Some flowers are delicate and difficult to grow, while some are easy to deal with but only bloom occasionally. Due to rarity, costly care and nutrition, shipping costs, and other business expenditures, flower customers find it unreasonable to buy flowers from the market. Although we can’t deny that flowers sold by professional florists are fresh, lush, and beautiful and have undergone quality cultivation, monitoring, and handling, the above circumstances often prevent many customers to appreciate the good side of buying flowers.

But for those who have passion for flowers and patience to nurture them, the only solution to this is by growing flowers in their garden, on their spare lot, and even in a pot. Yes, one doesn’t have to take classes or seminars just to be able to grow these beautiful life forms. Sometimes, it only takes determination, patience, and resourcefulness to get you equipped to being a real green-thumb.  More on the brighter side of it, growing flowers is a very satisfying and absorbing hobby, which at the same time always uplifts people and keeps a pleasant and relaxing environment to live in.

This discussion aims to focus on some guidelines on how to grow flowers, which aspiring gardeners should consider first.

Essentials of Growing Flowers

1. Soil
   Plants need to get a good start and we have to consider the roots, which ultimately nourish flower development. The most common cause of poor flowering and struggling plant is also poor or bad soil. Even water and fertilizer won’t be able to change that so carefully attend to that aspect of gardening. Most flowering plants do best in organic matter-laden soil.
2. Temperature
   Flowers also consider temperature which is partially connected to location due to the heat of the sun it receives. It’s best to follow local recommendation on appropriate flowers to grow although there are ways how to grow a flower out of its climate zone like using fences, walls, greenhouse, and refrigerators.
3. Light
   A good spot is usually a sunny spot because most flowers prefer sunshine. The south and west facing locations are known to be the sunniest, but consider the presence of trees, buildings, or fences on that place. Seasonal changes are also important because they regulate the amount of light that reaches a location. A good way to determine the best spot is to observe and take measurements.
4. Fertilizer
   Fertilizers are good complements to rich, fertile soil to give more benefits to flowering plants. All-purpose formulations like 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 add to good health and flower production. The numbers actually stand for the NPK ratio or the relative amount of Nitrogen (N), which enhances stem and leaf growth; Phosphorus (P), which contribute to flower, fruit, and seed production and also root growth; and Potassium (K), which makes sure of the general vigor and disease-resistance of the plant.
5. Water
   As everyone knows that water is a very important factor in the growth of any plant, what others may not know is the best way to give water. So here are the rules:
   – Pamper new plants and seedlings with lots of water
   – Occasional deep watering
   – Slow water delivery is better than a heavy blast
   – Give water to the roots
   – Apply water in the early morning or evening to avoid too much wind and heat so evaporation is minimal. But avoid to water flowering plants that are disease-susceptible at night.

Tips for Growing Flowers in Containers

1. When using clay pots, always ensure more regular watering because clay tend to absorb water from the soil and roots faster than plastic pots.
2. Heavy garden soil is not recommended for container growing because it usually gets waterlogged which causes the roots to rot.
3. Always make sure to plant flowering plants in pots with drainage holes.
4. Turn your flower pots a quarter turn every day to guarantee even, balanced growth and flowering on all sides.
5. Fertilize your soil but see to it that you follow instructions on the label as to not overfeed your flowers because it can reduce flowering.
6. It’s best to water the roots directly than to splash on flowers and leaves, but don’t over-water either, because plants that continually absorb water won’t receive much oxygen their roots needed.