Hydrangeas are known for being quite a low-maintenance plant, but in June, they become incredibly hungry as they are using up all their energy to grow flowers. They typically need a lot more potassium, the nutrient responsible for flower development, as it strengthens the blooms and enhances pigmentation.
If hydrangeas do not have enough potassium in early summer, then their blooms will not be as vibrant or as big as they should be. However, Rachel Paxton, a gardener and founder of Creative Homemaking, has shared that feeding hydrangeas enough potassium is easy and will not cost you a penny, as all you need are some banana peels.
Rachel said, “Banana peels also make a great fertiliser for hydrangeas. Use the peels from two or three bananas per plant.”
It may sound bizarre, but banana peels contain high potassium and will help hydrangeas grow the highest quality flowers possible.
Not only will hydrangea flowers be stronger and more colourful, but potassium also helps make the roots healthier, which is needed to help them absorb more water during summer. This simple supplement is a natural way to give hydrangeas a boost while they are growing and also helps prepare them for the hot temperatures, so they stay looking their best.
However, it is incredibly important not to just throw the banana peels into the garden, as it can attract pests, which will feast on your prized hydrangeas.
Instead, you can make a simple tea with banana peels, and all you need is a mason jar.
How to make banana tea for hydrangeas
To make a small batch of banana, cut two to three peels into little pieces. Place the chopped-up peels in a mason jar, then fill to the top with tap water.
Screw the lid on tightly, and then leave the jar to stew in the fridge for at a few days to let the water absorb the nutrients. Wait one day minimum, but do not leave it for more than three days.
Once the time is up, strain the banana peel bits out of the liquid and discard them. Pour the water into a watering can or whatever you use to water your plants.
Pour the tea on the soil at the base of the hydrangea, and avoid getting it on the leaves or flower petals. Try to water your hydrangea in the morning so it can absorb most of the nutrients before the harsh afternoon sun evaporates the water.
Water your hydrangeas with the banana tea once every month from June to August, and you should have bigger and more spectacular flowers to enjoy this summer.
Natural feeds like banana peels tend to be more potent than the fertilisers you buy, so do not feed hydrangeas banana tea more than once a month, otherwise you risk overfertilising them.