When it comes to fertilizing boxwoods, the optimal time to do so is either in late fall or early spring. These seasons are best because they coincide with periods of active root growth for boxwoods. During late fall, winter, and early spring, the soil temperatures are more moderate, which promotes healthy root development.
I have personally found that late fall is an excellent time to fertilize boxwoods. The weather is usually cool and stable, providing ideal conditions for the plants to absorb and utilize nutrients from the fertilizer. Additionally, fertilizing in late fall allows the boxwoods to store up essential nutrients before the onset of winter dormancy.
On the other hand, early spring is another suitable time for fertilizing boxwoods. As the temperatures start to rise and the days become longer, boxwoods begin to come out of dormancy and actively grow. Fertilizing in early spring provides a boost of nutrients to support the new growth and helps the plants recover from the winter stress.
It is important to avoid fertilizing boxwoods during late summer or early fall. This is because fertilizing during this time may cause the plants to initiate new growth, which can be susceptible to damage from early fall frosts and freezes. The tender new growth may not have enough time to harden off before the colder temperatures arrive, resulting in potential harm to the plants.
To summarize, late fall and early spring are the best times to fertilize boxwoods. These periods align with the plant’s natural growth cycles and allow for optimal nutrient absorption and utilization. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or early fall to prevent potential damage to the plants from frost and freeze events.
