amount of potassium (the K reading) to nitrogen (the N reading).

Although it is too late for the plants to produce spectacular pods for this year, it is a good time to prepare them for next year. If you are using slow release granules (Westland Feed All would be my personal choice) then an application now will see them through till next spring when you can give them another application.

You should be able to get this product in any good garden centre.

Good luck!
Auntie Planty
www.auntieplanty.co.uk

Re: Re: Hardly any of the flowers have developed into pods!

Reply from Ian Wilkinson

Hi Valerie

Thanks very much for your response - I will try the feed you suggest. Much appreciated. Ian