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How to make the most of your annual flowers in pots?

16/05/2025 - 12:20

Pots and planters tend to dry out quickly and lose nutrients faster than garden beds. To address this, incorporating a soil conditioner like TerraCottem enhances the soil’s capacity to retain water and nutrients—encouraging strong root development, vigorous growth, and longer-lasting blooms.

When mixed directly into potting soil, TerraCottem helps reduce watering frequency, optimises fertiliser efficiency, and increases plants’ resilience to drought.

In this guide, you'll learn how to use TerraCottem effectively for your potted annual flowers - step by step.

Why should I use TerraCottem for my potted flowers?

TerraCottem enhances the water retention of potting soil, allowing it to hold more moisture. This means you won’t need to water as often—ideal for anyone who occasionally forgets or for organisations like city services managing outdoor flower displays.

But there's more. The polymers in TerraCottem don’t just retain water; they also absorb nutrients, reducing leaching and increasing fertiliser efficiency.

Do you still need to add fertiliser? TerraCottem already includes fertilisers enriched with trace elements. After a few weeks—depending on the plant type and weather - you might consider supplementing with additional feed.

Then there’s the 'secret ingredient' in every TerraCottem soil improver: growth stimulators. These boost root development, resulting in more and longer roots.

The outcome? Healthier flowers, better drought resistance, less wilting, stronger above-ground growth, and richer blooms.

Which TerraCottem do I use for pots?

For annual flowers in pots, we recommend TerraCottem universal.

This granular blend includes volcanic lava rock, water-retaining polymers, fertilisers with trace elements, and growth stimulators - everything your plants need to thrive.

Benefits at a glance:

• More blooms per plant
• Extended flowering period
• Reduced water stress
• Less wilting
• More efficient fertiliser use

The result? Spectacular blooms all season long.

TerraCottem universal is available in both large and small packs, suitable for home gardeners and professionals alike.

You can find a full list of all our points of sale here:

How do I apply TerraCottem when potting?

It’s simple: since TerraCottem works at the root level, mix it thoroughly with your potting soil.

Step-by-step:

1. Mix the potting soil with the recommended dose of TerraCottem.
2. Spread a layer of this mixture over the drainage material (clay pebbles or potsherds) at the bottom of the pot.
3. Remove the plants from their growing pots.
4. Gently loosen the root ball.
5. Place the plants on the first layer of soil.
6. Fill the rest of the pot with the potting mix, leaving about 2 cm of space from the rim.
7. Press the soil down firmly.
8. Water generously.

What do I do with my potting soil afterwards?

The polymers in TerraCottem remain active for up to 8 years, so don’t throw away your potting soil after one season.

Instead, reuse it to enrich flower beds or borders:

• Spread the soil over bare areas.
• Mix it into the ground with a garden tiller.

This adds organic and mineral matter and hydrogels - leading to improved water retention and healthier plants.

Your flower beds will also become more drought-resistant.

How often should I water my flowers with TerraCottem?

That depends on the weather, the size of the pot, and the type of flowers.

However, TerraCottem significantly reduces the need for frequent watering. It stores irrigation water and gradually releases it to the roots. In practice, this can mean up to 50% fewer waterings.

Example: if you typically water daily on a sunny terrace, with TerraCottem you might only need to water every two or three days.

That said, regularly check whether the soil remains moist - especially on hot or windy days.

Still Have a Question?

• Check out our FAQ page for more answers.
• Need expert advice? Our bio-engineer Davy is here to help - just send your question to info@terracottem.be.

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