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Location

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Date Posted

Ocala,fl

I bought a 50# bag a calcium nitrate and from what I've read you broadcast to apply.The directions on bag say to "apply under supervision of professional"HELP!! How much and how often at minimal levels?? Thanks in advance.Mary

6/27/2009 11:27:23 AM

Denver, CO

Very small amounts are needed. No more then 3 lbs for about a 1000 sq foot area. Do not let it come into contact with the foilage, it will burn it. Spread out about 6 inches or more in front of growing main and side vines. If you are getting within two weeks of setting a pumpkin, do not use it. Too much fertilizer will cause pumpkins to abort and not set.

For pumpkins, applying once every three weeks is sufficent. Leaves should be a dark green color. If they are dont apply more. If they are a lighter color or yellow apply it again at the three week interval.

In the future, consider using a fish & seaweed mix liquid fert instead. Much safer and the pumpkins love it!

6/27/2009 12:00:30 PM

Pataskala,OH

Calcium nitrate really helped my plants in may- mid june.I think the calcium makes the leaves stronger because I had 45+ mph winds the other day and none of my leaves snapped.

6/27/2009 12:49:04 PM

If you haven't opened the bag you might think about exchanging it for a bag of water soluable CaNi,,,this can be used as a foliar or a liquid drench on the plant (where it has rooted). Your fruit is doing pretty well considering the lawn factor this year. I suggest using just some foliar apps for this season. IF you hit the plant with that granular and over do it you have a good chance at splitting the fruit.

In reality a good greenhouse grade of a blend would be a better choice this year.

just my 2 cents

6/27/2009 5:16:11 PM

Ocala,fl

thanks guys, I'll just stick with seaweed/fish e and save what i have for appling next yr when i build new patch.(cant return, it was a gift from friend who never used it)

6/27/2009 6:38:30 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

My partner & I applied 4 lbs/1000 last week but we've both been professional applicators for like.......ever. LOL

Dan offered sage advice. It isn't easy to "chicken feed" CAN (or any granular over the plants) without hitting the leaves or skipping. You might want to dissolve some in water for foliar use.

6/27/2009 7:07:38 PM

Pataskala,OH

Calcium nitrate is cheaper I think than fish/seaweed if you want to save money for next year.

7/14/2009 1:23:45 PM