You might have heard that coffee grounds are a great way to help your hydrangeas grow. But an expert has warned that it may not be as effective as you think for one crucial reason.
Hydrangeas are one of Britain’s most popular flowers. Beloved for their brightly coloured halos of petals and sweet fragrance, they’re a brilliant way to brighten up any garden. They also come in a variety of hues, from deep blues to purples and vibrant pinks. However, especially with spring’s unpredictable weather, you may find they actually need a boost.
A popular solution has been to use coffee grounds. Coffee actually makes a fantastic fertiliser, as it is high in elements like nitrogen, which is crucial for plant growth.
Nitrogen helps form chlorophyll, which is the compound that allows plants to photosynthesis and to absorb necessary nutrients. It also lends leaves and stems their green colour.
It’s also efficient for your wallet. Many of us have coffee at home and even for those who don’t, you can pick up coffee grounds for as little as £1.20 from Ocado.
However, when it comes to hydrangeas, it may not be all its cranked up to me. Experts have advised that the ingredient isn’t as effective for hydrangeas as it appears to be online. Coffee has been credited with lowering the pH of the soil. Hydrangeas tend to prefer acidic soils, so the idea is that coffee could help them grow faster.
But Beautiful Homes and Gardens warn that its impact has been overblown. They write: “There is a myth that coffee grounds will lower the soil pH to help acid-loving plants, like hydrangeas, grow. However, coffee grounds won’t lower the pH significantly enough to make an impact. If you want to lower your soil pH, it’s best to use a fertilizer designed to do this.”
While coffee grounds aren’t bad for plants, if you’re hoping to accelerate the growth of your hydrangeas you may be out of luck. Fortunately, there are plenty of other products which will help.
If you want to make your soil more acidic and lend your flowers a beautiful blue colour, then you could try using aluminium sulphate. This tried and tested white salt is credited with lowering the pH of soil.
Although, be careful to wear gloves when using it in your garden. While it is safe to ingest, it can be irritating to your skin.
It doesn’t have to break the bank, either. You can order a 200g bag for just £5.35 from Amazon. Otherwise, you can find a pack at your local homeware store.
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