The botanical name of Daylily is Hemerocallis which literally means ‘beauty for a day’. Indeed, no other name would have described this flower better. Daylily is a popular garden plant around North America for good reason.
Despite being one of the most beautiful flowers, Daylilies are the easiest to grow, require the least of maintenance, and are largely pest-free. With a massively wide range of colors, these flowers are the most reputed perennial plants nowadays.
Although they are known to thrive on neglect, sometimes Daylilies also require some maintenance to bloom to their fullest. And if fertilizer for Daylilies isn’t used, it might cause permanent damage to them.
But if they thrive, Daylilies are perfect for planting along the fence or walkway. Apart from that, they are also well-suited for many different uses in the landscape.
Best 7 Fertilizers for Daylilies in 2022:
Not all fertilizers are suitable for Daylilies. Sometimes picking the wrong plant food might cause drastic results in your garden. So, to avoid making such mistakes, have a look at our top picks for the best.
1. Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed All Purpose Plant Food
Plants delight us by beautifying our surroundings with greenery and color. Our duty is to give something in return. And the best way to do that is by applying an all-purpose fertilizer in the soil for their nutrition.
The Miracle-Gro plant food is an all-purpose fertilizer that is able to nourish the plants, helping them to grow stronger and more vibrant.
This all-purpose plant food has a higher dose of nutrients including earthworm castings, feather meal, kelp, and bone meal. All of these elements are 100% organic and non-toxic to plants.
As a double-action plant food, the Shake ‘N Feed doesn’t only feed the plants, it also has microbes that feed the microorganism that fertilizes the soil. As a result, the organic ingredients in the soil are broken down producing beneficial nutrients that the plants can absorb.
In this way the plants get nourished with a higher dose of nutrients above and below the soil and grow healthy and strong. Besides, you can use the Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed All Purpose Plant Food anywhere in the garden or in the pots. It is also able to feed for up to three months.
- Full of essential nutrients and microbes
- Feeds up to 3 months
- Can be used both on the ground and in the pots
- Safe for humans and animals
- Has all organic ingredients
2. J R Peters Jacks Classic All Purpose Fertilizer
Since 1947 J. R. Peters has been a brand you can trust and it’s all-purpose fertilizer can be considered as the industry standard. It is the best choice if you have Daylilies or any other plants in your garden.
This fertilizer is formulated with a blend of nutrients that has a balanced N-P-K ratio with higher amounts of each component. Now, you don’t have to worry about feeding your plants often. Its 20-20-20 ratio promotes healthy growth as the plants get the greatest dose of healthy nutrients.
Many people worry about burning their leaves when applying fertilizer. One great thing about the Jacks Classic is that it tells you exactly how much to use without burning the leaves. If you use it as directed, your leaves will remain completely safe.
Since this is a water-soluble plant food, when you spray it over the plant and the leaves, the leaves also get fed. Besides, the micronutrient package inside delivers more nutrition for strong roots and green foliage.
Suitable to be used both indoors and outdoors, the J R Peters Jacks Classic fertilizer has a slow-release formula that provides nutrients to your plants up to four months. As such, you Daylilies have a more vigorous growth with stronger roots and stems, not to mention an overall healthy appearance.
- Both indoor and outdoor usable
- Can be applied to all plants and shrubs
- Can be fed through leaves too
- Doesn’t burn the leaves
- Slow-release formula for long term nutrient supply
3. Espoma Garden Food
For a general-purpose garden fertilizer that is able to provide balanced nutrition to all types of plants, trees, and shrubs, pick the Espoma Garden Food. It has the N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 which means all the three major nutrients are present in equal amounts.
Plant roots are able to absorb this fertilizer quickly and as a result they get instant nutrition. This causes bigger and faster growth in a short period of time within the season.
The fertilizer is not in a water-soluble form. Its granular formation needs to be spread around the base of the plant and watered well. The water dissolves the granules slowly giving instant balanced nutrition to the plants. Every time there is rain, the plants receive a gush of food along with the freshwater.
The garden products from the brand Espoma are the best for use in all situations and places. They have a wide variety of plant foods catering to every necessary gardening need. Just follow the instructions and revive your garden within a few days.
- General purpose plant food
- Made for plants, shrubs, and vegetables
- Has all three major nutrients in equal amounts
- Perfect for use on flowering trees and perennials
4. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Flower & Vegetable
If you like a slow-release formula for your garden fertilizer, then this Osmocote smart-release plant food is a good choice for you. For any type of perennials, this fertilizer is the ideal choice for the healthiest growth.
This plant food for flowers and vegetables promotes the plant’s health in two major ways. First, the roots are made stronger and healthier as it targets them with a perfect balance of nutrients. And then, it also rejuvenates the upper part of the plant and promotes top growth, making the plant look healthier and fuller.
In this way, the plant food works both under and above the ground causing a lot of vegetation and blossoms. You’ll notice much foliage and numerous beautiful flowers on your Daylilies because of the strong root growth and spread underneath.
More so, this slow-release plant food provides continuous nutrition to the plants for up to four months. So, it is a great choice for any low maintenance plant like Daylilies.
Each of the fertilizer granules is made of semi-permeable resin shell which dissolves the nutrients inside as water gets in. Additionally, when the temperature increases, the rate of nutrition flow increases from this fertilizer that assists the plant during the growing seasons of spring and summer.
- Perfect for all vegetation and flowering plants
- Ideal for perennial type plants
- Can feed up to four months
- Over and under the ground nutrition supply
5. Jobe’s Organics Annuals and Perennials
Nowadays, there are many gardeners out there who want to go organic all the way, even for just growing flowers. If this sounds like you, then Jobe’s Organics Annuals and Perennials is your perfect pick.
Made from totally non-synthetic and all-natural organic materials, the Jobe’s plant food is pet as well as people-friendly and totally safe for the environment. Jobe’s is already recognized as having a proprietary blend of microbes.
This means that the fertilizer rapidly breaks down all the nutrients in the soil giving faster results. As a result, you get biomes with archaea that will improve the soil condition and increase the activity of microorganisms for a living and healthier soil.
Jobe’s fertilizer has the N-P-K ratio of 3-5-4, making it a great source of Phosphorus which promotes healthy root systems. Besides, the Potassium and Nitrogen content are essential for bigger, more vibrant blooms.
Besides, this plant food is a good source of nutrients for most annual and perennial plants like Daylilies. And since it is organic with no harmful chemicals included, there is no risk of burning your Daylily leaves either.
All in all, this product is a must for improving your soil condition slowly and steadily for better growth in the next season.
- Contains no synthetic chemicals
- Doesn’t burn plant leaves
- Contains Biome with archaea
- Safe for people, pet and environment
- Slow-release fertilizer
6. Lilly Miller All Purpose Planting and Growing Food
Lilly Miller is a great choice when it comes to gardenia fertilizer. This all-purpose fertilizer has a blend of ingredients with all the traditional plant food. These ingredients are simple and widely used because they are absorbed by the plants quickly.
If you want to give your Daylilies a good head start, this planting and growing food is the one you should pick. Capable of feeding the plants for up to six weeks, this fertilizer ensures that your plants are never hungry.
Its 10-10-10 ratio N-P-K makes every flower, shrub, and vegetable in your yard stronger and look better. Lilly Miller has the right combination of plant foods so that you can grow beautiful and lush foliage with lots of colorful flowers.
- Has a balanced ratio of N-P-K
- Slow-release fertilizer for steady growth
- Has a concentrated amount of traditional ingredients
- Contains essential minerals for plants
- Noncomedogenic; doesn’t clog pores after application
7. Espoma Flower-Tone
This Flower Tone variant from Espoma is a complex blend of organic materials that promote the blooming of your gorgeous flowers as well as prolongs its lifetime. Its formula has a balanced ratio of N-P-K which makes it perfect for annuals like Daylilies.
The low Nitrogen level coupled with higher Phosphorus and Potassium content enhance plant growth and boost blooms. Its all-natural organic content contains Bio-tone Beneficial Microbes that enhances the quality of the soil. These living microbes also boost the natural plant food in the soil and ensure excellent plant growth.
Espoma Flower Tone fertilizer breaks down slowly for a steady and constant feeding of the plant. This provides complete and balanced nutrition for more vigorous and productive plants. Slow-release also means that your Daylilies will be fed continuously for the entire season.
Since it is organic, it is also safe for humans, pets, the environment and it doesn’t burn the leaves either.
- Enhanced with living microbes
- Rich in Potassium and Phosphorus
- Aids abundant blooms
- Provides complete and balanced feeding
- Environmentally safe
Factors Need to Consider While Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Daylilies:
While it is true that Daylilies don’t demand much supervision, if the soil lacks in nutrition then it will need fertilizer. There are some factors you must consider before getting the perfect plant food for your Daylilies.
● Check the Soil pH
Daylilies prefer moderately acidic to neutral pH level in the soil, ranging from 6.0 to 8.0 on the scale. The soil pH is measured on a scale from 1 to 14 with 1 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline, and 7 as the neutral mark.
If you don’t know the level of pH in your soil, then better test it with an inexpensive pH tester probe. To increase the acidity of the soil, apply some Aluminum Sulfate, Soil Sulfur, or chelated Iron. Sometimes adding some organic compost as mulch could also help increase the soil acidity.
On the other hand, pelletized limestone helps raise the pH level of the soil.
● Ideal N-P-K Ratio
Since they aren’t picky about fertilizers, any balanced plant food does a great job for Daylilies. A balanced formula of N-P-K content goes well with all types of flowering plants, especially Daylilies. Therefore, aim for fertilizers with N-P-K ratios of 1-1-1 such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5, etc.
● Type of Fertilizer
It is better to go for compost or well-rotted manure or any type of slow-release fertilizer for Daylilies. But if the bloom season is approaching, you might consider a high Nitrogen-type fertilizer. This will help accelerate both bloom and growth during the season.
Daylilies Care and Maintenance | What Are the Main Factors of Daylilies Care?
Daylilies thrive with little maintenance and that’s why they are the most sought-after flowering plants for gardeners. Mostly, these perennials do look after themselves just fine. But in order to reach that condition, they should be planted at the proper place in the perfect season.
● Place of Plantation
Daylilies thrive at a sunny location, despite being able to tolerate partly shaded locations. But the general rule is that they should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. So, plant your Daylilies in a place where it will get ample sunlight throughout the day.
● Best Season for Planting
Spring is the best time for planting young Daylilies. Wait until the hard frost has passed and get down to business. In some areas, you can also plant them during the summer provided that they get plenty of water.
● Proper Drainage
Daylilies are susceptible to root rot if there isn’t proper drainage and the soil remains wet all the time. This is because of their fibrous roots that store water in their thick spindles. That is why well-drained soil is a must if you want to cultivate Daylilies. You can prepare raised beds to achieve adequate drainage.
● Give Them Some Time
And finally, don’t expect to get fully bloomed flowers in the first year of planting. Because like most perennials, Daylilies will take at least two years to bloom. But on the third, they will realize their true potential.
How To Fertilize Daylilies In Best Way?
If the Daylilies happen to grow in a soil that is already rich with nutrients and organic materials, then there isn’t much necessity of applying fertilizer in any way. But for average garden soil, you could apply a bit of fertilizer for some extra growth. If the soil is completely devoid of any nutrient, then there is much taking care to do.
For normal garden soil, apply standard 5-5-5 fertilizer or something of 1-1-1 ratio N-P-K. But for poorer soil, a second or third application of plant food is necessary. The best timing to apply is in spring and late summer. For undernourished soil, apply once every month, with sufficient water or after rain.
For Daylilies care and maintenance, the best way of applying fertilizer is to broadcast the surrounding soil 4 square feet from where the plant starts to grow. It is better to mix the amount with the upper 2-3 inches of soil and apply some water afterward.
Be mindful to keep the fertilizer off the plant leaves as they tend to burn them. But if you want to be on the safe side, organic compost manure works great and they don’t burn the leaves either.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to control weeds around Daylily plants?
If you want to control weeds around your Daylilies, the best way is hand-weeding or mulching. There are also some chemicals available in the market which helps control grasses. But we won’t suggest the use of too many chemicals unless absolutely necessary.
2. Can I grow Daylilies in a container?
It is possible to grow Daylilies in a container. But you have to make sure it is large enough for them when they grow bigger. Also, you have to keep them well-watered, especially during the summer heat. The ideal container diameter should be between 15 to 18 inches.
3. How to care for Daylilies in a pot during winter?
If you have Daylilies in pots, the best way to take care of them during winter is to bunch all of them together and cover them with straw. You can also put them inside the garage or any crawl space to save them from the freezing cold. Because Daylilies might die if the pots get frozen too much.
4. Why are my Daylilies not blooming?
Daylilies need sunlight and proper water for blooming. Sometimes if they don’t get that much sunlight due to cloudy sky or any other reason, you might not get the blooming you want.
Among the most carefree and low maintenance plants, Daylilies rank at the top. Although they tolerate a wide range of conditions, sometimes applying fertilizer for Daylilies results in eye-catching blossoms. So, it really pays you to give them a pleasant growing condition.