Camellia is one of the best ornamental flowers due to its attractive petals and appealing looks. However, if camellia doesn’t get much food during growing seasons, then the flower gets faded since it is a heavy feeder flower.
Although there is a myth that camellia don’t need fertilizer, the ACS debunk the misconception and said that most of the camellia plants need proper nutrients except some older plants.
That means you must choose the best fertilizer for camellias if you want the better growth and abundance production of camellias.
However, finding the right kind of fertilizer wouldn’t be an issue in the saturated market. Thus, we have come up with some top-rated fertilizer after a thorough research.
So, without further ado, let’s check out the list!
Best Fertilizer for Camellias Reviews
In this segment, we have reviewed the top-rated fertilizers in full detail. In fact, you will also know when and how to use the fertilizer for camellias. Let’s jump into the review.
1. Jobe’s 15 Spikes Fertilizer Tree & Shrubs
When you search a fertilizer pack for young camellia plants then you should provide more nitrogen to the soil. Thus, we are kicking off our list with such a high nitrogen fertilizer.
First get some overview about the fertilizer brand. This is a fertilizer from a renowned American brand. If you frequently buy gardening products then you definitely hear the name of Jobe’s.
Besides feeding this fertilizer to camellia plants, you can use it for other plants too, because it is a multipurpose pack.
Besides, the design of this fertilizer made it multipurpose use fertilizer since it comes as a spike.
If you use the spikes in the sloppy area, it will never go away or wash away with rainfall or heavy water washes. Thus, it is a less messy fertilizer without unpleasant smells.
Most Liking Features
We most like about the pack is it’s time release system. As it is a spike’s fertilizer it releases the fertilizer at a particular time. Plus, it slowly releases the fertilizer that ensures feeding the plant all the seasons.
Probable Drawbacks
It is not recommended for mature plants as it contains high nitrogen.
Key Features
- Contains NPK ratio at 16-4-4
- Most preferable for young plants
- Comes as a spike that is easy to use and less hassle
- A time release fertilizer with no runoff and smells
2. Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Fertilizer
Are you looking for the best fertilizer for commercial camellias or other flowers? If so, then stop your searching right here. You would love the fertilizer due to its natural contents. Let’s explore it.
This fertilizer or you could say organic plant food is from Miracle-Gro. And it is one of the best commercial grade fertilizers throughout America.
Let’s see its organic content first. As I said it is an organic fertilizer it contains worm casting, kelp, feather meal and bone meal. We have seen the enhancement of microbes in the soil after using the fertilizer.
Moreover, if you use the fertilizer in the growing seasons then it will ensure plants growth and maintain proper drainage and aeration of the soil.
Most Liking Features
If you need a fertilizer pack that can be used for the entire season then it would be a suitable pack. I mean you can feed the pack for at least 3 months. Thus, it would be a reasonable fertilizer for most flower plants.
Probable Drawbacks
Overuse of this fertilizer can hamper the plant like it might burn the plant roots.
Key Features
- Made of all natural ingredients
- Contains casting, kelp and feather and bone
- Helps to enhance soil microbes
- Can be feed the fertilizer for full seasons
3. Dr. Earth Organic 4 Azalea/Camellia/Rhododendron Acid Fertilizer
If organic fertilizer is your first priority while choosing a gardening product, then there is a better collection for you. Dr. Earth brought a fertilizer that can be used for Camellia, Azalea and Rhododendron.
First talk about the formulation of the fertilizer. Basically, Dr. Earth is a very famous fertilizer brand in the USA due to their organic formula. They have used all natural ingredients in this pack.
Moreover, it contains probiotic, ecto and endo mycorrhizae. As a result, it helps to enhance the microbial activities in the soil.
Furthermore, the main speciality of the pack is it enhances the soil acidic content which is most essential for camellia flowers. So, regular use of the pack ensures better growth and abundance of flowers.
Most Liking Features
In terms of safety and security, it is one step ahead of its competitors. Due to its organic content, it got the OMRI certification. Thus, it is safe to use around people and pets.
Probable Drawbacks
If the fertilizer gets wet then it emits a putrid smell that is quite noticeable.
Key Features
- Made of all organic contents
- Got the OMRI certificate
- Safe to use around people and pets
- Enhance microbes’ activities in the soil
- Can be used for several months
4. Down to Earth All Natural Acid Fertilizer
If you have matured or older camellia plants then they are susceptible to diseases. Now, you need a fertilizer high in potassium. In that case, Down to Earth would be the best fertilizer for camellias.
Don’t get hyper by thinking whether it is a chemical-based fertilizer or not. Indeed, Down to Earth comes with all natural ingredients and is devoid of any chemical substance.
After applying the fertilizer, it lowers the soil pH level. Besides, it also enhances the acidic content in the soil. That’s why we mostly prefer this fertilizer.
However, you can use the same fertilizer for other plants that like acidic soil as camellias. For example, it would be useful fertilizer for azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, evergreens, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, potatoes. Besides, you can choose some fertilizer for green beans.
Most Liking Features
Besides preventing plant diseases, it is ideal for enhancing flower production. So, if you use the fertilizer in the growing seasons, it ensures a better production.
Probable Drawbacks
The cost of the fertilizer is a bit pricey than its competitors.
Key Features
- Blended with natural ingredients
- Make the soil more acidic
- Perfect for all acid loving plants
- Enhance root growth and boost resistance
5. Espoma Organic Soil Multicolor Acidifier Fertilizer
Camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons love acidic soil most. So, choosing an acidifier fertilizer would be a better option, right? Yes, that’s why our last fertilizer is similar kind.
Espoma has manufactured the pack with all natural ingredients. Thus, it can be called the best organic fertilizer for plants.
Besides using camellias, you can use the fertilizer for a lot of plants.
For example, as it enhances the soil’s acidic contents it is best for acid loving plants such as azaleas, hydrangeas, evergreens, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and potatoes.
Pelletized fertilizer stays longer than other granular fertilizers. Espoma is a palletized fertilizer that will stay longer in the soil. So, it would naturally reduce the extra fertilizer use. Additionally, you can check our review on fertilizer for clay soil.
Most Liking Features
If your garden soil gets higher in alkaline then it will cure the soil. Because it automatically lowers the soil pH level after mixing. As a result, soil gets more acidic which is absolute for the camellia plants.
Probable Drawbacks
Initially if you apply overdose to the plants then it may kill the plants.
Key Features
- Ensures lower soil pH level
- Enhance soil acidic contents
- Easy to use this pelletized fertilizer
- Best for camellia, azaleas, hydrangeas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
Things to Consider Before Buying Fertilizer for Camellias
Fertilizer is considered as the plant’s essential food. So, there are some factors of every fertilizer to consider before purchase. This is also true for camellia’s fertilizers.
However, don’t worry! We have put together such factors in this buying guide section, so that you can easily find the best fertilizer for azaleas and camellias.
Acidic Fertilizer
As you know, camellias are acid-loving plants like azaleas, hydrangeas, raspberries and blueberries. Thus, the soil should have acidic content otherwise, it would be difficult to grow the camellias plants.
However, if you provide acidic fertilizer even in the alkaline soil, it automatically reduces the alkaline and makes the soil more acidic. So, you must choose an acidic fertilizer for camellia bush.
Soil pH Level
Camellias plants grow well in lower pH levels. And the pH level should be between 4.5 to 6.5. But the most preferable pH level for camellias is 6 to 6.5. After testing the soil, if you find the alkaline then choose an acidifier fertilizer that will lower pH level.
So, you should check the soil pH level before choosing a fertilizer.
Nutrients Elements
If we break down the prime nutrient’s elements of the fertilizer then we have two categories such as major elements and minor elements. Major elements include Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. And the Minor elements are Magnesium, Sulfur, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Boron, and Molybdenum.
Both major and minor nutrient elements are equally important for camellias plants. If the plants get proper fertilizers that contain most elements, then it would be the best fertilizer for camellias and azaleas.
However, most inexpensive fertilizer includes only the major nutrient elements. So, you must check the label on the fertilizer pack before purchase.
Check NPK Ratio
NPK literally means N-Nitrogen, P-Phosphorus, and K-Potassium. Generally, nitrogen is responsible for quick growth and helps in photosynthesis. Phosphorus literally works for root development and blooming. Potassium helps to prevent plant’s diseases and ensure fruit development.
So, for the young plants, you should use fertilizer which is higher in nitrogen such as 12-8-8. And if your plant has a better growth then you can use fertilizer which has lower numbers in nitrogen and higher number in the rest such as 4-10-10.
For flower blooming and reducing plant diseases you choose higher Phosphorus, Potassium.
How to Fertilize Camellia Trees?
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
1. When to fertilize camellias and azaleas?
In the early spring you can fertilize camellias. Plus, you can fertilize camellias lightly in the late summer.
2. What fertilizer camellias like most?
Acidifier fertilizer camellias like most. Because camellia is an acid loving plant like azaleas, hydrangeas, raspberry and blueberry. So, use fertilizer which makes the soil more acidic.
3. How can I find the best fertilizer for commercial camellias?
First, you must choose an acidifier fertilizer, then check whether it contains organic matter or not. And don’t forget to check the NPK ratio of the fertilizer. If you ensure all theses things in the pack then you are good to go.
4. What would be the ideal NPK ratio for camellias?
Generally, you can go with fertilizer which contains 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. However, if the plant is young, choose the higher ratio in nitrogen, I mean pick the pack which has a higher number in the first.
5. Are coffee grounds good for camellias?
Yes, most of the acid loving plants like camellia, rose, azaleas, evergreens, hydrangeas and rhododendrons love coffee grounds. Because it provides necessary nutrients and natural acidity to the soil.
Final Words
Camellia is an acid-loving plant so you have to choose the particular fertilizer. So, choosing the right kind of fertilizer is mandatory as it determines the plant’s growth and better production.
That’s why we have reviewed the best fertilizer for camellias so that you can easily find the desired one.
David, the founder of The Garden Fixer, started with a passion for gardening in 2012. He has continued his passion for gardening and desire to improve his skills and wanted to share his journey and helpful knowledge with other like-minded individuals.
He launched The Garden Fixer as an outlet for those interested in learning more about Gardening in hopes they can take what they learn and apply it for themselves!
