So, your nerines aren’t flowering?
Don’t worry. As an experienced gardener, I know what are the reasons behind it, and I’ll tell you how to make your nerines flowering!
Why aren’t Your Nerines Flowering?
There are many reasons why your nerines aren’t flowering. Your nerines might be probably overcrowded. They might also fail to flower, because they’re not mature enough, or they’re planted too deeply.
Nerines flower from September to November, however, if they’re not producing flowers in these months, there is something wrong.
There are 7 reasons why your nerines aren’t flowering. They might be planted too close together, which causes lack of nutrients to grow flowers.
It’s also possible that your nerines are too young, and they will start flowering after a few years. Also, I can’t exclude that you planted the bulbs too deeply, which results in no flowering.
However, read all the possible reasons, recognize them, and read what you can do about it.
Nerines are Overcrowded
If your nerines aren’t flowering, one of the most common reasons behind that is that the bulbs are planted too close to each other.
If the flowers are planted too close, they might exhibit healthy foliage, but the flowering process will be sparse, or won’t occur at all. That’s because the crowded bulbs or roots aren’t able to extract sufficient soil nutrients for flower production.
If you’ve planted your nerines closer than 4 inches (10 cm) to each other, the flower will suffer from overcrowding. Moreover, the plant is more vulnerable to pests and diseases, and nutrient deficiency.
To solve that, dig up the clumps of bulbs in early summer and divide them before replanting. Plant bulbs at least 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) apart. That way, you prevent overcrowding. You can apply a mulch of sharp grit (like this one on Amazon) to discourage slugs and snails.
The Flower is too Young
All flowers need some time to mature, and start flowering. The same applies to nerines.
If this is your first season of growing nerines, you can’t expect them to flower. Nerines need more time to establish roots. Usually, you should expect your nerines to start flowering in the second, third, or sometimes even fourth year after planting, so you need to be patient.
Also, if they have been moved or replanted, bulbs will often delay blooming for a year after being divided.
Nerines Planted too Deeply
If you planted your nerines too deeply, they might fail to flower.
Deeply planted bulbs may “suffocate.†When this occurs, the plant may break ground and, at first, appear to be healthy, but no flowers will emerge. Moreover, planting nerines bulbs too deep may lead to odd-looking stems and leaves.
Also, you will know the bulbs were planted too deeply if the stems of your flowers may turn out abnormally long.
The right way to plant nerines is when the neck of the bulb just visible above the soil surface, no more than two-thirds the depth of the bulb.
To solve this problem, you don’t have to dig up the bulbs and disturb them. Just scrape back some of the soil, and the plant should start producing flowers.
They Don’t Get Enough Sun
If you can exclude the aforementioned causes, the lack of sun might be the problem.
Nerines require partial sun to partial shade. If you don’t provide them adequate light, the leaves might get paler, the stem will extend, and of course flowers won’t appear.
If you suspect the sunlight is a problem, site them where they will receive morning sun and afternoon shade, if you live in a warm climate (9-11 USDA zones). In cooler climates, full sun will produce the best results.
Too Much Nitrogen
Nitrogen promotes stem and leaf growth in plants. However, if your nerines get too much nitrogen, it can result in lush, green growth, but it can also reduce flowering.
To fix this problem, stop using your fertilizer. Watering your plants will wash away some of the excess nitrogen. Wait a couple of weeks, then switch to a new fertilizer with extra phosphorus and little to no nitrogen. This one on Amazon is good.
Inadequate Watering
Overwatering, or under watering, might be the reasons why your nerines aren’t flowering.
How to water your nerines properly? During active growth periods, water the flowers generously. When the plant is dormant, water very little. The soil should be constantly wet, but not waterlogged in the summer.
If your nerines are overwatered, they won’t flower, because they will develop root rot. The leaves will be wilting, and turn yellow. If the flowers are under watered, the signs will be similar.
Overwatered nerines are hard to rescue, and if the root is damaged, there’s nothing you can do. However, under watered nerines should be rejuvenated with regular, and proper watering.
Too Low Temperature
If your nerines experienced some frost in the spring, and the temperature was lower than 32 °F (0 °C), it could quickly damage or kill flower buds, resulting in no flowers on a plant.
The other sign of frost is sudden wilting of the outer growth. The wilted growth will turn brown or black and eventually become crispy.
Unfortunately, your nerines won’t produce flowers, but if the root, and stems are intact, you should prune the damaged area, and wait for the flowers in the next season.
Sources
sungardening.co.uk, homeguides.sfgate.com, sarahraven.com, hort.extension.wisc.edu, peppershomeandgarden.com, easytogrowbulbs.com, gardeningknowhow.com, gardenculturemagazine.com