20-30-20 for container maples?

Discussion in 'Maples' started by globalist1789, Jul 30, 2006.

  1. globalist1789

    globalist1789 Active Member

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    I rescued 2 maple seedlings that were sure to be weeded out of a flower bed. I plan to grow them in containers on my patio. I dont know their nutritional requirements but I dont want to shell out for a new container of fertilizer right now. I have a bunch of 20-30-20 that Id like to use. What strength should it be mixed at (1/2 strength, 1 strength, etc.) to be the most benefit? And Ive never seen maple food, so what other fert could I use or is my 20-30-20 a pretty good general fertilizer for containerized maples?

    M.
     
  2. Laurie

    Laurie Active Member Maple Society 10 Years

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    There is no doubt that you will read various recommendations regarding fertilization of maples, as well as composition of potting soil for maples, but on a low budget you certainly may use what you have on hand, which is what I do. When I finally get time in spring or early summer, I usually water with a half-strength solution of Peter's 20-20-20 just once for the season. I like your 20-30-20 even better because of the additional phosphorus for the roots, but it must be fertilizer specifically meant for containerized plants, e.g. water-soluble, not for the landscape. I try to add a half-dose of three-month (likely 16-16-16) slow-release fertilizer to each of the pots as well. I don't think that you need to fertilize these seedlings this year, but if you do, I think that quarter-strength is probably better. Do you know which species you found? If your collection of maples begins to grow, you may wish to look into the low-nitrogen fertilizers, which will be recommended.
     
  3. globalist1789

    globalist1789 Active Member

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    Thanks a lot Laurie. No, I have no idea what variety they are. The leaves are just light green and quite broad; not deeply toothed. It's a really common one that is planted in parks and along the side of the street. Nothing special, except that these ones are on my patio! I've read a lot on container soil and so forth, I just didn't want to look for 40 hours to find some reference 20-30-20. You gave me just what I needed. Right now I’m not looking for ideal, but for good enough. If I go and spend a bunch of $$$ on food, etc, then I loose the joy of them being free, make sense?

    My 20-30-20 is water soluble plant food. It has different mixing directions for indoor, outdoor, potted or in the ground plants. Should be ok.

    Thanks again.
     

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