Holiday shopping is coming! Get it done with Peoples’ Mobile App

Posted on September 25, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Floralapp on iPhone

It’s late September. That means we’re right around the corner from a whole slew of holidays. Halloween is first up. After that, we get Thanksgiving. Before you know it, it will be time for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. You probably haven’t started thinking about your holiday shopping list yet. Before you spend too much time fretting about the perfect gifts, download People’s mobile application and take all the worry out of the hectic holiday shopping times.

Get the App
Connecting with Peoples Flower Shops on your smartphone or tablet is as easy as pumpkin pie. It’s available for both iPhone and Android devices. Visit the app store for your mobile device and search for “Floralapp.” Download the app and start it up. Enter the keyword “PEOPLES” to get connected to Peoples Flowers. Alternately, just go to this page and follow the links.

You will be given the opportunity to create a profile or log in to an existing profile. This profile helps make ordering fast and easy. That’s especially smart when you’re running short on time right before a birthday or holiday and need a last-minute gift.

App Features
Great, you’ve got the app. What can you do with it? Browse bouquets, search for gifts and view specials. Check out the categories for quick access to gifts and flowers that are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. There’s even a section for business gifts, so you can get timely and appropriate thank-yous out to your clients or employees. You can even order corsages and other wearable flowers right through the app. Keep that in mind if you have fall or winter wedding plans.

Large photos make it easy to see what you’re shopping for and find the perfect gift. Keep an eye on the coupon and special offers section for the latest deals. Add a custom touch by choosing balloons, stuffed animals or chocolates for your order. You will have the opportunity to include a personalized message for the recipient.

Peoples’ app is available for both iPhone and Android.

Your Holiday Helper
Peoples’ mobile app is like having a shopping elf on your side. You can avoid slogging through mall parking lots or getting lost in an unending maze of online stores. Just fire up your mobile app and take care of all your personal or business gift needs. Whether you’re looking for a romantic bouquet of roses or a playful gourmet food basket, we’ve got you covered. It’s also great for procrastinators who find the holidays are sneaking up on them faster than expected.

Convenient Ordering
Peoples Flowers Shops has been in business since 1944. We offer the same outstanding customer service that we always have, but we have consistently added the latest technologies to make buying bouquets and gifts easy for our customers. Come into our stores, visit our website, or order on your mobile phone. No matter which way you order, you will still get the finest flowers and gifts in New Mexico.

Albuquerque (and Peoples Flowers) Loves the State Fair

Posted on September 17, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Enjoy treats at the New Mexico State Fair.

There are certain signs that fall has truly arrived in New Mexico. The smell of green chiles roasting fills the air, wildflowers show off of their last round of blooms, and the New Mexico State Fair welcomes families to an extravaganza of rides, horse shows and fun foods.

Don’t Miss these Floral Events
Everyone knows there are plenty of hair-rising rides, deep-fried treats and livestock shows during the fair, but don’t forget to take a peak beyond these and find some of the fun and unusual exhibits on display. Every day at the fair is a little bit different!

Peoples Flowers customers are fans of all things floral. The fair features a whole host of floriculture competitions sponsored by local garden clubs. Shows range from cactus exhibits to floral design competitions. Annuals and perennials both get their time in the spotlight. You will see everything from snapdragons to sage to decorative grasses.

Don’t miss the floral design shows. You’ll see some creative arrangements that will give you ideas for new favorite flowers. Find something you like? Take note and stop by Peoples Flowers. Our experienced design professionals can track down flowers and create customized arrangements that let you bring your fair experience home or share it as a gift for someone special.

There’s a special exhibit coming up on Friday, September 21 featuring roses, dahlias and oriental designs. This is a great place to find inspiration and fall in love with new flowers. Check your state fair map and schedule to find all the floral shows to explore. There are even youth divisions, so come out and support New Mexico’s future gardeners and florists.

Bring home the Spirit of Fall.

Special Shows for 2012
When you’re done exploring the floral delights of the state fair, venture out to check out some of the unusual performances this year. Birdman of Las Vegas shows off trained exotic birds in a high-flying show that will please kids just as much as parents. Mapapa African Acrobats will wow the audience with their flexibility and skill. You definitely won’t want to miss Page’s White Tiger Show. Watching these beautiful big cats perform is a rare treat for New Mexico.

Bring the Celebration Home
If you’ve ever walked the state fair midway at night, you’ve seen the explosion of bright colors shining from the rides. Light bulbs blink and and there’s a sense of excitement. Capture that feeling in your own home with a bouquet from Peoples Flowers. Looking for an easy way to share the fair fun of fall? Order a Spirit of Fall bouquet for delivery to your favorite person.

The 2012 New Mexico State Fair has just started. Remember, parking is free this year. Take the family and have a blast!

10 Things You Didn’t Expect to Find in a Flower Shop

Posted on September 6, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Find gorgeous gifts of all kinds at Peoples.

When you step into a Peoples store, you are surrounded by the delights of fresh flowers, bouquets, and custom arrangements. But that’s not all you’ll find. From dainty ceramic blue birds to stained glass to fountains of green ivy, Peoples is the answer to all your gift and decor desires.

1. Candles
Enjoy the warm glow of scented candles when you shop for Bridgewater Candles at Peoples. We carry any array of soothing, spicy, and floral-scented candles in colors to match your mood and decor. With their universal appeal, candles make gift shopping easy.

2. Garden decor
Peoples Flower Shops is a celebration of all things floral. That means our stores also carry decor for your own garden or for giving as gifts. For example, a bronzed metal sun will truly light up your yard no matter the weather.

3. Silk flowers
Silk flowers aren’t just for hobby and craft stores. Peoples carries a colorful selection of high-quality silk flowers for long-lasting, low-maintenance decorating. These are the perfect solution for people with allergies or anyone who needs a durable alternative to real flowers.

4. Ceramics
Peoples stocks colorful ceramic items, whether it’s a whimsical bluebird or a unique vase to hold your flowers. You are sure to find something irresistible.

We carry decor for inside and outside.

5. Interior decorations
When you’re looking for a way to personalize your home, come get some fresh ideas at Peoples. From ornate plant stands to tall decorative vases, we have interior decor items that will tickle your fancy. Browse our stores to discover a delightful selection to beautify the home.

6. Unusual Gifts
When you want to add some oomph to your gift-giving plans, stop by Peoples. Pick out a bouquet and then add even more flair with a beautiful bird gift box or adorable stuffed animal. We have gifts to fit every personality.

7. Edibles
Chocolates and flowers go hand-in-hand when it comes to classic gift ideas. Peoples has partnered with local candy maker Buffet’s for a selection of outstanding chocolates. We don’t just cater to sweet tooths. Order gifts packages ranging from lobsters to steaks to hot sauce collections to college survival kits through our website.

8. Stained glass
You probably didn’t expect to find a stunning stained glass peacock in a flower shop, but it’s one of many unusual gifts and decor items we have at Peoples.

9. House plants
Healthy house plants add life and fun to any home. Peoples always carries a wide variety of plants that can thrive inside. Choose from gorgeous greenery or flowering plants that bring cheer to any room. Check out our tips for keeping your flowering plants happy and blooming for a long time.

10. Gift baskets
Albuquerque relies on Peoples Flower Shops for bouquets, but we’re also a top resource for gift baskets of all kinds. From personal “thank-yous” to business gifts, we have a the perfect basket to get your message across. Got a golfing dad? Try our Only Fore Dad Golf Tray. Got a special lady in mind? Check out our Mandarin Spa Basket. Come into our stores to customize a one-of-a-kind gift basket.

Discover the Beautiful Blooms of September

Posted on September 3, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Enjoy the colors of early fall.

We tend to think of spring as prime time for flowers, but fall has its own special mix of elegant and exuberant blooms. September, in particular, is a great month for seasonal specials. You might be surprised at the number and variety of flowers that are showing off in late summer and early fall. Follow along as we tiptoe through some of our favorite September seasonal blooms.

Romantic Roses
Many roses go through two blooming cycles during the year, a major bloom in spring and then a smaller, but just as lovely, bloom in the fall. This means many roses are in season for September. This is great news for anyone planning a fall wedding with a traditional style theme. Romance is year-round! You can also feel good about picking out a selection of seasonal roses to share your love with that special someone.

As September moves along, think about branching out into fall rose colors such as yellow and orange to really celebrate the arrival of autumn. Peoples’ English Breakfast bouquet features a combination of fanciful fall blooms, including yellow roses and hydrangeas.

Dashing Dahlias
Dahlias are a quintessential flower of late summer and early fall. These flowers are very architectural in their shape and come in many different colors, ranging from peppy pink to antique-looking bronze. Dahlias are small wonders of geometry, with each bloom radiating outward in a show of beauty.

A collection of dahlias can make for a truly stunning bridal bouquet for a September wedding. Their shape, strength, and beauty will compliment any dress or decor. Peoples’ experienced wedding consultants can help you track down the perfect dahlias to meld with your wedding theme and colors.

Hydrangeas make for a gorgeous backdrop for these lilies.

Happy Hydrangeas
Showy hydrangeas are prized for their variety of colors and pom-pom blooms. These fun flowers typically begin blooming in mid-summer and continue into early fall. Hydrangeas can be combined with other flowers to create a unique look that really stands out. Peoples’ Stargazers and Hydrangeas bouquet is a great example of this. The strong lines of the lilies show up in stunning contrast against a canvas of hydrangeas.

Awesome Asters
Asters are a favorite fall plant. These hardy flowers bloom well into autumn. They attract butterflies when planted in a garden, and will be sure to attract your eye when included in a bouquet. Asters are prolific bloomers with small flowers that lend a sense of softness to an arrangement. They are often found in shades of pink, purple and white. Add them as accents to a larger bouquet or enjoy their delicate daisy-like flowers grouped together in a dainty collection.

Get your September Bouquets
Feeling inspired? Drop by any of our Albuquerque-area Peoples Flower Shop locations, visit us online or call us at 800-727-1600 or 505-884-1600 to put together your very own bouquet in celebration of September.

Peoples’ Tips for Cut Flowers that Last Longer

Posted on August 30, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Keep your flowers fresh with clean water.

When you receive flowers, you want this gorgeous gift to last for as long as possible. There are a few simple steps you can take to keep your flowers looking vibrant and fresh for days to come.

It Starts with the Source
Fresh flowers will last longer once they are in your home and office than flowers that have been sitting around for many days. That’s why Peoples Flowers has a commitment to providing only the freshest and healthiest blooms so you can enjoy your bouquet for a long time.

Follow the Care Instructions
Your flowers are usually delivered with a set of simple care instructions. If a packet of flower food is included, open it and pour it into the vase. Mix well with water before placing your flowers inside. The packet may have specific instructions for the ratio of water to the amount of flower food. You will want to take care not to over-dilute it.

Just what is flower food? It’s usually a combination of ingredients designed to extend the life your flowers and prevent bacteria from growing in the vase. It can provide nutrients that keep your bouquet healthy over time and acidifiers that keep the water clean. Think of it as fuel for your cut flowers!

Place the Vase
The location of an arrangement can have a big impact on its longevity. If you place it near a heater in the winter, it will be prone to drying out quickly. Find a temperate spot like the middle of the dining room table or atop a mantle when you’re not building fires. You might also want to avoid placing the vase in direct sunlight or in the path of a draft. When you take care in placing your flowers, you can enjoy their beauty without dehydrating them.

For a long-lasting bouquet, get the freshest flowers possible.

Trim to Extend Time
Trimming an inch or two off the stems of the flowers can help the blooms pull in more water and last longer. This is especially true if the ends have gotten dried out. Use sharp scissors or a sharp knife to achieve a nice, clean cut without crushing the stems. Keep an eye out for broken or drooping stems and remove them so they don’t visually detract from the rest of the bouquet.

Change the Water
Start with a clean vase if you’re providing your own. Wash it out well with dish soap and rinse thoroughly before placing the flowers in. If the water gets murky or the water level is low, then it’s time to refresh the water supply in your vase. If you have a clear vase, this is easy to see. If you have an opaque vase, you’ll want to remind yourself to check it. A daily refresher can be a big boost to extending the life of your bouquet.

Talk to Peoples
Different flowers have different cut life spans. If you’re looking for a recommendation, then call Peoples or drop by any of our locations for expert advice on choosing long-lasting blooms. We’ll be happy to customize an arrangement to meet your tastes and your time-frame.

You May Never Dial 1-800 for Flowers Again

Posted on August 29, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Peoples delivers fresh, stunning arrangements.

Our airwaves and online visits are filled with ads for flowers. Photos of lush bouquets emanating from large vases implore you to call 1-800 to order now for delivery. Ordering from a huge 1-800 company is a lot like fast food. The commercials look appetizing, but the actual product can be very different.

The 1-800 Way
What happens when you call a big 1-800 flower company? You are connected to an order taker who is part of a massive call center somewhere far away. That person’s only interest is selling you the biggest bouquet possible, price-wise. He isn’t thinking about what flowers are in season or what would be a good fit for your gift recipient. It’s about taking orders and moving on. Some companies even ship flowers in boxes with the vase packed separately so that recipient has to put her own bouquet together. That takes some of the fun out of receiving flowers.

Peoples Flowers’ Way
It doesn’t have to be like this. There is a better way. Call 505-884-1600 to talk to Peoples Flower Shops. We’re a local, family-owned business and we know flowers. Our floral professionals can suggest beautiful seasonal arrangements, track down hard-to-find flowers, and customize bouquets to meet your needs and budget. Plus, local business means local delivery. Your flowers will arrive fresh, unbruised and beautiful.

Hidden Costs for Low Prices
Big 1-800 companies often pull in customers with extremely low advertised prices. That can be tempting, but look out for extra costs hidden in high service and delivery fees. Big delivery prices means less of your money goes to the actual flowers. Your dollar goes much further with Peoples. Our prices are competitive and we don’t surprise our customers with unreasonable extra fees.

Visit any of our Albuquerque shops for personal service.

Customer Service Makes the Difference
This is a story about customer service. We don’t have a warehouse-sized call center, but we do have a dedicated staff who is knowledgeable, friendly, and dedicated to delivering gorgeous fresh flowers. With a large 1-800 company, what you think you’ve ordered is not always what is delivered. With Peoples, our design professionals and delivery team will make sure the bouquet is gorgeous and arrives in lovely shape, ready to wow the recipient.

With Peoples, you have a point of contact to walk with you through the ordering process, answer any questions, fill you in on flower availability, and provide any follow-up you might need. Some big flower companies will substitute flowers, which can be an unwelcome surprise. With Peoples, we know what’s available and how to keep the blooms looking their best from our stores to your door. So go ahead and pick up the phone with confidence. Peoples Flower Shops is just a ring away at 505-884-1600.

For the Love of Silk (Flowers) + Peoples’ Silk Sale

Posted on August 2, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Silk flowers are bright and lovely.

Ah, silk. It’s a symbol of luxury and strength. Silk flowers embody the beauty of the material and their real-life inspirations. Many modern artificial flowers are sometimes made of materials other than silk. You may find a combination of cotton, polyester or silk. The appeal of these flowers is obvious. It’s a way to capture the glory of nature in a durable and long-lasting form.

Why Silk?
Silk flowers have a long history. Once enjoyed by royalty, they are now available to all. Silk flowers are prized for their long-lasting beauty and artful design. Many mimic real flowers such as roses or orchids, but they maintain their color and loveliness for the long term. Silk flowers are lightweight and don’t require maintenance other than an occasional dusting.

Silk flowers travel well and hold their petals. They aren’t subject to wilt and are resistant to fading. One of the big bonuses of silk flowers is that they are suitable for people with allergies. You can still enjoy the beauty and natural form of flowers without all the sneezing. Pet owners with cats or dogs that can’t leave real flowers alone can use silk as an alternative and still enjoy the color and form of flowers in their homes. Silk flowers are available year-round, so you can find your favorite flower even if it’s out of season.

Silk Flowers for Weddings

Silk flowers are a durable choice for weddings.

Silk flowers can be a wise choice for extreme weather weddings where you may be concerned about real flowers wilting in the hot sun or freezing in the cold. You can easily mix silk arrangements with real flowers. Use the silk for the outdoor reception or for decorating the entry to the celebration and the real flowers for the inside ceremony.

Silk flowers can give creative brides an opportunity to play with different floral arrangements ahead of the ceremony without worrying about damaging delicate flowers. There are some advantages to using silk flowers in the bride’s bouquet. They can withstand handling and still look crisp for the ceremony. One lucky bridesmaid will get a bouquet that still looks great after the traditional bouquet toss during the celebration.

Silk bouquets can be kept after the ceremony and re-used for other events, around your house, or as reminders of your special day. Save them for your anniversary celebration every year or give them out as take-home gifts for wedding attendees.

Sizzlin’ Summer Silk Sale
Peoples Flower Shops’ Sizzlin’ Summer Silk Sale is going on right now through August 11. Take 50 percent off any silk arrangement in our stores. Take 10 percent off all candles, sachets, oils and chocolate. We have four convenient locations around Albuquerque in Nob Hill, Downtown, the Northeast Heights and Far North on Montgomery. Stop in and browse our colorful selection of silk to brighten your home, decorate for a special event or give as a thoughtful gift.

Sparkling Summer Wedding Ideas from Peoples Flower Shops

Posted on July 29, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Let the colors of summer inspire your wedding decor.

Many couples choose to get married in the bright, warm summer months. It’s a beautiful time of year and you have a good chance of great weather for outdoor nuptials. Get married by a lake or under the climbing roses of the Albuquerque Botanic Garden. The sun will smile on your wedding and your guests will enjoy the fresh air and beauty of your surroundings. Embrace the fun of the season with summer weddings ideas and tips from Peoples Flowers.

Seasonal Sensations
Summer evokes warm shades of yellow, orange and red. Use these cheerful colors to add spice to your ceremony. They can be reflected in the bridesmaids dresses, decorations, and floral arrangements. The abundant fruits and vegetables of the season can give you inspiration for food and cocktails for the reception.

A summer theme wedding might be your cup of tea. Beach and garden themes are fun and allow you to put your own unique stamp on the celebration. Think outside of the box with a desert theme wedding that embraces cacti and the rich reds and ochres of the New Mexico high desert. Use your imagination and tap into your creativity to personalize a summer wedding theme to fit you and your fiance.

Summer Blooms

Use Gerbera daisies for a fun flair.

The flowers of summer are bright and memorable. These include lilies, roses, sunflowers and Gerbera daisies. Daisies can be either dainty or flashy, making them a versatile choice for any summer wedding. Check out examples of Peoples’ daisy arrangements with a peek at our delicate Dashing Daisies and vibrant Gotcha Gerberas.

You can really bring the feel of summer into your celebration with a collection of sunflowers. These make great centerpieces for tables and add a warm flair to accent arrangements at your wedding venue. Stop by any of our Albuquerque metro area locations to see our spectacular summer blooms in person and find inspiration for your own custom floral decor for your wedding.

Remember the Shade
Many couples choose summer weddings for the opportunity to have their ceremony outside. If you’re getting married in New Mexico, that means you may have to contend with high temperatures and the occasional monsoon rain. Don’t let the fickleness of the weather dissuade you from your dream wedding.

You might want to choose a venue that also offers a shaded or rain-protective place to exchange vows should the weather get fussy. Provide guests with parasols or umbrellas to ward against sun or showers. Have lots of cold liquids available to keep everyone hydrated and happy. Lemonade is a refreshing option.

Plan with Peoples
Peoples Flowers can turn your summer wedding dreams into reality with artful arrangements designed just for you. Our experienced wedding floral designers can work with your color palette, track down hard-to-find flowers and deliver delightful bouquets and decorations to your wedding venue. Request an appointment with one of our talented wedding specialists today.

Chill Out in the Hot Summer with Cool Gifts from Peoples Flowers

Posted on July 26, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Revel in summer with a sunflower bouquet.

Summer is in full swing in New Mexico. Albuquerque temperatures are in the 90s and the monsoon rains aren’t quite enough to quench our thirst for cool during the long, hot days. There are a lot of ways to chill out during high temperatures. Crank up the swamp cooler. Turn on the air conditioning. Make some iced tea. Then, browse Peoples Flower Shops’ collection of cool summer gifts online or in-store.

Cool off with Green Plants
Summer is associated with hot colors like red, yellow and orange. Cool off your senses by delving into the world of green plants. We offer many different sizes of plants, whether you’re looking for a small basket of greenery to place on a desk or a large indoor plant that will make a statement. The rounded leaves of the Schefflera plant make for a great accent piece to remind you of cooler days and the abundant green of spring.

You can go green and still have a splash of accent color when you choose a Bromeliad. This tropical plant combines long leaves with a spike of color rising from the center. It’s a long-lasting gift that features both the cool green of fresh foliage and the bright orange-red of summer. Green plants are a lovely way to add to your personal collection of houseplants, but they also make great gifts for budding green thumbs. They are a welcome business gift, bringing liveliness and verdant colors to any office environment.

Feel the heat with our spicy Bucket of Fire.

Embrace the Heat
A lot of New Mexicans love the warm weather and hot chiles of the Land of Enchantment. We’ve heard that eating hot foods makes you sweat…and that in turn cools you off. Test that theory with our Summer Heat Bucket of Fire. This silver bucket is full of fiery treats like special hot sauces and crunchy snacks with a spicy kick. Summer time is also grilling time. Bring a wow factor to any backyard barbeque with Peoples’ Maine Tails & Filet Mignon package full of four fresh Maine lobster tails and four filets.

Now that your taste buds are tingling, excite your eyes with an arrangement from our collection of summer flowers. If you’re looking to tailor a gift package or arrangement for a summer birthday or wedding, our design professionals can create the perfect custom package. From delightful sunflowers to the cool, fresh blooms of our Victorian Summer bouquet, Peoples has your every mood and occasion covered.

Summer Gifts for Seasonal Fun
Green plants, spicy taste treats and buoyant bouquets are just some of the cool summer gifts Peoples has to offer. We invite you to come by any of our Albuquerque area locations in Nob Hill, Downtown, the Northeast Heights and Far North on Montgomery. We have an outstanding selection of summer gifts ranging from yard art to home decor and the freshest seasonal flowers for custom bouquets. No matter what the thermometer says, you’ll be the coolest person around when you give a gift from Peoples.

Flowering Plants from Peoples are Perfect for Budding Green Thumbs

Posted on July 20, 2012 by peoplesflowers

Revel in greenery with the European Garden basket.

Some people are born gardeners. Some people have to learn. The New Mexico climate, with long spells of dry weather and copious monsoon rains, can be a challenge for gardeners. One way to exercise your green thumb is with indoor plants. Flowering plants, in particular, are a beautiful way to bring color into a home.

Giving Flowering Plants as Gifts
When deciding between a bouquet or a flowering plant as a gift, consider the person you are sending it to. Is he already a gardener? Does she already have houseplants? Is it someone living in an apartment who misses having space to grow plants? Those are all perfect recipients for a flowering plant. When you give a flowering plant, you’re sharing a gift that will stay around as a reminder of a wonderful occasion.

Even after the first round of blooms are done, many flowering plants will bloom again with plentiful, fresh flowers. It’s a great way to introduce loved ones to gardening or add to an avid indoor gardener’s existing collection. Let the professional florists at Peoples Flowers help you discover the perfect flowering plant for your own home or as a gift for someone special.

Choose a Flowering Plant
Peoples Flowers offers a variety of different plants at our Albuquerque metro area locations and through our nationwide delivery service. For a classy and elegant gift, look to our orchid selection. These exotic flowers are settled into a decorative container and are always visually impressive. An orchid fits into any decor and offers long-lasting blooms.

Emphasize the greenery with the combination of blooming and foliage plants in our European Garden arrangement, a delightful antidote to hot days in the high desert areas of New Mexico. A mum plant is another great choice for a summery gift. Bright yellow flowers bring a sense of cheer and sunshine. Know someone with a gourmet streak? Look to People’s Food and Plant Basket for a fun combination of edibles paired with a small potted plant. It’s the best of both worlds delivered together in a woven basket.

A Mum plant is a cheery gift.

Caring for Flowering Plants
Flowering plants from Peoples Flowers make for welcome, low-maintenance house guests. Here are a few tips for keeping your new plant happy. Remove old blooms or leaves. A pair of scissors or pinching with your fingers will keep the plant looking clean and attractive. You can set the plant in a saucer for watering or simply place it in the sink, soak it and allow the excess to run off.

Many flowering plants will be happy with indirect sunlight. A windowsill or table near a window may be the perfect location. With a little care, flowering plants will often deliver new rounds of blooms to brighten your room. Certain plants like particular conditions such as moist soil or warm temperatures. The best gauge is to simply keep an eye on your plant. If it’s happy and healthy, it will show it and reward you with a new round of color.