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Eugene,OR

Since the time to set fruit is upon us, I'd be interested in hearing different people's methods of applying calcium products to both plants and directly to the fruit. I know that there are a lot of different products and methods of application which are used. Whatn do you use, how do you apply it, when do you apply it, where do you get it, etc. I'm tired of having fruit split on me and this is an area that I can use some help with.
Thanks

6/29/2006 4:20:01 PM

Jaffrey NH

I personally like gypsum. It does not alter the soil ph and has available calcium. I put on generous amounts before planting and now as I dig out the weeds from around my plants. Also, I applied calcium nitrate later in the season last season because the nitrate helped my plants green up in the colder weather. I applied calcium nitrate almost from the seedlings this year because it gives both nitrogen and calcium to the plants. During the season I also apply small amounts of a cal-mag fert that gives both calcium and magnesium to the plants. I like the magnesium on the plants because it promotes root growth, foliage health, and vine developement. I also use the common liquid calcium applications as foliar and I put 1-2 tablespoons of it per gallon of water on towels on my fruits.
But even with all this calcium work, I think that potassium should be represented in a program because it is just as important in my eyes as other nutrients. Just in moderation.
I instituted this program (well, rather a feeding when I have the time or the plants look like they need some food) after being dissapointed as you are. I did not split fruit, but rather all my pumpkins went under the charts. Then the year after, my fruits went well over the charts. But I did pursue many seed stock that had heavy lineage. It could have been luck, the right solutions, the right genetics, or a combination of the three.

DK

6/29/2006 7:46:19 PM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Russ:

I regularly apply gypsum in the fall. This year I am trying NutriCal and spraying foliar 1 oz to 1 gallon, once weekly, with no ill effects. I am advised by another Michigan grower that once fruit is set, you can take a 5 gallon bucket filled with water, add 5 oz NutriCal, then soak a towel in it and drape over your fruit. Every morning or whenever the towel dries out, re-dip the towel in the solution and put back over the fruit. I think I'll try that if I can get anything to set on my 1370 this year...
Frank

6/30/2006 10:11:22 AM

Nashville, TN

Please explain to me the theory behind applying Ca directly to the skin of the fruit?

6/30/2006 10:31:42 AM

Hudsonville, Michigan ([email protected])

Teach:
Calcium is known to move slowly through the fruit to the blossom end, even if it is present in your soil and in your plant. This is a contributing factor in thin fruit walls, especially at the blossom end, and thus, blossom end splits. The theory is that by applying a calcium solution directly to your fruit, the nutrient can be absorbed directly where needed...hopefully resulting in thicker walls.
Frank

7/1/2006 8:30:20 AM

Eugene,OR

How old should your fruit be before applying calcium to it?

7/1/2006 10:48:44 PM