Why No Flower Blooms on Plants?

Pumpkin Flower - Male, How to Hand Pollinate

No Blooms on Plants, a Huge Plant Pollination Problem

Flower gardeners pamper their plants. Many brightly blooming flowers is their reward. Home vegetable gardeners know that without flower blooms, there will be no fruits and vegetables on their plants. So, when this happens, we have one very important question: “Why are no blooms on the plants? “

When the expected flower blooms do not arrive, it is a time of great angst.

Listed below are the common causes of no flower blooms, and how to cure the problem. Read on………

Lilac Flowers 12-21

Causes for No Blooms on Plants

Fertilizer – Much Nitrogen, too little Phosphorous: This is perhaps the number one cause of failure to bloom. If your plant is a fast-growing, lush green, you’ve given it plenty of Nitrogen. But, this is a major cause of delaying the blooming period. The fertilizer that promotes blooming is Phosphorous. It’s the “not so secret” ingredient in rose fertilizers promoting big, bright blooms. As the blooming period arrives, cut way back on the nitrogen, and increase the phosphorous. You’ll be ecstatic with the results.

Fertilizer – Calcium and other micro-nutrients: Among other things, Calcium helps plants to take up other nutrients from the soil, like phosphorous, which is essential to plants blooming. The lack of calcium in soluble form could keep the plant from taking in phosphorous. Other micro-nutrients help the plant in various ways. Apply liquid calcium. Use Miracle Grow, fish emulsion, or seaweed, which are rich in micro-nutrients.

Not Enough Sunlight: This is one of the most common causes of flowers failing to bloom. If there isn’t enough light, the plant can not support a flower. Sometimes there is far less light than the plant needs, causing it to drop leaves, too. When sunlight or artificial lighting isn’t sufficient, the plant does not bloom. Either increase sunlight to the plant or move it to a sunnier location.

Temperatures: Low temperatures delay buds forming and opening. Extremely cold weather can even kill buds. Protect plants on cold nights.

Rose Flower 10

More Reasons for Lack of Blooms

Improper Pruning:As a flower or a flowering bush gets too tall or too bushy, we often take out the pruner to give it t trim. Or, we pinch black the growing tips of plants, to get a bushier appearance. Eventually, you have to stop pinching back the plant, or buds will not be able to form. Frequently trimming the tops of plants to maintain a desired height, results in cutting off buds as they form. The fix is easy… stop pruning your plants, so they can put on a flowery display.

Age of Plant: Some plants are too young to produce flowers yet. They haven’t reached maturity. Some plants do not produce flowers until the second year after planting. Lilac bushes, for example, produce their first bloom after four to five years. All plants have an expected lifetime. At a certain age, bushes stop producing flowers.

Water – Insufficient Amounts: Dry soil and droughts can cause a plant to delay, halt, and even abort flowers. The plant focuses on survival, reserving the water for the main stem and leaves.

Insects: Some insects can kill buds and flowers, often by eating them. Aphids attach themselves to flower stems and suck vital juices, leaving little for the flower to form and grow. Use insecticides as needed.

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