Tobacco Fertilizing Strategy

[Misterak47]

Tobacco Fertilising Strategy: 5-4-10, 4-3-8, 4-2-1, 12-10-10, 11-11-11, 9-15-38, 15-5-30

I have been using a 5-4-9 NPK fertiliser for many years now with good results. Can be used from after transplanting all the way to topping stage. I find nitrogen figures, if applied correctly, to be just right; no chlorosis and no thickening of leaf. Phosphorus at the right level for root development and high potassium figures which benefit especially at the later stage. Unfortunately, I went to purchase some more but the manufacturer has changed the composition from 5-4-9 to 4-2-10. I'm worried the P levels won't be high enough especially in the early stages.

I am trying to develop a new strategy for feeding. All plants are grown in buckets using multi-purpose peat free compost. Here are some strategies using products available to me:

1. Find an alternative to 5-4-9 I have been using. There is Tomorite which 4-3-8. Seems like the easiest all season feed but on the slightly expensive side.

2. Miracle-Gro Growmore 7-7-7 non soluble pellet feed (I'm thinking of working this into the compost at transplant stage to support early development). This is already sitting in the shed so would be good to use it up.

Elixir Bumper Crop High Pottasium 15-5-30 (switch to this after plants start developing). Not sure if the high N levels would cause leaf thickening or bring difficulty with colour curing.

3. Start off with an equal part fertiliser in soluble or liquid form. There are many but not sure which one would be best:

Elixir Bumper Crop Early Season No.1 Soluble Plant Food | N.P.K 12-10-10+TE

Elixir Bumper Crop Soluble Growmore | N.P.K: 18:18:18 + TE

Elixir Bumper Crop Blueberry Special Fertiliser/Plant Food | N.P.K: 12-10-10+4Mg

Elixir Bumper Crop Ericaceous Fertiliser | Azalea, Camellia, Acer & Rhododendron Food | N.P.K: 12-10-10+4Mg

Elixir Liquid Growmore Fertiliser | N.P.K 11-11-11

Then move onto Elixir Bumper Crop High Pottasium 15-5-30

There are other products available which may be worth considering such as:

-Elixir High Potassium Liquid Fertiliser | N.P.K 6-6-12
-Elixir Bumper Crop Soluble Tomato Food | N.P.K 9-15-38 with Magnesium and Micronutrients
-Bumper Crop High Nitrogen Fertiliser (N.P.K: 4-1-2)

For all soluble feeds see: https://elixirgardensupplies.co.uk/product-category/fertiliser/application-type/solubleferts/

For all liquid feeds see:

Liquid - Elixir Garden Supplies

Give your plants the tailored feed they need with our range of fantastic liquid fertilisers. Perfect for new seedlings or topping up established plants

elixirgardensupplies.co.uk

I have attached pictures of the composition of the fertiliser I currently use along with a picture of the new composition. Also a picture of Tomorite composition and Growmore 7-7-7 non soluble slow release.

Any advice on the easiest and most effective strategy would be helpful. I only grow a few plants a year so simplicity is probably the best way for me.

For all pictures attached see UK fertiliser declaration, not ROI.

 

[Skafidr]

non soluble pellet feed (I'm thinking of working this into the compost at transplant stage to support early development).

I'm just pitching in for the sake of discussion. I'm not an expert on the topic (like, I use general purpose fertiliser) and I think I generally mess things up regarding feeding (I think I have the habit of over-watering causing leeching of the nutrients).

However, it is my understanding that the non-soluble pellets are meant to "release" their nutrients over a long period; on the label it says to reapply after 6 weeks. This sounds to me that it may not have an effect necessarily immediately, and so if you want to support the early stages, would you be better using liquid fertiliser?