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