How to apply boron to beets?

Joined
Dec 21, 2015
Messages
35
Reaction score
2
Location
SW Michigan
Hardiness Zone
6a
Country
United States
Apparently beets like boron. I should have applied it prior to putting the seeds in, but I didn't. The seedlings are now about 2 inches tall. Is it OK to just mix in some borax in water and just water them from the top or will that harm the leaves?

Thanks.
 

NigelJ

Still Learning
Joined
Jan 27, 2019
Messages
298
Reaction score
207
Location
Devon Coast
Country
United Kingdom
Boron is an essential nutrient for plants and deficiency can lead to hollow or rotting centres in the beet. Also helps cauliflowers form tight heads and brussels form tight sprouts.
I would apply a dilute solution of borax and water it on. Don't know American units and dosage rate. I apply a light scattering of sodium borate before planting out brassicas and rake it in.
Many liquid fertilisers and foliar feed will contain boron.
 
Joined
Dec 21, 2015
Messages
35
Reaction score
2
Location
SW Michigan
Hardiness Zone
6a
Country
United States
Thanks for the response. This is for a 12" container, so I need to be careful as too much boron can be deadly.

Good suggestion on fertilizers. I just checked my water soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer, and it does list a small amount of boron (0.02%).

 
Joined
Mar 26, 2013
Messages
3,476
Reaction score
1,530
Location
Port William
Showcase(s):
1
Country
United Kingdom
Your soil is likely to contain plenty, as Boron is a micro-nutrient.
If you do wish to add some to make sure, chicken manure pellets are a far better solution than 20-20-20, which, if you use it regularly, will kill your soil.
 
Joined
Dec 21, 2015
Messages
35
Reaction score
2
Location
SW Michigan
Hardiness Zone
6a
Country
United States
Your soil is likely to contain plenty, as Boron is a micro-nutrient.
If you do wish to add some to make sure, chicken manure pellets are a far better solution than 20-20-20, which, if you use it regularly, will kill your soil.
I'm using potting mix. According to the manufacturer (Miracle Gro), it does not contain any boron.

I will check out chicken manure pellets - thanks.
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Staff online

  • zigs
    Cactus Grower, Kent.

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
26,587
Messages
256,601
Members
13,258
Latest member
alba

Latest Threads

Top