they were these little "flowering houseplant" fert spikes that came in a pack of 50 at the dollar store. contain like 10% total nitrogen but not all of it was usable or something like that... it said to put 3 little spikes in an 8 in diameter pot, which is what i have.

i don't know how it grew badly outside, except that now it is a bit chilly. like lows in the 40's at night.

i doubt it is too far in the flower stage, as the entire plant is so tiny and thin and straggly with only a few leaves.