CULT: TB: nitrogen etc
- Subject: CULT: TB: nitrogen etc
- From: l* M*
- Date: Mon, 02 Oct 2000 11:04:20 -0400
I agree - too much nitrogen can contribute to rot susceptibility, but
like everything else, some TB cultivars are more susceptible than
others. Too little nitrogen (more likely to be a problem in areas with
very high rainfall and very porous/coarse textured soil low in organic
matter) also causes a problem. It doesn't lead to disease, but can
limit growth to such an extent that bloom production is affected.
Timing of nitrogen fertilizer addition is also important - I made the
mistake of adding a balanced fertilizer in spring before my last hard
freeze date here this spring and had some of the worst rot I've had in
years. Also, adding nitrogen before a long drought period lets it just
sit there, resulting in a huge burst of growth when the inevitable
deluge finally comes (like the 3+ inches last week) that creates super
lush foliage susceptible to injury and subsequent rot.
So it's all a balancing act. What would work best for me would be
time-release fertilizer with trace elements (my soil is deficient in
boron) and low nitrogen, with occasional side-dressing of
alfalfa/lucerne pellets during the post-freeze growing season. Next
time I win the lottery, that's what I will use.
Linda Mann east Tennessee USA zone 7/8
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