Does Miracle-Gro cure blossom end rot?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Miracle-Gro fertilizers by themselves cannot remedy blossom end rot despite listing some calcium. Fertilizers only address nutrient shortages, not the issues surrounding those symptoms, such as inconsistent watering and soil imbalances. I've witnessed gardeners waste entire seasons of growth while relying on fertilizers and experiencing rot.
Formulation Limitations
- High nitrogen ratios (e.g., 24-8-16) promote excessive foliage diverting calcium from fruits
- Water-soluble calcium washes out before plants fully absorb it during critical growth stages
- Lacks pH-balancing components needed for calcium availability in diverse soil conditions
Application Challenges
- Frequent use risks salt buildup locking away existing soil calcium
- Timing mismatches occur since calcium needs peak during fruit set not general growth phases
- Overapplication burns roots reducing their nutrient absorption capacity significantly
Physiological Mismatch
- Calcium moves passively with water requiring consistent moisture not addressed by fertilizers
- Existing fruit damage cannot be reversed only new growth benefits
- Root health prerequisites for absorption aren't improved by synthetic nutrients
Instead, use core solutions. Stabilize water with drip irrigation for steady moisture. Test and adjust the soil pH to a range of 6.5-7.0 before planting. Remove affected fruits without delay. These measures address the true causes of blossom end rot.
Apply calcium supplements specifically when required. Use 1 cup of gypsum per plant during soil preparation. In an active garden, weekly foliar calcium chloride sprays are applied during fruiting. Always apply with the proper watering to help with transport efficacy.
Observe new growth to discover the outcome. Healthy plants should develop unblemished fruits after utilizing these recommendations. Monitor progress weekly, including researcher irrigation schedules and observations, the number of fruit sites, and the measurement of fruit site sizes. Adjust irrigation according to weather patterns and plant responses.
Read the full article: Tomato Blossom End Rot Explained Simply
