When To Fertilize Lantana

If you want your lantana to explode with color all season long, knowing when to fertilize lantana is the most important secret. Getting the timing right makes the difference between a good plant and a spectacular one.

These tough, sun-loving plants are known for their vibrant clusters of flowers. They thrive on neglect in some ways, but a little targeted feeding at the right moments works wonders. This guide will walk you through the simple schedule and methods to ensure your lantana puts on its best show.

Lantana’s fertilizing needs follow its growth cycle. The golden rule is to feed during active growth and hold back when it’s resting. For most gardeners, this means a straightforward seasonal schedule.

Start your fertilizing in early spring, just as you see new growth emerging. This gives the plant a gentle push out of dormancy. Then, continue with light, regular feeding through the peak blooming season until early fall.

You should completely stop fertilizing about 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost date. This allows the plant to harden off for winter and prevents tender new growth that cold weather would damage.

The Best Fertilizer for Lantana Blooms

Lantana aren’t picky eaters, but they do have a preference. To encourage those non-stop blooms, you want a fertilizer that promotes flowering over leafy growth.

Look for a balanced or bloom-boosting formula. The three numbers on the package (N-P-K) represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

Balanced (like 10-10-10): A good, all-purpose choice for overall health.
Bloom-Focused (like 5-10-10 or 6-12-12): A higher middle number (Phosphorus) directly supports flower production. This is often ideal.

Both water-soluble (quick release) and slow-release granular fertilizers work well. Slow-release types are convenient, as you apply them less frequently—usually just once at the start of the season and maybe once more mid-summer.

Step-by-Step: How to Fertilize Your Lantana

Applying fertilizer correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. Following these steps will keep your plants safe and thriving.

Water First: Always water your lantana thoroughly a day before applying fertilizer. This prevents root burn from the salts in the fertilizer.
Read the Label: Different products have different streangths. Follow the package instructions for dosage carefully—more is not better and can harm the plant.
Apply Evenly: For granular types, sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil around the plant’s base, staying away from the main stem. For liquid types, mix as directed and water it into the soil.
Water Again: After applying granular fertilizer, give the area another good watering. This helps carry the nutrients down to the roots where they’re needed.

Potted Lantana vs. Garden Lantana

Lantana in containers have different needs than those in the ground. Potted plants rely entirely on you for nutrients, as they wash out of the drainage holes with each watering.

You’ll need to fertilize potted lantana more often. A good rule is to use a half-strength liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. This provides a steady stream of food to support constant blooming in a confined space.

Signs Your Lantana Needs Food (or Less!)

Your plant will tell you if its fertilizing schedule is off. Watch for these visual cues.

Signs it may need fertilizer:

Fewer flowers than usual.
Pale green or yellowish leaves (chlorosis).
Generally slow or stunted growth.

Signs of over-fertilization:

Brown, crispy leaf edges or tips (fertilizer burn).
Lots of lush, green leaves but very few blooms (too much nitrogen).
A white, crusty buildup of salts on the soil surface.

If you’ve over-fertilized, flush the soil with plenty of clean water to help dilute and wash away the excess nutrients.

Seasonal Fertilizing Calendar

Here’s a simple, at-a-glance guide for the year:

Early Spring: Apply first feeding as new growth appears. A slow-release formula is perfect here.
Late Spring through Summer: Continue with light, monthly feedings (or as directed by your slow-release product). This supports the heaviest bloom period.
Early Fall: Apply the last feeding of the year. Do not fertilize in late fall or winter.
Winter: No fertilizer. Plants are dormant or growing very slowly.

Pro Tips for Maximum Blooms

Beyond fertilizing, a couple extra practices will keep your lantana looking its best.

First, deadhead spent flower clusters regularly. This encourages the plant to produce new buds instead of putting energy into making seeds. Second, ensure your lantana gets full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily. More sun plus proper feeding equals maximum color.

Don’t forget that lantana are drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering can be as big a problem as under-watering. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings for the healthiest roots.

Common Lantana Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors with these resilient plants. Steer clear of these pitfalls:

Fertilizing at the wrong time: Avoid late-season feeding that stimulates frost-tender growth.
Using a high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer: This makes leaves at the expense of flowers.
Skipping soil preparation: Amending poor soil with compost at planting time reduces your need for frequent fertilizing later.
Ignoring the soil pH: Lantana prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. If your soil is very alkaline, nutrients may be locked up and unavailable, even if you fertilize.

FAQ: Your Lantana Fertilizing Questions Answered

Can I use Miracle-Gro on lantana?
Yes, a general-purpose water-soluble fertilizer like Miracle-Gro works fine. For more blooms, you might choose their “Bloom Booster” formula instead, which has more phosphorus.

Is Epsom salt good for lantana?
Epsom salt provides magnesium. If your leaves are yellowing between the veins, a one-time treatment might help. But it’s not a complete fertilizer and shouldn’t replace your regular feeding routine.

How often should you fertilize lantana in pots?
Much more frequently—typically every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer. The nutrients leach out quickly with constant watering.

What is the best natural fertilizer for lantana?
Compost or well-rotted manure mixed into the soil at planting is excellent. You can also use a liquid fish emulsion or seaweed extract during the season for an organic option.

Why is my lantana not blooming even with fertilizer?
The most likely culprits are not enough direct sunlight, overwatering, or using a fertilizer too high in nitrogen. Check these factors first before increasing your feed schedule.

By following this simple schedule—starting in spring, feeding lightly through summer, and stopping in fall—you’ll provide the perfect nutritional support. Combine that with plenty of sun and well-drained soil, and your lantana will reward you with a breathtaking display of color that lasts untill the first frost.