From transplanting to growth stage: A fertilization program for basil

Find out what is optimal combination of fertilizers that result in fragrant basil

 

I. While transplanting
Immerse the transplant plugs in a 2% solution of Poly-Feed 20-20-20 + M.E.

II.  Fertigation for the establishment stage

 

 

 

Optimal nutrient concentrations in irrigation water (ppm)

 

N

P2O5

K2O

CaO

MgO

Fe

100-110

70-90

100-120

110-140

60-75

0.8-1.2

 

 

 

 

Optimal combination of fertilizers in irrigation water (g/cubic meter)

 

Multi-K

MAP

Mg Sulfate

Calcium nitrate

240

130

420

470

 

 

Multi-K = 13-0-46
MAP = 12-61-0
Mg Sulfate = 0-0-0+16MgO
Calcium nitrate = 15.5-0-0+26.5CaO

 

 

 

III. Fertigation for main growth season (fertilizer analysis: 4-2-8 + M.E.)

Optimal nutrient concentrations in irrigation water (ppm)

 

 

Season

N

P2O5

K2O

Autumn

90-100

45-50

180-200

Winter*

150

75

300

Spring

100-120

50-60

200-240

 

 

 

 

Optimal combination of fertilizers in irrigation water** (g/cubic meter)

 

Season

Multi-K

MAP

AN

Autumn

435

74

90

Winter*

650

111

135

Spring

505

85

105

 

 

*The increase in the required concentration is meant to compensate for the reduced water uptake.
** pH of the irrigation water should be maintained at 5.8-6.2.

 

 

 

Important note about irrigation: Basil is extremely sensitive to water-logging. The grower must avoid excessive irrigation, especially after foliage cuts.

 

Salinity sensitivity: Basil is moderately sensitive to high EC and to chloride. Appropriate steps must be taken to avoid salinity buildup and the use of KCl as a potassic fertilizer.


Some general growing instructions can be found here.

 

Need more information about growing basil? You can always return to the basil fertilizer