Flowers haven't flowered!

[lucca]

Most of my flowers are perennials and they've done quite well, considering some of the weather we've had. I planted a few bedding plants e.g french marigolds but only about half have flowered. The plants themselves look quite sturdy and healthy, but green! Any ideas, you clever ABers? TIA

[rowanwitch]

three possibilities Lucca one is the soil is too richin nitrogen causing the plants to produce leaf growth only in which case feeding with a high potash feed will help, and din't use combined feeds in that area for a couple of years till the balance is restored

Birds are picking off the buds while your back is turned....pigeons like marigold buds especially

least likely is a problem with early cultivation where a late frost may have damaged the tips of the plant damaging the clusters of cells from which flower buds develop....those shoots won't flower successfully..

I would pinch back any really vigorous shoots a couple of leaf joints back and feed with a special flower food...you should get lots of late bloom....

Hoppe that helps
Rowan

[lucca]

Many thanks, rowanwitch - never thought of the pigeons, but we have got quite a few so they've probably helped themselves. Actually, we've had loads of birds of all kinds this year - much more than usual. Will try the vigorous pinching back idea - sounds like a meeting with redman!

[rowanwitch]

Glad to help....hope all is blooming marvellous shortly

[redman41]

Hello lucca, how are you ? xx