The best way to grow gunneras
How do I properly grow gunneras and what is the best fertilizer to use?
**FULL QUESTION**
Dear Gardening Life,
I have had gunneras in my garden for years and always have the same problem. They do great until about August and then the weight of the leaves makes them collapse. They receive lots of water but need the right fertilizer. What is best type of fertilizer to use? Also, should I be cutting off the small leaves so the larger leaves grow bigger?
*—Joan Therrien*
**FULL ANSWER**
Hi Joan!
I assume you are in BC if you have had gunneras for years. From what I have researched, I think the premature collapse might be due to too much sun and/or dryness. Protection from the hottest noonday sun seems best. They do need constant moisture, though the crowns should be kept high and dry. And they are heavy feeders. The best gunnera I’ve seen growing in a BC garden was planted in one-quarter garden soil and three-quarters sea soil, top-dressed annually with sea soil. The owner had ringed it with a soaker hose that dripped slowly all the time. Another gunnera grower has success using the fertilizer pond spikes recommended for aquatic plants. He just pushes three spikes into the ground around the plant, removing them in fall; they last two seasons, he says. Re cutting off the small leaves, I wouldn’t, especially if the size of the leaves may be contributing to their collapse.
Hope that helps,
*—Karen York, GL Botanical Editor*
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