Question about the NPK in fertilizers

CraighB · March 2016

Hi,

Firstly apologies for all the questions on the forum recently. I am new ish to gardening and there are questions I have but I can't find the answers online.

I want to grow a clematis and I saw a video from crocus.co.uk that you should add bonemeal to the planting hole. They said bonemeal promotes strong roots and more flowering as it is high in phosphorus. I also read that postassium promotes strong flowering in things like fruits and roses and that they should have a high potassium fertilizer.

So what is the difference between phosphorus and potassium? If they both promote strong flowering, why use one over the other?

Thanks
Craigh

Lupin 1 · March 2016

http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/tools-and-techniques/fertilzer-concentrations/594556.html

I'm sure this link will help

Marinelilium · March 2016

The plants also give us clues as to what they need CB:

give me nitrogen: pale green all over

give me potassium: yellow edges and tip and leaf curls under

give me phosphorus: top leaves start to brown and lower leaves yellow

The micro nosh is trickier : calcium loss makes baby leaves hook,

sulphur loss makes the veins yellow and

magnesium loss causes yellow tips and edges - but the bit near the petiole (stalk end) stays green. HTH

CraighB · March 2016

Thanks for the links guys. I do understand it a lot better now!

Question about the NPK in fertilizers

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