Season

• Plant azaleas in early spring, before new growth starts. This gives the shrubs time to adjust and establish before the heat of summer arrives. In warm areas of the country, plant azaleas in fall as well, after the plants go dormant.
  
  

Site and Space

• Azaleas do best in partial or filtered sun, with protection from bright, direct light. Choose spots that drain quickly in all seasons, get filtered or indirect sunlight and provide at least 3 feet of space. Azaleas also do well with morning light and afternoon shade, but fail in standing water, tight soil and crowds.
  
  

Soil

• Azaleas require slightly acidic, quick-draining, crumbly soil, and enjoy a high organic content. The Azalea Society of America recommends amending natural soil with organic compost or acid-rich loam to produce loose, acidic and crumbly soil. African Violet soil provides a good partial amendment, but does not provide all the nitrogen, or acid, necessary for azalea growth.
  
  

Fertilizer

• According to the Azalea Society of America, azaleas planted in rich, nutritious soil don't require excessive fertilizer applications. Feed azaleas with a diluted plant food like water-soluble azalea fertilizer (30-10-10) once every two weeks to encourage healthy growth and blooming. African Violet fertilizer, or 5-5-5, does not contain the right amount of acid for azaleas.