Fruit Fuel Plant Fertilizer - 20-6-9 Blend - 1 LB bag

This is a 1 lb bag of Fruit Fuel fertilizer.  Fruit Fuel is a 90-day slow-released 20-6-9 fertilizer that's perfect for surface application of your potted or in-ground fruit trees.  This formula helps to build strong, healthy plants and trees which can then provide exceptional yields. The slow-release formula gives steady nutrition over a 90-day period.  Reapply every 90 days during the growing season.  This formula comes in resealable 1- and 2-pound bags.  Each purchase of Fruit Fuel ships for FREE!

• Click here for the 2 lb bag of Fruit Fuel.
• Click here to see Wellspring's full line of fuel fertilizer products on figBid.

What is a slow release fertilizer?

Unlike water-soluble fertilizers that release their nutrients all at once, a slow-release fertilizer provides nutrients to plants gradually over an extended period of time.  This slow release reduces the risk of over-fertilization and is less labor intensive.  Slow release fertilizers can be mixed into a potting mix or applied directly to the soil surface.

What do fertilizer numbers mean?

Different plants have different nutrient requirements, but all plants need 18 elements for optimum growth and health.  These elements consist of macronutrients, intermediate nutrients, and micronutrients.  Fertilizer numbers represent 3 of the major macronutrients that plants require.  These numbers are typically displayed in a format like N-P-K, where each number corresponds to a specific amount of nutrient contained in the fertilizer.

Macronutrients

N-P-K or nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are known as the primary macronutrients.  The numbers on any container of fertilizer will always be listed in that order and tell you the proportion of each nutrient in the product.  For example, a bag of fertilizer labeled as "10-20-10" contains 10% nitrogen (N), 20% phosphorus (P), and 10% potassium (K) by weight.  This formula is 40% fertilizer by weight.

1. Nitrogen (N) - Nitrogen is crucial for promoting leafy, green growth in plants, stems, and overall plant vigor.
2. Phosphorus (P) - Phosphorus is important for good root development, flower, and fruit production. 
3. Potassium (K) - Potassium supports various aspects of plant health, such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and overall stress resistance. Potassium also plays a role in fruit and seed development.

You should always choose a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio that suits the specific needs of your plants.

Intermediate Nutrients

Intermediate nutrients, also known as secondary nutrients, play important roles in plant growth and development and are often found in sufficient quantities in most soils and water.  Plants require intermediate nutrients in smaller quantities than primary macronutrients.  In some cases, supplemental fertilization may be necessary to address intermediate nutrient deficiencies.  Each intermediate nutrient can be found separately or added to fertilizer products.  Intermediate nutrients added to fertilizer products are not represented by the three numbers or N-P-K.  Intermediate nutrients added to any fertilizer will be listed on the label in the specific proportion they're added.  The intermediate nutrients are:

1. Calcium (Ca) - Calcium is essential for cell wall structure and stability. Calcium also plays a role in nutrient uptake, enzyme activation, and neutralizing soil acidity. Calcium deficiency can lead to issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes.
2. Magnesium (Mg) - Magnesium is vital for photosynthesis. Magnesium is also involved in the activation of enzymes and energy transfer within the plant.  Magnesium deficiency can lead to yellowing between the veins of older leaves.
3. Sulfur (S) - Sulfur is a component of amino acids, proteins, and some vitamins. Sulfur plays a role in the formation of chlorophyll and is directly involved in several metabolic processes. Sulfur deficiency can result in yellowing of new leaves.

Micronutrients

Plant micronutrients, also known as trace elements, are essential nutrients required by plants in smaller quantities than intermediate nutrients.  Typically, micronutrients are measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per kilogram of soil.  Despite their small quantity, these micronutrients play critical roles in various biochemical and physiological processes in plants.  The absence or deficiency of micronutrients can lead to various growth abnormalities, reduced yields, and increased susceptibility to diseases and environmental stress.  The most important plant micronutrients are:

1. Iron (Fe) - Iron is crucial for the synthesis of chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis. Iron deficiency in plants leads to chlorosis, resulting in yellow leaves with green veins.
2. Manganese (Mn) - Manganese is necessary for photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen metabolism. Deficiencies can cause interveinal chlorosis and poor seed formation.
3. Zinc (Zn) - Zinc is involved in enzyme activation, particularly in the formation of growth-regulating hormones and the synthesis of proteins. Zinc deficiency can result in stunted growth, leaf deformities, and poor fruit or seed development.
4. Copper (Cu) - Copper plays a role in photosynthesis, respiration, and the formation of lignin. Copper deficiency may lead to wilting, poor growth, and reduced seed or fruit set.
5. Boron (B) - Boron is important for cell wall formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and pollen tube growth. Boron deficiency can result in brittle or cracked stems and distorted growth.
6. Molybdenum (Mo) - Molybdenum is required for nitrogen fixation in legumes and the activation of specific enzymes. Molybdenum deficiency can lead to nitrogen-related issues and reduced growth.
7. Chlorine (Cl) - Chlorine, primarily taken up as chloride ions, is involved in photosynthesis and osmoregulation in plants. Chlorine deficiency is relatively rare and can cause reduced growth and wilting.

It's important for gardeners to be aware of the specific micronutrient needs of the plants they are growing and, if necessary, provide micronutrient supplements through fertilizers or soil amendments.  

Values

Formulas with small numbers, such as 6-6-6, are referred to as “low-analysis” fertilizers.  Low analysis fertilizers are often used when a plant's nutrient requirements are not very high, or when you want to provide balanced nutrition without the risk of over-fertilization.  Low-analysis fertilizers are also helpful when you want to apply a fertilizer with a specific nutrient ratio for a particular stage of plant growth or when addressing a specific nutrient deficiency.  Low-analysis fertilizers are suitable for a wide range of applications, including general garden use, lawns, and landscaping.  

Fertilizers with larger numbers, such as 20-20-20, are “high-analysis.”  In general, any fertilizer with N-P-K numbers significantly higher than balanced ratios (e.g., 10-10-10) can be considered a high-analysis fertilizer.  High-analysis fertilizers are often used when plants have increased nutrient demands, such as during periods of rapid growth, fruiting, or flowering. They are especially useful for crops that require a substantial supply of nutrients, like vegetables, fruits, and certain ornamental plants.

What is the difference?  A 3-pound bag of 20-20-20 is equal to a 10-pound bag of 6-6-6 if other things are equal.  Ex: 3 pounds of 20-20-20 [3x(20+20+20)=180] is equal to 10 pounds of 6-6-6 [10x(6+6+6)=180].  Factors that increase quality and price include micronutrient inclusion, high analysis, and slow release.

Wellspring Gardens has an agreement with NYCfigs to distribute Banana Fuel Fertilizer on FigBid.com. Your order will ship directly from Wellspring Gardens' nursery in Central Florida.