I believe that few things add charm to a garden like vibrant hanging flowers swaying in the summer breeze.
However, keeping these beauties in full bloom all summer requires some careful attention.
Many gardeners struggle with maintaining their hanging flowers, if you also, follow our tips to ensure your hanging flowers stay lush and lively all season long.
#1. Choose the Right Plants
Not all plants thrive in hanging baskets, so consider their light, water, and climate needs.
For sunny spots, you should opt for sun-loving plants like petunias or geraniums, while fuchsias or impatiens are better for shaded areas.
Trailing plants like ivy create a cascading effect, while upright plants like marigolds add height.
#2. Water Regularly
Overwatering can drown the roots, while underwatering leaves them stressed.
Your trick is checking the soil by sticking your finger an inch deep; if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Mornings are the best time, so your plants can absorb moisture before the sun intensifies.
#3. Fertilize Frequently
I recommend using worm castings as a slow-release fertilizer; they not only nourish your plants but also help retain moisture with every watering.
To boost blooms, you ought to supplement with a liquid fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium every seven to ten days.
However, mix it at half strength to avoid overwhelming your plants, ensuring steady, healthy growth without root issues.
#4. Deadhead Spent Blooms
By removing old, fading blooms, you encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing new flowers instead of wasting resources on dying ones.
I usually take a few minutes while watering to pinch off the spent blooms.
#5. Prune and Pinch Back
When your hanging baskets start looking wild or sparse, it’s time to snip. Pruning promotes new blooms and keeps your plants in a rounded shape.
Trim back about one-third of the growth, and your plants will focus on producing vibrant new flowers, keeping them lush and blooming all summer.
#6. Rotate the Basket
Ever noticed how one side of your hanging basket looks lush while the other side seems to struggle? Plants naturally grow towards the light, causing uneven growth.
To keep your hanging flowers looking even and fabulous, you should give them a little spin! By rotating your baskets every week or two, you ensure all sides get equal sunlight.
#7. Provide Adequate Sunlight
Your hanging flowers need it to thrive, but not all plants have the same sun preferences.
Some, like petunias and geraniums, love basking in full sun and need 6-8 hours of direct light daily.
Others, such as impatiens and begonias, prefer partial shade and can wilt if overexposed.
As a result, you should observe your plants throughout the day; if they look sunburned, move them to a shadier spot.
#8. Protect from Wind
Wind can be a real challenge for your hanging flowers, tossing them around like they’re in a mini storm.
To protect them, hang your baskets in a sheltered spot, like near a wall or under a porch. If that’s not possible, create a windbreak with a lattice or tall plants.
#9. Check for Pests
Trust me, those tiny critters like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can cause serious damage if left unchecked.
Therefore, you should regularly inspect your plants, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and stems.
If you see yellowing leaves or spotting, use neem oil or you can introduce ladybugs to combat aphids.
#10. Use a Moisture-Retaining Soil
For your hanging flowers to thrive all summer, you need the right kind of soil – regular garden soil won’t do.
Moisture-retaining soil is perfect for hanging baskets because it holds water like a sponge while still draining well.
Plus, it often contains ingredients like peat moss and coconut coir, which help keep your flowers hydrated and happy, attracting hummingbirds with their extra nectar.
