Confused about what those 3 numbers mean on fertilizer?
A fertilizer’s formulation is always presented on the label as:
N-P-K
Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potash (always in that order)
Remember “Up, Down, all Around” to help you recall the function of each number.
N (Nitrogen) is about leaf development; good for veggies were you want a lot of “greens” ex. lettuce and spinach. It is wonderful for grasses and corn and also any ornamental plant where you would like to encourage more leaves but aren’t concerned about blooms ex. coleus. Many people also use nitrogen for compost.
P (Phosphate) accelerates rooting or blooming; used for young or newly planted items and bulbs to encourage root growth; high P is used to promote blooms; ideal for flowering containers or fruit blooming.
K (Potash) compliments Nitrogen and Phosphate to boost overall health of the plant.
Most plants thrive with well-rounded fertilizers for optimum performance, but you may choose one that is higher in one number or the other based on your selected outcome.