Question: Would fertilizers, which have a burning effect when applied too closely to leaves and stems, have any harmful effect if placed very close to bulbs just starting to sprout in early spring? Will full sun cause flower buds of tuberous begonias to fall before opening? EC, Chicago, IL
Answer: As long as the fertilizer is not in actual contact with the bulbs, there should he no harmful effect unless it is used in excess. Tuberous begonias prefer shade from bright sunshine so try a change of location and set them where they get dappled shade.
