What are the best fertilizers for potatoes?
Appropriate planting care is essential for your potatoes to grow healthy.
To help your plant thrive, you need to prepare the soil with the right amount of plant nutrients.
Just as food is important for human growth, fertilizers are an essential source of nutrients for your potatoes.
Healthy potatoes will be beneficial for you too.
An appropriate fertilizer treatment can help you to manage and improve the deficiencies in your soil. Once you’ve identified the areas where your soil may be deficient, you’ll be able to use fertilizer far more effectively.
If you want to increase potato growth, feeding with high-quality fertilizer should never be neglected.
Early growing potatoes do not require much of the nutrients. However, the main crop potato will be in the ground for a longer time and hence requires much more fertilizing.
Understanding how much fertilizer you must add to your potato crop depends on the number of nutrients in the soil.
Many home gardeners fail to add the proper amount of fertilizer to their crop hence prohibiting the appropriate growth of potatoes.
In order to learn more about what fertilizer to use and when to add it, read our guide.
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Best Fertilizers for Potatoes
The best fertilizers for potatoes are Urea Fertilizer, Trace Elements Helatine Potato, and Jobe’s organic all-purpose granular fertilizer. Potato crops need more nitrogen (N-P-K 34-0-0) during the first two months of growth because the foliage develops rapidly. From the second month, they need potassium (12-12-18 or 14-7-22) until just two weeks before the growing season starts. Foliar fertilizer can be applied in the second and third months to increase yield. Nitrogen is needed for the production of photosynthates in leaves. In addition, 60-80% of N is consumed in the startup phase and bulk tuber production. Phosphorus is essential for tuber production.
Best Fertilizers for Potatoes
The best fertilizers for potatoes are:
- Best Overall Potato Fertilizer – Urea Fertilizer
- Best Organic Fertilizer for Potatoes for Faster Results – Jobe’s Organics 09526 Organic All Purpose Granular Fertilizer
- Best Potato Fertilizer for Producing More Tubers – Espoma Garden Food
Table of Contents
Best Overall – Urea Fertilizer- Best for Potential Production
When it comes to picking the right fertilizers for potatoes, nitrogen concentration is crucial.
Urea Fertilizer is a nitrogen fertilizer that contains this important ingredient in a concentration of 46 %.
This fertilizer has a chemical composition that is identical to that of urea in its organic form. This gives it a number of benefits when used to feed crops in large quantities.
Another benefit is the contact of the fertilizer with the soil substrate, which allows it to enter the most available shape for the plants. As urea enters the soil, it dissolves in the moisture, producing nitrate anion (NO3-), which is quickly absorbed by the potato crop.
Another component of the substance reaches the microorganisms’ metabolic functions and feeds them. Following their demise, these microorganisms now become a nutritional form of nitrogen as well.
The minimum price and convenience of use are added advantages. If required, this fertilizer is easily soluble in water. It is free of contaminants, which is also essential when cultivating potatoes.
Pros
- It contains a high percentage of nitrogen which is essential for your potato crop.
- You can easily dissolve it in water to form a liquid fertilizer out of granular.
- It is extremely easy to use.
- You won’t find any toxins in this product.
Cons
- There is no instruction about how to mix the product with water.
- You might end up using more than the required product.
- Excessive incorporation may burn your crop.
- There is no magnesium and potassium that are also necessary nutrients.
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Best Organic for Faster Results – Jobe’s Organics 09526 Organic All Purpose Granular Fertilizer
When you want a more granular fertilizer instead of liquid, Jobe’s organic all-purpose granular fertilizer is the right choice.
It is the best granular fertilizer that is suitable for growing your potato crop much faster.
There are many benefits of using a granular fertilizer instead of a liquid fertilizer. The top one is that a granular fertilizer will last much longer than a liquid fertilizer.
When your potato crop begins to root, it is important that you treat the crop at the root level. This can only be done using granular fertilizer and not liquid.
The NPK ratio of this fertilizer is 4:4:4. This means it contains a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Jobe’s Bizome is perhaps the most remarkable introduction to the fertilizer. It’s a microorganism that accelerates the breakdown of elements beneath the soil. As a result, it improves soil health by combating infections, pests, and water shortage.
Apparently, it takes a while to see any significant outcomes after application.
Pros
- There are no synthetic chemicals added to the fertilizer.
- It is 100% natural.
- Bizome helps grow potatoes faster.
- It also fights diseases that may attack your crop.
Cons
- It is a bit pricey.
- It is unsafe for your pets as it may sicken them.
Learn more about this product on Amazon.
Best for Producing More Tubers – Espoma Garden Food
Espoma Garden Food Fertilizer is the best option for high-quality, fast-acting potato food. When your tubers are growing slowly, it is generally due to a lack of phosphorus since it is important for the right growth of tubers.
This product is just the right option for increasing the amount of phosphorus in your crop’s soil. It contains a phosphorus-rich composition with an NPK of 5-10-5. It is very easy to use this non-liquid, granular fertilizer.
Scatter the fertilizer 3 inches far from the seeds and work it into the soil with your hands. Once you have incorporated the fertilizer into the soil, don’t miss to water the crop. Repeat the same procedure every four weeks to get optimum results out of this product.
When you are dealing with an individual plant of potato, just mix one teaspoon of the fertilizer into the soil. For a bigger crop size, use 50 pounds of fertilizer.
Pros
- Provides rapid absorption.
- There are no toxins added to the fertilizer.
- One of the best parts of the product is that it contains calcium.
- Optimum for potatoes with phosphorus deficiency.
Cons
- Not suitable for use on hard ground.
- Overdose of Phosphorus which combines with other nutrients like zinc and calcium leads to their deficiency.
For treating phosphorus deficiency in your crop, this product is a good choice.
Best for Indoor Potatoes – Miracle-Gro Twelve Plant Nutrition 12 Pre-Dosed Packets for Indoor Gardening
Indoor plant fertilizers contain essential nutrients including nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. For potatoes to sprout excellently, these nutrients must be available in adequate amounts.
Miracle-Gro is a well-known home gardening manufacturer used in both outdoor and indoor plants. This fertilizer was created explicitly for growing crops in hydroponic systems. Potatoes, on the other hand, are among the easiest crops to develop in a hydroponic system.
It can be tricky to calculate how much fertilizer to use in a hydroponic system. Garden-Pro, on the other hand, does not have this issue.
The kit you will get contains 12 doses, which are each designed to be used only once. There is no need to quantify or ponder – simply tear the bag and incorporate its components into the water in the system.
Garden-Pro will quickly stimulate production and enhance the structure of your plant, rejuvenating and energizing it. It will maintain the acidity of the medium’s pH and control nutrient availability. This will undoubtedly increase the size of your crop.
This fertilizer is just right for adding to your indoor potato crop’s soil. It will offer you all the necessary nutrients that indoor soil needs for the healthy growth of your crop.
Pros
- It contains all the necessary macro and micronutrients.
- The packaging of this product is very convenient.
- No measuring is needed.
Cons
- It is only designed for use in the hydroponic system.
Best Organic Fertilizer – Winchester Gardens Organics Potato Granular Fertilizer
An excellent organic fertilizer choice for any potato grower is Winchester Gardens Select Organics. Because it is a stand-alone fertilizer, it is suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
If you’re growing potatoes, you don’t need to add anything else to the soil to receive the best results. The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) ratio is 6-3-9.
All of the ingredients in this fertilizer are obtained from potassium sulphate, alfalfa meal, gypsum, fishbone meal, feather meal, and blood meal. These ingredients provide a plethora of vital plant nutrients, making them a plant’s paradise.
It is available in a 3-pound pack with a blending of particularly selected elite organics. As a result, it stimulates the development of potatoes beneath the soil. Its all-natural factor recipe promotes overall nutrition and development.
Pros
- It is very easy to apply.
- There are no poisonous elements added to the fertilizer.
- It aims to improve soil quality.
- Enhances the growth with the help of the perfect NPK ratio.
Cons
- The nitrogen ratio is less than the potassium.
Improve the health of your crop using this product.
Best for Healthy Potatoes – Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer Poly Bag
Earth Home Grown Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer from Dr. Earth is among the best organic fertilizers for growing potatoes. It helps you grow larger and healthier potatoes.
This item has an NPK ratio of 4-6-3. It includes 6 % phosphate, 4 % water-insoluble nitrogen, 4.75 % calcium, and 3 % water-soluble potassium.
It contains more phosphorus than potassium and nitrogen, ensuring that your potato plant’s roots develop properly. This is just perfect for the soil that is already rich in nitrogen.
All of the ingredients come from organic and healthy sources. It contains fish meal, kelp meal, potassium sulfate, alfalfa meal and fishbone meal. All these components are very important for the growth of healthy and tasty potatoes.
The probiotic formula in this fertilizer gives the plant more than it requires. Which in turn produces abundant crops that are stronger and good in every manner.
There are various sizes of bags that you can choose from. The bags come within a resealable packaging; this way, you won’t have to worry about fertilizer getting spoiled.
Pros
- The probiotic formula keeps your soil healthy and well-balanced.
- Makes your potatoes tastier and much nutritious.
- It is made of 100% organic ingredients.
- It is available in various sizes so that you can opt for the one that fits your budget.
Cons
- There are chances of mould development in your pots.
- It can only be used to grow potatoes and tomatoes.
Grow healthy potatoes using this fertilizer.
Essential Nutrients for Potatoes
Nitrogen
Although potatoes are productive crops, to yield the best results it needs a proper amount of nutrients through fertilization.
There can be some sort of decline in the development of potatoes without nitrogen. As a result, fertilizing potatoes with enough nitrogen is critical, particularly in the initial phases.
Nitrogen is essential for promoting growth and producing good yields. It guarantees optimum production of photosynthates in leaves. Potatoes consume between 60 and 80% of their total N requirements for start-up and bulk tuber.
Nitrogen applied early in the growing season will aid in the growth of the overall size of the leaf canopy. Nitrogen being used at later periods of development helps to keep the leaves green and maximizes production.
Winner: Urea Fertilizer
Phosphorus
Phosphorus has a significant influence in maintaining the irregular growth rates of various plants.
When properly formed, the entire crop will be more consistent.
For initial root and shooting growth, phosphorus is essential for supplying food for production systems such as ion absorption and transportation.
A sufficient amount of phosphorus during tuber onset guarantees the formation of an optimal set of tubers.
In addition, phosphorus allows plants to generate more tubers and enhances overall yield. These chemicals undoubtedly appear for growing potatoes in every fertilizer brand.
The potatoes will probably experience symptoms of nutritional deficiencies without the consistent phosphorus supplement throughout the development stage.
The leaflets usually have no symptoms with a minor or reasonable shortage of phosphorus. If deficiency becomes worse, the leaves become darker and smaller.
Winner: Espoma Garden Food
Organic Fertilizer
The basic composition of an organic fertilizer contains a few important nutrients for potato expansion, as well as materials derived from organic plants and animals.
Most of the primary components include dung, dried blood, squashed shells, phosphate rock, and animal bones, to mention a few.
Organic fertilizer is made up entirely of natural products. They are all-natural components derived from living organisms. Because of the no chemical formula, the organic fertilizer keeps the soil nutritious for a long time.
Introducing organic fertilizer into the routine crop care phase is beneficial because it promotes plant growth. It is best suited to use organic fertilizers for your crop during the early growing season.
Winner: Winchester Gardens Organics Potato Granular Fertilizer
Granular Fertilizer
The most used type of fertilizer is in the form of granules. Most varieties have a high concentration of nitrogen and potassium.
When it comes to pre-plant applications, granular fertilizers are beneficial. For example, you can use them as a broadcast, a group, or a fostering sidedness. Farmers commonly disperse them 2 feet (2 inches) away from the root and 0.2 feet (2 inches) to the edge.
Granular fertilizers are lower in price in large quantities and convenient to store because there is no additional interference in the blending product.
You can stock them in the garage for as long as you want since they are hard-coarse and will not change shape over time.
Winner: Jobe’s Organics 09526 Organic All Purpose Granular Fertilizer
What to Consider When Buying Fertilizer for Potatoes?
Amount of Nutrients
Several farmers use manure to fertilize the potato levels, but this does not offer the potatoes with all the nutrient content they require.
Soil microbes consume nitrogen when a new fertilizer is added, depriving potatoes of food.
Mulch nutrients contact the potatoes mostly in the second half of the summer season when the potato plants’ growth is nearly finished.
When sprouting potatoes, organic fertilizers, and mineral fertilizers, particularly potassium-rich fertilizers, must be used to equalize nourishment.
Adding compound fertilizers in conjunction with coffee grounds can result in an effective harvest. So whatever soil’s downsides are, they can be resolved by selecting the best fertilizer for potatoes.
Best Time to Fertilize
Potato crops require more nitrogen (N-P-K 34-0-0) during the first two months of growth; because the foliage develops rapidly.
The plant needs potassium (12-12-18 or 14-7-22) from the second month till two weeks, just before the growing season.
Many growers apply foliar fertilizer during the second or third month for these.
Amount of Fertilizer Required
Potato plants typically require more nutrients to produce a reasonable yield. These days, gardeners apply fertilizer in amounts ranging from 0 to 5 during the plants’ 3-4 month growing season.
When planting, most farmers choose a 15-15-15 proportion. This is particularly the situation in fields where potatoes have been grown for the past six months.
The potassium in N-P-K 15-15-15 promotes the development of nutritious stems and enhances infection and pest resistance. It also helps in increasing the depth of the outer plant cells.
Conclusion
Potato planting, more than any other garden plant, requires special attention.
Potatoes are frequently invaded by pests and require fertilization – even at the planting stage.
Expert gardeners advise the use of good quality fertilizers to avoid such circumstances and guarantee a better crop.
Potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, compost, and humus are by far the most beneficial components in fertilizers.
Check for the availability of these components when selecting the best fertilizer for potatoes.
Before you apply fertilizer to the tubers, make sure the soil around your crops meets a few important requirements. Or else, you are squandering your time.
Our guide here provides you with all the necessary information that you need when developing potatoes.
Look for what your potatoes need the most and buy the relevant product by clicking on the links available.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API