Hey everyone! I'm struggling to keep my new lantana and zinnias alive. I planted three of each in a window box about a week ago using MiracleGro potting mix. After planting, I added some fertilizer to the water and since then I've been giving them 1.5-2L of water every other day. They do drain some water each time, and they get around 6-7 hours of direct sunlight daily. I'm located in zone 6a, and it's been really hot (up to 90°F) with no rain. I'm worried I'm already failing at keeping these plants healthy. Any tips would be a lifesaver! ? I've also added some photos in the comments.
3 Answers
Lantana is super resilient and really enjoys the heat, especially in Texas summers. Once established, it usually comes back every year without much fuss. I'd say don’t stress too much; just let nature do its thing when it rains.
It sounds like you might have over-fertilized a bit. The MiracleGro potting mix already has some fertilizer in it, which could burn the roots if you added more. Just keep up with watering and hope for the best!
Zinnias are thirsty plants! On those hot days, you might want to water them at least twice if they're in containers like yours. They really benefit from extra hydration, especially when it's scorching outside.