I need to know how to get my Bougainvillea plant to bloom.? Is there some trick to it? Fertilizer, sun?

Do you live in an area that gets frost? Check Sunset garden zones if you live out west. They do best in coastal areas, no freeze zones.

I need to know how to get my Bougainvillea plant to bloom.? Is there some trick to it? Fertilizer, sun?
Things I have been told by growers(they supply plants to the garden centers, etc.):





Bougainvillea need well drained soil.


At least 4-5 hours full sun per day.


Do not overwater.


They do not like slow release fertilizer - use water soluble fertilizer and feed when watering.
Reply:I live in San Diego, the home of huge bougainvillea that bloom in nearly every color, except at my house! I have 5 plants, two of which are the new bush spieces and finally after 3 years one of them is blooming. I alreadly killed 5 others. I used the new Miracle Grow liquid fertilizer and believe it worked.
Reply:Don't water it too much. I leave mine completely alone and it blooms like crazy.
Reply:Epsom salt and water our wallmart sells epsom salt in the first aid and garden section its becomming so popular to get plants to bud.
Reply:Agree, dont water Bougainvilleas ever unless you live in the desert or very arid climate, and then only occasionally. Also an occasional light trimming can help.
Reply:You don't say how long ago you planted your Bougainvillea. It takes them quite awhile to adjust when they've been transplanted. There are many in our Irvine community (as well as one in my yard and one in my neighbor's yard) and I've noticed that it sometimes takes one to three years for them to start thriving and blooming. They don't seem to need much in the way of fertilizer or water, just sun and patience.
Reply:Use a bloom fertilizer (10-54-10) and follow the directions on the box.