no peach blossoms

Our peach tree is studded with buds but none have bloomed except one. In fact, the buds would fall when I gently brushed them during a recent inspection. We were very excited for the day when the buds would open because we like how the blossoms look especially when the peach tree itself is not very attractive looking as is.



Searching on the world wide web for why the blossoms are not blooming helped to address our concern and confusion. The findings were enlightening and informative.

Fertilization:
Apparently peach trees prefer soils that are not heavily fertile when it comes to blooming. We had added a half inch layer of compost a few weeks ago. Fertile soils promotes growth instead of blooming and fruiting.

Weather:
Cold snaps or late spring frost when the tree has buds may cause the buds not to bloom. There were a few days that got chilly in early spring.

Location:
Peach trees like a sunny spot though we haven't moved the peach tree from the location since we placed it on the balcony last year. It bloomed last year though it may be because the buds were already established when I bought it.

If you have a similar problem with your peach tree you may find these links helpful.

http://gardening.about.com/od/fruitsberriesnuts/a/NoFruit.htm

http://www.ehow.com/info_8111787_peach-trees-not-blooming.html

http://www.gardenguides.com/105322-reasons-peach-tree-did-not-bloom.html

spring balcony garden 2013

Last weekend, we bought a bag of compost at the Union Square Greenmarket. I thought it was a good time to lay down some nutrients for the plants as they were beginning to come out of the soil, sprout new foliage, and buds. The seller advised us to apply a half inch of compost to each planter.



A week later, there were visible improvements to their development and growth. The tulips shot up some more. The planter with hyacinths and crocuses are more lush and green. The new growth of the irises are also doing well!





I also pruned back the mini rose bushes though left some tall stems because I could see potential growth. They too got a sprinkling of compost, which seemed to help with their foliage. Lots of new bright green leaves. I also didn't notice anymore black aphids. I had sprayed all the roses neem oil based solution.



Unfortunately, it's not all goods news. We lost a bunch of 'Pauline' dwarf irises last weekend and I believe it is due to a couple of factors over watering and/or the pot sitting in water, and apparently, they needed to be planted closer to the surface. I noticed the green shoots looked dry with yellowing tips. When I tugged on them, the shoots easily pulled away leaving a hole where it sprouted forth.

A couple of bulbs have not shot through the soil, which has me concerned. These are the Florentine tulips, delicate yellow tulips, and coral lilies. After searching online for other people who have experienced or have knowledge of growing these particular flowers, I learned that the florentine tulips may need a bit more sun and the coral lilies comes out later in the season. Well, I hope that is the case and I will see something in the near future.

The Japanese maples and peach tree loved the compost. The Beni Hime JM is doing especially well! It's leaves are bright pink, almost fuchsia, and like delicate feathers unfurling. It's really quite a pretty sight!



The buds of the peach tree are showing their blushing pink color. They are ready to explode open! I'm looking forward to these blossoms opening soon!



It won't be long until the garden will be filled with color and sweet fragrance from the flowers.