fertilizer timing

TZ-OH6 · July 5, 2013

We have had over two weeks of wet weather (but not too wet I don't think), and the result of that is a massive surge in growth. I'm guessing that my granular fertilizer (12-12-12), tilled in before planting, finally got a chance to dissolve and is now available to the roots. This all occurred in the middle of flowering so I'm wondering how the surge in top growth now will affect production, bulking etc.

**Tom Wagner** · July 5, 2013

Seems that a fertilizer spike during blooming is close to what some farmers want. The blooming and new growth coincide with tuber initiation on the stolons and bulking will occur on a timely basis. The tubers may taste a bit sweeter than if the fertilizer was moderated more.

The idea is to get the haulm developed and allow for the nutrients to be stored in the leaves with ample transocation of those nutrients to the tubers as the leaves begin to turn yellow and senescence sets in.

TZ-OH6 · July 5, 2013

That's good to know. Sweet is not a problem. We don't deep fry anything.

July 5, 2013	#1
TZ-OH6 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mid-Ohio Posts: 848	fertilizer timing We have had over two weeks of wet weather (but not too wet I don't think), and the result of that is a massive surge in growth. I'm guessing that my granular fertilizer (12-12-12), tilled in before planting, finally got a chance to dissolve and is now available to the roots. This all occurred in the middle of flowering so I'm wondering how the surge in top growth now will affect production, bulking etc.

July 5, 2013	#2
Tom Wagner Crosstalk™ Forum Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: 8407 18th Ave West 7-203 Everett, Washington 98204 Posts: 1,157	Seems that a fertilizer spike during blooming is close to what some farmers want. The blooming and new growth coincide with tuber initiation on the stolons and bulking will occur on a timely basis. The tubers may taste a bit sweeter than if the fertilizer was moderated more. The idea is to get the haulm developed and allow for the nutrients to be stored in the leaves with ample transocation of those nutrients to the tubers as the leaves begin to turn yellow and senescence sets in.