Acidic Potting Soil For Azaleas

Azaleas require acidic soils with a ph between 4 6 ph 7 is neutral and above 7 is alkaline.

Acidic potting soil for azaleas. In the meantime use containers and acidic potting soil to grow azaleas. Plants that require a more infertile or acidic soil are classed as ericaceous. If the ph is higher than 6 0 lower it by applying aluminum sulfate to the soil according to package instructions. Let the soil rest until the following spring.

Plants such as azaleas rhododendrons and camellias love soil which is acid rich and will struggle to grow if your soil is more alkaline. Test the soil ph to verify it is acidic for azaleas. Planting and care of azaleas timber press 1987 revised and enlarged edition should be helpful. Soil ph can be tested by your state s cooperative extension service soil lab for a reasonable cost.

Azaleas also require well drained acidic soil. Large containers placed in a shady area will provide a nice habitat for the azaleas until they can be planted in the ground. Acid soil is what encore azaleas desire. Lower ph with sulfur.

The comments below taken from fred galle s book azaleas chapter 9. In the 1 2 years it takes to prepare your soil you can enjoy the blooms as the azaleas grow strong for transplant. Azaleas hate compacted soil as it slows drainage and may cause water to run off the surface of the soil rather then reach the roots. Azaleas are healthiest when the soil is moist but not saturated.

The soil for rhododendrons and azaleas should be acid somewhere between very strong and medium that is a ph of 4 5 to 5 5 or 6 0. Ideally you would want to test the soil ph using a soil testing kit. Hot all day sun can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to pests. Raise ph with lime preferably dolomite.

Plants with similar soil ph requirements include gardenias and camellias.