Epsom salt for plants is a beneficial supplement for improving flower color and encouraging healthier blooms.

This easy-to-use natural option contains magnesium and sulfur, essential nutrients that support plant growth and vitality.

Read on to learn when and how to use Epsom salt for plants.

Gloved hands holding pile of epsom salt over tomato plant

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

What Is Epsom Salt?

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is often used for therapeutic andhousehold benefits.

Epsom salt is commonly used in gardening to improve soil quality and promote plant growth.

Hand sprinkling epsom salt at the base of a tomato plant

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

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Why Use Epsom Salt for Plants?

Using Epsom salt for plants offers numerous benefits.

Diluting epsom salt in a watering can to apply to the base of plants

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Its versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable addition to many uses in the garden.

Epsom salt aids seed germination, promoting more vigorous plant growth.

Beyond that, it is a natural repellent against slugs and other pests, safeguarding plants from damage.

Using epsom salt as a foliar spray on roses

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly

Incorporating Epsom salt into the soil mix can provide immediate benefits when applied to newly planted seedlings.

Adding the minerals that make up Epsom salt supports strong root growth and helps prevent transplant shock.

Watering seedlings with a diluted Epsom salt solution can promote the seedling’s resilience and growth.

Korean azalea

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

The exact amount of Epsom salt required may differ depending on thetype of plant you’re treating.

To get the best results, apply the Epsom salt during the growing season to support healthy growth.

Tomatoes

Whenplanting tomatoes, add one to two tablespoons of Epsom salt to the soil.

Plants that thrive in acidic soillike azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberriesmay suffer from Epsom salt’s magnesium content.

Compost or organic fertilizers are good substitutes for Epsom salt for plants.

They provide a balanced mix of nutrients without the risk of overloading the soil with magnesium or sulfur.