Best Food for Summer Annuals & Perennials - Ask Extension
What plant food do you recommend for outdoor summer annuals and perennials? Thank you.
Knowledgebase
Best Food for Summer Annuals & Perennials #936504
Asked June 23, 2026, 11:09 AM EDT
What plant food do you recommend for outdoor summer annuals and perennials? Thank you.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Rhonda,
For the annuals, you can use whatever you want in a formula that meets your gardening preferences (e.g. organic or inorganic). A complete fertilizer (the three numbers should be equal, like 10-10-10) will work well. You can also do a slow release (pellets) in combination with a liquid feed to keep plants producing.
Do not use a high nitrogen fertilizer (the first number) as this will promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
For your perennials, they may not need supplemental fertilizer. If they are natives or low water-use plants, you don't want to stimulate growth.
For the annuals, you can use whatever you want in a formula that meets your gardening preferences (e.g. organic or inorganic). A complete fertilizer (the three numbers should be equal, like 10-10-10) will work well. You can also do a slow release (pellets) in combination with a liquid feed to keep plants producing.
Do not use a high nitrogen fertilizer (the first number) as this will promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
For your perennials, they may not need supplemental fertilizer. If they are natives or low water-use plants, you don't want to stimulate growth.
