Question about the NPK in fertilizers

CraighB

Hi,

Firstly apologies for all the questions on the forum recently. I am new ish to gardening and there are questions I have but I can't find the answers online.

I want to grow a clematis and I saw a video from crocus.co.uk that you should add bonemeal to the planting hole. They said bonemeal promotes strong roots and more flowering as it is high in phosphorus. I also read that postassium promotes strong flowering in things like fruits and roses and that they should have a high potassium fertilizer.

So what is the difference between phosphorus and potassium? If they both promote strong flowering, why use one over the other?

Thanks
Craigh

pansyface

Questions are what the forum is all about



Here is a nice explanation of the different needs that plants have



https://www.tfi.org/voice/fertilizer-101-big-3-nitrogen-phosphorus-and-potassium



My links have died again so just copy and paste.





Plants are like people. They need to take in stuff that will make them grow and stuff that will help them fight disease and so on.

Lupin 1

http://www.gardenersworld.com/forum/tools-and-techniques/fertilzer-concentrations/594556.html

 I'm sure this link will help 

Marinelilium

The plants also give us clues as to what they need CB:



give me nitrogen: pale green all over



give me potassium: yellow edges and tip and leaf curls under



give me phosphorus: top leaves start to brown and lower leaves yellow



The micro nosh is trickier : calcium loss makes baby leaves hook,

sulphur loss makes the veins yellow and

magnesium loss causes yellow tips and edges - but the bit near the petiole (stalk end) stays green. HTH

CraighB

Thanks for the links guys. I do understand it a lot better now!