Fertilization Tips for Each Plant Growth Stage

Seedling and Early Growth Stage

Necessary Fertilizers

The seedling and early growth stage is a crucial period for establishing a strong foundation for plant growth. During this stage, seedlings need to focus on developing a robust root system and new shoots to ensure their continued survival and growth. Therefore, proper fertilization helps seedlings absorb the necessary nutrients to develop strong roots and promote new shoot growth.

Suitable Fertilizers

To support seedlings in root formation and rapid growth, you should choose fertilizers rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient during this stage as it helps plants develop strong roots and supports the formation of other plant parts, including plant cells.

• Super Phosphate Fertilizer: This fertilizer is very rich in phosphorus (P), stimulating the growth of the root system. It provides a stable and easily absorbed supply of phosphorus, allowing the plant to establish a better root system and easily absorb nutrients from the soil later on.
• NPK Fertilizer (10-20-10): This fertilizer contains a high phosphorus ratio, making it ideal for seedlings. The phosphorus promotes a healthy and stable root system and enhances the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Fertilizer Quantity

For seedlings, fertilization should be done carefully. Since their root systems are not yet fully developed, their ability to absorb nutrients is limited. Over-fertilization can lead to “fertilizer burn” or root damage, which can severely harm the plant.

• Fertilizer Application: Apply a thin layer of fertilizer, and avoid using too much. It is best to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and avoid excessive application. Over-fertilizing can prevent the plant from absorbing all the nutrients, leading to an excess of fertilizer in the soil, which can negatively affect plant growth.
• Application Method: You can apply fertilizer around the plant’s base or mix it with soil before sowing seeds, depending on the fertilizer type and plant variety.

Important Notes

• Avoid Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizers: During this stage, it’s important to limit the use of fertilizers with high nitrogen content. While nitrogen promotes rapid plant growth, using it too early can stimulate excessive growth of the seedling, leading to instability in the plant’s structure. This can make the plant weak and prone to breaking, especially since the root system has not fully developed.
• Soil Testing: Before applying fertilizer, it’s important to test the soil’s pH and quality to determine the appropriate fertilizer. If the pH is not suitable, it could affect the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients, even if the right fertilizer is applied.

Seedling Growth and Vigorous Growth Stage

Necessary Fertilizers

Once the plant has stabilized its root system and entered a phase of rapid growth, its nutritional needs change significantly. During this stage, the plant requires more nutrients to grow taller, widen its leaves, and improve overall vitality. Nitrogen becomes the key element to ensure the plant grows vigorously and maintains healthy foliage.

Suitable Fertilizers

After the root system has stabilized, you can use fertilizers with a high nitrogen content to promote the plant’s growth. Nitrogen helps the plant develop leaves and stems, providing nutrients for photosynthesis and overall strength.

• NPK Fertilizer (20-10-10): This fertilizer has a high nitrogen content, helping the plant grow taller quickly. It also provides sufficient phosphorus and potassium to support overall growth. This fertilizer is ideal for plants in the vigorous growth stage.
• Urea Fertilizer: Urea is a high-nitrogen fertilizer that encourages strong, green leaf growth. However, since urea contains pure nitrogen, it should be used cautiously to avoid over-fertilizing and damaging the plant.

Fertilizer Quantity

At this stage, plants need a significant amount of fertilizer to support rapid growth. However, over-fertilizing can harm the plant. Fertilization should be done according to the recommended ratio to avoid “root burn” or uncontrolled growth.

• Fertilizer Application: Follow the recommended fertilizer amounts on the packaging, and avoid applying excessive amounts. You can split fertilization into smaller applications to allow the plant to absorb nutrients gradually, avoiding the shock of too much fertilizer at once.
• Application Method: Fertilizer can be applied directly to the plant’s base or diluted with water and applied to the soil to avoid concentrated fertilizer from harming the plant.

Fertilization Tips

To prevent “root burn” from concentrated fertilizer, dilute it with water and apply it to the base of the plant. Diluting the fertilizer allows the plant to absorb nutrients gradually and reduces stress on the roots. Additionally, you can split fertilizer applications into smaller doses for even and effective nutrient distribution.

Flowering and Fruiting Stage

Necessary Fertilizers

As the plant enters the flowering and fruiting stage, its nutritional needs change drastically. This is the stage when the plant requires plenty of nutrients to develop flowers, fruits, and ensure the quality of the produce. This stage also demands the plant’s ability to withstand environmental factors such as pests, insects, and harsh weather conditions. Using the correct fertilizer will support the plant in developing strong flowers and fruits, leading to high yields and good quality produce.

Suitable Fertilizers

• NPK Fertilizer (10-30-20): This fertilizer contains high levels of phosphorus and potassium, promoting strong flowering and fruiting. Phosphorus helps the plant develop its flowers and fruits, while potassium enhances the plant’s ability to resist environmental stress and improve fruit quality, making the fruit juicier, firmer, and less susceptible to pests.
• High Potassium Fertilizer: Potassium is essential for strengthening the plant’s structure and enhancing its ability to resist environmental stress such as extreme temperatures and diseases. Potassium also helps maintain water balance within plant cells, reducing the risks of drought or temperature fluctuations. This is particularly important during flowering and fruiting when the plant may face harsh weather conditions.

Fertilizer Quantity

During this stage, the plant focuses on developing flowers and fruits, so fertilization must be done carefully. It is important to provide the plant with sufficient nutrients without overloading it or causing uncontrolled growth.

• Fertilizer Application: Fertilize the plant in smaller, more frequent doses so it can absorb nutrients gradually. Do not apply too much fertilizer at once, as this could lead to nutrient excess and affect the plant’s development. You can fertilize according to the plant’s nutritional needs, taking into account the specific requirements of each type of plant.
• Application Method: It is best to apply fertilizer a little further from the plant’s base so that it can dissolve into the soil gradually. Avoid applying fertilizer too close to the base, as it could burn the roots or damage the root system.

Important Notes

• Fertilizer Application Distance: In this stage, it’s essential to avoid applying fertilizer too close to the base of the plant. Fertilizer can alter soil structure and negatively impact the roots if applied too near. The best practice is to apply fertilizer 5 to 10 cm away from the base, allowing the fertilizer to dissolve and be absorbed gradually.
• Monitor Plant Development: Regularly observe the plant’s progress and adjust the fertilizer amounts accordingly. If the plant shows poor flowering or fruiting, increase phosphorus and potassium content. However, if the plant shows signs of over-fertilization, such as overly green leaves with poor flower and fruit development, reduce fertilizer amounts or change the fertilizer type.

Mature Plant and Yield Maintenance Stage

Necessary Fertilizers

At the mature plant stage, the plant no longer grows tall or produces as many new shoots as before. However, it still needs a certain amount of nutrients to maintain its health, improve fruit quality, and sustain consistent yield. This is especially important if the plant is in its reproductive cycle or has already borne fruit, as its nutritional needs change to support fruit maintenance and growth.

Suitable Fertilizers

• Balanced NPK Fertilizer (15-15-15): This balanced fertilizer provides all-around nutrition for mature plants, with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It helps maintain stability throughout the growing season without promoting excessive growth, especially toward the end of the growing cycle.
• Organic Fertilizer (Compost): Organic fertilizers are highly suitable at this stage, as they provide natural nutrients that improve soil structure, enhance moisture retention, and offer long-term nourishment for the plant. Organic fertilizers also help the soil become more aerated, allowing the root system to better absorb nutrients.

Fertilizer Quantity

At this stage, the plant does not need excessive amounts of fertilizer. Over-fertilization can lead to waste and nutrient imbalance. Fertilization should only be done when signs of nutrient deficiency appear, especially in early spring when the plant begins to leaf out or shows signs of nutrient shortage.

• Fertilizer Application: Apply smaller amounts of fertilizer than in previous stages. Fertilization is typically done in early spring or when the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves, weak roots, or slow fruit development