As this is my first crop of points, I am trying to plan ahead my calcium delivery.

Right now I am using Excel Cal/Mag 15-5-15 and am feeding through the irrigation at 200ppm Nitrogen, 66.7ppm Calcium. I am wondering if this is sufficient and when would be an appropriate time to increase it to 300ppm Nitrogen, 100ppm Calcium.

Also, I would like to use Yara's Calcinit 15.5-0-0 to supplement. I am wondering, would it be better to use this as a foliar feed, or should I run it through the irrigation. I understand that the bracts have trouble with transporting Calcium and that perhaps it would be better to spray to get uniform fertilization.

If you could, concentrations would be of great use. Thank you so much for your consideration. Greatly appreciated.

Adam

Adam, Is there any natural calcium in your water source? If so you need to take that into consideration....Michael Pawelek

Michael-
Yes, their is a lot of calcium carbonate in the water out here, and I will take that into consideration. I will find out the amounts from the water district.

Thanks...

Hi Adam -

As Michael points out it would be good to know how much calcium is in your water source. Irrigation water is usually not considered a prime source for nutrients, but calcium and magnesium are the exceptions. You should consider the levels of these two nutrients when formulating your nutritional program. Even though fairly high levels are relatively harmless to a poinsettia it would still be good to know just how much your water is supplying before we make recommendations.

In St. Louis a gallon of water has about 25ppm of calcium. They boast the tastiest water in the country. Thanks.

At the present time my plants are receiving about 100ppm calcium per gallon, including the calcium from the city water.

Lastly, we have 11ppm magnesium.

Hi Adam -

Recommend rates for calcium are 80-100 ppm total including the calcium in your water source with every irrigation. It looks like you are in good shape here.

Recommended rates for magnesium are 40-50 ppm with every irrigation.

If you are mixing your own media and have added lime you also have to consider how much calcium and magnesium is being supplied in the media.

Calcium uptake depends on water uptake in the plant. The more water that is taken up by the roots, the more calcium taken up. High soluable salts in the media can restrict water and calcium uptake. Maintaining your EC level below 3 mmhos/cm will ensure that neither the uptake of water or calcium are restricted.

We also recommend routine tissue and media sampling to ensure that your fertility program is adequate. Many growers send out monthly samples as a routine part of their program. We like JR Peters Laboratory for testing because they offer fast, reliable results and a poinsettia tracking system designed specifically to ensure that your fertility program is successful.

Foliar Feeding of Calcium is a document that offers more information about foliar feeding of calcium. Many growers wait to begin foliar applications until later in production (at the first sign of color) to prevent bract edge burn but applications can begin now if you are concerned about supplying enough calcium. Again, tisse testing will be a good way to get a feel for whether or not your fertility program is adequate.

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