Did you know California is one of five Mediterranean-climate regions on the earth where proteas are grown? It’s true! And since autumn tends to be the ideal planting time… we have a few growing tips for you.
- Plant in a sunny location where the air flows freely around the plant.
- Planting on slopes or slightly elevated mounds is often beneficial because water runoff decreases drainage problems.
- Proteas flourish in sandy, acidic, well-drained and rocky soils.
- Dig a hole twice the size of the pot the plant came in. Be sure to break up the soil that is removed from the hole to soften its texture.
- Never disturb the soil around the roots.
- Water deeply once a week for the first two years after planting.
- Apply mulch like bark or wood chips around the plant (a slight distance from the stem) as it helps control weed growth and keeps the soil cool.
- Fertilizers are not necessary as proteas grow naturally in very nutrient-poor soils.
Wondering how to prune your protea plants to keep them happy and ensure a bountiful harvest once they’re established? First, be sure to pick the flowers as it’s the best way to keep plants neat and compact. Remove the blooms with a good length of stem, leaving new growth behind. To encourage bushy growth… prune only the flowered stems as the un-flowered stems are next season’s blooms.
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