- 1). Remove any weeds and grass growing in the daylily planting area. This reduces the competition for the nutrients in the soil and fertilizer.
- 2). Sprinkle the planting area lightly with water. This wets the top layer of soil so the fertilizer stays in place when sprinkled over the ground.
- 3). Spread 3/4 to 1 1/2 lbs. per 100 square feet of 3-1-2 slow-release fertilizer over the soil. The numbers represent the ratio between nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Try to find a fertilizer as close to this ratio as possible. Apply the fertilizer between the plants and keep it off the leaves.
- 4). Scratch the fertilizer pellets into the top inch of soil with a hand cultivator. Use a small rake if bending over for garden work hurts your back or if you are fertilizing a large flower bed. Gently work around the plants, so you do not damage the leaves or break the flower stems.
- 5). Water the area heavily to activate the fertilizer. The water allows the fertilizer to work its way down into the soil. Feed the daylilies three times a year. Space the feedings throughout the year so the daylilies are fertilized in the fall, early spring and in the middle of summer.
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