How to acidify the soil for hydrangea - methods and proportions
Content:
Hydrangeas are flowering shrubs that are ubiquitous in gardens and parks. Some varieties are grown as houseplants. Hydrangeas love increased soil acidity. For this reason, there are several methods of soil acidification.
What soil does hydrangea need
The most favorable for hydrangeas is clayey, moderately acidic soil. It is this composition that guarantees lush flowering and rich color of the petals. Plants feel worst of all in sandy or alkaline soil. Neutral soil allows you to grow hydrangeas, the inflorescences of which are light in color.
Hydrangeas - flowering shrubs
Depending on the level of acidity, the color of the petals can vary from deep purple to pale pink. Experienced gardeners know how to achieve certain shades using various additives for watering. For example, manganese is used to produce pink flowers. An alternative solution is citric acid for hydrangeas. The proportions are determined by the required color. Lemon and vinegar are used for dark blues. The dependence of the color of flowers on acidity indicators is clearly shown in the table.
| pH | Inflorescence color |
| 4 | Purple |
| 4,5 | Blue |
| 5,5 | Blue |
| 6,5 | Dark pink |
| 7 | Light pink |
How to acidify the soil for hydrangea
To acidify the soil, additives are used that are dissolved in water for irrigation. Substances with varying degrees of acidification are used depending on how much it is necessary to raise the pH level. It is worth taking a closer look at how to acidify the soil for hydrangeas.
Flower color depends on the pH level
Using popular remedies
Each method deserves special attention:
- Lemon acid. To obtain a solution, you need to mix 12 liters of water with 1 tsp. citric acid. Watering is carried out every 25-30 days to maintain the optimal acidity level. Alternatively, use lemon juice.
- Table vinegar. Use 9% essence, which is diluted in water in a proportion of 200 g per 20 liters. The method allows you to acidify the soil, but the effect is short-lived. It is noticed that the use of vinegar has a negative effect on the microflora of the soil.
- Succinic acid. The use of this drug not only increases the acidity of the soil, but also serves as a plant nutrition. The solution is prepared at the rate of 3 tablets per 1 liter of water. If the drug is purchased in a different form, then it is worth adhering to the proportions on the package in order to feed the flower, and not harm it.
- Apple vinegar. The solution is prepared from a bucket of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. The soil is acidified no more than 1 time in 3-4 months. It significantly increases acidity and is less harmful than table vinegar. This acidifier still has a negative effect on the soil.
- Oxalic acid. Once every 1-2 months, watering is carried out with water containing oxalic acid, which is added in a ratio of 100 g per 10 l. It is advisable to first dissolve the required amount of crystals in a glass of warm liquid, and then add this solution to a bucket of water.
Popular means for acidifying soil
Most growers prefer to use succinic and oxalic acid. Citric acid is often used for hydrangeas. Less commonly, vinegar is used because of its negative effect on the state of the soil microflora. How to water a hydrangea with vinegar and whether it can be done - each grower decides for himself.
Application of mineral oxidizers
Preparations such as colloidal sulfur and sulfates are used to oxidize heavy clay soil. They have a strong and long lasting effect. Application features:
- Colloidal sulfur. The drug is applied dry under each bush at the rate of 30 g per 1 m². The surface of the soil is loosened and the powder is buried by 15 cm. The method is used in the fall, so that its activation begins in the spring under the influence of melt water. It is enough to add sulfur once every 2 years.
- Sulfates. Ferrous sulfate is used in the amount of 50 g per 1 m² of the plot. It is applied dry in the fall directly into the ground. Sometimes ammonium sulfate is used (at your own peril and risk).
- Ammonium nitrate and potassium sulfate. The drugs are relevant only when the deviation from the norm is insignificant. A solution of nitrate is prepared at the rate of 30 g of the drug per 10 l of water. They are brought under each bush in spring or autumn.
Organic acidifiers
There are several methods for making the soil acidic for hydrangeas. They involve the introduction of natural ingredients into the soil or mulching the surface around the plants.
Natural remedies are sustainable and safe
Actual tips:
- Deciduous humus. It is preferable to use rotted oak leaves. The introduction of compost into the soil increases acidity, and also enhances its nutritional value.
- Larch needles. For mulching plantings, needles of coniferous trees are used.
- Horse peat. It is used as mulch or added to the soil for planting hydrangeas. The acidity increases significantly, but the process will take some time.
Methods that involve the use of organic matter to acidify the soil are environmentally friendly and beneficial. The only drawback is the delayed action. For this reason, humus or peat is introduced into the site in advance.
Soil acidification technology
It is important to follow a strict sequence of actions aimed at increasing the acidity of the soil. Initially, the pH level is determined, which is carried out by using a litmus test. It is purchased at any garden center and measured according to the instructions attached to the product. There are several rules:
- for a slight increase in acidity, a solution of citric acid or ammonium nitrate is used;
- vinegar and citric acid will help to quickly increase performance;
- you can safely acidify the soil by adding high peat or compost from oak leaves to the soil.
Some substances are dissolved in water, and some preparations are embedded in the soil in dry form in autumn. It is necessary to strictly observe the proportions, watering the tree hydrangea with citric acid and other solutions is carried out only at the root. The key to success is adherence to technology. Otherwise, home flowers will be damaged.
Failure to comply with the proportions leads to plant diseases
How to maintain the resulting acid-base balance
As the panicle hydrangea grows, the acidity of the soil on the site changes. Indicators may deviate from the norm.To maintain the pH at a given level, irrigation with citric, succinic and oxalic acid solutions is used. The preparations are able to maintain the acid-base balance, favorable for hydrangeas.
Mulching with peat and needles throughout the entire period of growth and flowering contributes to an increase in acidity. The mulch layer is renewed annually, replacing the substrate completely or thickening it. This rule also applies to compost from oak leaves, which is used for mulching plantings.
The mulch layer needs to be renewed
Means for increasing the amount of alkali
Sometimes there is a need to return the acidity level to its original values. This is usually due to the fact that in the place of growth of hydrangeas, it is planned to plant other plants that prefer a more alkaline environment. In this case, it becomes necessary to deoxidize the soil. Lime is most often used for this purpose.
Liming the soil involves a number of actions:
- Ground limestone is poured into a barrel, pot or other container and filled with water. 1 part of limestone requires 10 liters of water.
- The soil is watered with lime infusion. After 2-3 days, they start sowing or planting plants.
Chalk can be used instead of lime. The main condition is that it is brought in in the spring before harrowing. Crushed dry chalk is used, which is used at the rate of 100-200 g per 1 m². The amount of the substance depends on the degree of acidity of the soil and the indicators to which it must be reduced.
Dolomite flour can be used as an alternative to lime, but this is not safe. For some crops, such deoxidation is harmful.
Hydrangeas have special soil requirements. Alkaline soil is not suitable for them - they prefer acidic and slightly acidic soils. In most cases, it is necessary to artificially increase the acidity level, as well as maintain it for the entire period of plant life. You can use different methods, but how to acidify the hydrangea, each grower decides for himself.
