Summer is almost here — which means my crepe myrtles will soon be in full bloom.
Incidentally, the warm temperature is also ideal for growing peppers and tomatoes, which I usually treat with Epsom salt for best results. So, I began wondering whether I should also use these mineral salts on my crepe myrtles for bigger flowers.
And if you too want to know, “is Epsom salt good for crepe myrtles?,” here’s what I found.
Is Epsom Salt Good For Crepe Myrtles?
Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is an all-natural mineral salt that can help you yield larger flowers and tastier fruits. And while it helps boost the vibrancy and resilience of your plants, Epsom salt does not damage soil health.
Although it is more common to use Epsom salt for rose bushes and plants that require high magnesium levels, you can safely use them on crepe myrtles. However, the growth of the plant and the size of the blooms depend on other factors, such as timely pruning and using suitable fertilizers.
How To Use Epsom Salt On Crepe Myrtles
Step 1
Mix a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.
Step 2
Pour the mixture around the roots of the tree. You can also store the formula in a spray bottle and spritz it directly onto the leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, it would be best if you began pruning in early spring to maximize the blooming process. In my experience, pruning crepe myrtles before they begin to sprout has reaped the best results. On that note, always remember to prune before or after they have finished blooming to avoid cutting off new shoots.
Crepe myrtles are evergreen trees that thrive when treated with most all-purpose garden fertilizers. However, they require high amounts of nitrogen and work best with solutions in an 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 ratio.
As a rule of thumb, you should fertilize mature crepe myrtles every two weeks during its blooming season, that is, during the spring and summer. For younger plants brought in from the nursery, you need only lightly fertilize once a month during the first year of growth.
Final Words
Unlike chemical fertilizers, Epsom salts won’t adversely affect the groundwater or surrounding plants. At the same time, these safe but potent mineral salts can strengthen seeds and prepare them for bountiful blooms and harvests.
Rest assured, they will not harm the crepe myrtles in your backyard, regardless of their growth stage. And the crepe myrtle is a low-maintenance, resilient, and drought-tolerant evergreen species, so you won’t need to spend much effort behind them.
Just remember to prune them on time and never after they have started blooming. And don’t worry if you are too late — the changing colors with every season will keep your garden looking lovely even after summer.