Azalea
Azalea
These beautiful plants may be rebloomed but are not easy to grow. They need partial sun or light shade in summer, otherwise, give them bright light. Azalea needs an acid soil with a pH of 5.5. Keep the plant well watered and do not allow the soil surface to get very dry. Use an acidifying fertilizer according to label directions and avoid over doses. In summer, grow the plants on the north side of a building or other shaded area then bring them inside before temperatures go below 40 degrees. Some types need a 6 week cooling period at 45 degrees while others bloom without it. Flowering occurs 30 to 60 days after exposure to warmer temperatures. Ideal temperatures are 60 to 65 degrees during the day and 55 to 60 degrees at night. Pruning or repotting is done when the flowers fade. Failure to bloom may be due to poor light.
Propagation is by cuttings or grafting but both methods are difficult.
