Thank you for contacting us about fertilizing your violas and daylilies – such wonderful, old-fashioned favorites! Neither plant needs much (another reason they do well and are favorites), but I found references that might give you more information.

Fertilizing violas (or any members of the pansy family) –Apply a 5-10-10 granular fertilizer in late fall and again in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can make the plants susceptible to rot. The 3 numbers on fertilizer packaging are N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), and K (potassium) – so 5-10-10 is lower in nitrogen.

Fertilizing daylilies – here’s information from one of the daylily growers: Daylilies aren’t picky about their fertilizer, and usually do well with any balanced fertilizer. We typically use a balanced mix, such as 10-10-10, of a granular fertilizer each spring, broadcasting it over the top of the daylilies. Slow release fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, compost or well-rotted manure are all good choices as well. It is always a good idea to have a soil test done, especially if you feel like you have an unusual soil situation. We recommend fertilizing in the spring after most of the risk of a hard frost has passed. Two other times you might consider fertilizing – before bloom season, perhaps with a high nitrogen-type fertilizer to promote lush growth and bloom, and in late summer or fall with a balanced fertilizer.

Karin