They are normally fed when the leaves on the x orientalis types begin to droop, usually about the middle of September. Feed with a good general purpose fertiliser. Ashwoods use Chicken pellets.

Many thanks. I've tried growing the well known white Niger in the past without success, I'm now using pots in the hope I'll have better luck.

H. niger are very site specific. If they like your garden , then great, if not then they die.

Oh heck, I hope they like where I've got them now.