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Advanced Excalibur Fertilization Guide

Advanced Excalibur Fertilization Guide

Optimizing Plumeria Growth: Using Excalibur VI, IX, and Boost Together

Proper fertilization is key to healthy growth and abundant blooms in plumeria. Using Excalibur VI or IX as a base fertilizer and Excalibur Boost as a side dressing provides both long-term nutrient release and an extra boost when needed. This method ensures plumeria receive steady nourishment while also having additional nutrients available during peak growth and blooming periods. Below is a detailed guide to applying these fertilizers effectively for optimal plumeria health.

Understanding Excalibur Fertilizer NPK Ratios

Each Excalibur fertilizer has a specific NPK ratio, determining its effect on plant growth:

• Excalibur Boost: 10-12-14 (Fast-release, 2-3 month formulation)
• Excalibur VI: 11-11-14 (Slow-release, 6-month formulation)
• Excalibur IX: 11-11-13 (Slow-release, 9-month formulation)

These fertilizers provide a balanced supply of essential nutrients, with Boost enhancing blooming and root development when combined with VI or IX.

Why Use Excalibur Boost as a Side Dressing?

Excalibur Boost is a fast-release, 2-3 month fertilizer that delivers nutrients quickly, whereas Excalibur VI (6-month release) and Excalibur IX (9-month release) provide a steady, slow-release feeding schedule. Combining these fertilizers ensures your plumeria receives continuous nutrition without overloading the soil.

Benefits of Side Dressing with Excalibur Boost:

✅ Immediate Nutrient Availability – Provides a quick boost for plumeria when actively growing or blooming.
✅ Long-Term Nutrient Stability – Excalibur VI and IX maintain steady feeding over time, preventing deficiencies.
✅ Improved Blooming & Growth – Ensures plumeria have adequate phosphorus and potassium for root development and flowering. 
✅ Prevents Over-Fertilization – Allows controlled application without overwhelming the plant with excess nutrients.

Florida Colors Nursery has tested this method on our plumeria and observed positive results across the board, with exceptional growth and blooming in seedlings. This approach helps develop strong root systems and supports vigorous plant development.

How Combining Excalibur Boost with Excalibur VI or IX Affects NPK Levels

The combination of Excalibur Boost with either Excalibur VI or IX affects the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) ratios, influencing plant growth, root development, and flowering. Below is a table summarizing these effects:

Combination	N (Nitrogen)	P (Phosphorus)	K (Potassium)	Expected Results
Excalibur VI Only	11	11	14	Balanced growth with long-term nutrient supply
Excalibur IX Only	11	11	13	Balanced growth with long-term nutrient supply
Excalibur VI + Boost	10.5	11.5	14	Increased phosphorus and potassium, promoting more blooms and stronger roots
Excalibur IX + Boost	10.5	11.5	13.5	Increased phosphorus and potassium, promoting more blooms and stronger roots

Impact of NPK Changes on Plumeria Growth

✔ Nitrogen (N) Adjustments: Slightly reduced nitrogen in combination applications encourages stronger root growth rather than excessive leafy growth.
✔ Phosphorus (P) Increase: Phosphorus promotes root development, flowering, and energy transfer, making it ideal during active growth and blooming stages.
✔ Potassium (K) Increase: Potassium supports flowering, disease resistance, and overall plant health, ensuring robust blooms and strong stems.

By strategically combining Excalibur Boost with Excalibur VI or IX, you can optimize plumeria nutrition throughout the growing season while preventing deficiencies or excesses.

How to Apply Excalibur Boost as a Side Dressing

Step 1: Determine Application Timing

• Apply Excalibur VI or IX at the beginning of the growing season as the primary fertilizer.
• Use Excalibur Boost as a side dressing only if needed for additional bloom support.
• In Zones 8-9 (Single Bloom Season) → No additional Boost is required.
• In Zones 10-11 (Double Bloom Season) → Apply Excalibur Boost mid-season to support the second bloom.

Step 2: Applying Excalibur Boost Using the Finger Hole Method

This method ensures that nutrients reach the root zone gradually and efficiently:

✅ Using your finger or a similar-sized tool, create a hole about 2-3 inches deep at the edge of the pot, just inside the drip line.
✅ Measure the correct amount of Excalibur Boost based on plant size (see the chart below).
✅ Place the fertilizer granules into the hole, ensuring it stays concentrated in that area.
✅ Cover the hole with soil to protect the granules from being washed away.
✅ Water lightly to begin nutrient absorption without oversaturating the soil.

By using this method, the plumeria roots have the ability to be drawn to Excalibur Boost or avoid it based on their nutrient needs. This allows for a more natural, self-regulating uptake of nutrients, preventing over-fertilization while ensuring the plant receives what it requires.

Additional Information:

By following this fertilization plan and using the finger hole method for Excalibur Boost application, your plumeria will receive the right nutrients at the right time, leading to healthy plants and an abundance of beautiful blooms! Whether growing in a single or double bloom region, proper fertilization ensures strong roots, lush foliage, and vibrant flowers throughout the season.

NOTES: Combining fertilizers with different NPK (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) ratios alters the overall nutrient profile available to plants. When mixed in equal parts, the resulting NPK ratio is the average of the individual fertilizers' ratios. This approach allows for customization of nutrient supply to meet specific plant requirements or to address soil nutrient deficiencies.

Calculating Combined NPK Ratios:

To determine the combined NPK ratio when mixing two fertilizers in equal volumes, calculate the average of each nutrient component. Here's the formula:

Combined NPK=(N1+N22):(P1+P22):(K1+K22)\text{Combined NPK} = \left( \frac{N_1 + N_2}{2} \right) : \left( \frac{P_1 + P_2}{2} \right) : \left( \frac{K_1 + K_2}{2} \right)Combined NPK=(2N1​+N2​​):(2P1​+P2​​):(2K1​+K2​​)

Where N1,P1,K1N_1, P_1, K_1N1​,P1​,K1​ and N2,P2,K2N_2, P_2, K_2N2​,P2​,K2​ are the NPK values of the first and second fertilizers, respectively.

Example:

Mixing equal parts of a 10-20-10 fertilizer and a 20-10-20 fertilizer:

• Nitrogen (N): 10+202=15\frac{10 + 20}{2} = 15210+20​=15
• Phosphorus (P): 20+102=15\frac{20 + 10}{2} = 15220+10​=15
• Potassium (K): 10+202=15\frac{10 + 20}{2} = 15210+20​=15

The resulting NPK ratio is 15-15-15, providing a balanced nutrient supply.

Considerations:

• Application Rates: Ensure that the total amount of nutrients applied aligns with the specific needs of your plants and soil conditions.
• Compatibility: Some fertilizers may contain additional elements or have different release rates; mixing them could affect their efficacy or cause adverse reactions.
• Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests to identify existing nutrient levels, helping to tailor fertilizer combinations effectively.

By thoughtfully combining fertilizers with different NPK ratios, you can create a nutrient blend that precisely matches your plants' requirements, promoting optimal growth and health.

Excalibur fertilizers are specifically formulated to support the robust growth and vibrant blooming of plumeria plants. Each variant—Excalibur VI, Excalibur IX, and Excalibur Boost—provides a balanced supply of primary macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) along with essential micronutrients. These micronutrients play pivotal roles in various physiological processes, ensuring overall plant health and resilience.

Micronutrient Composition:

While the exact concentrations are proprietary, Excalibur fertilizers are enriched with the following micronutrients:

• Boron (B): Crucial for cell wall formation, membrane integrity, sugar transport, pollination, and seed development.
• Chlorine (Cl): Involved in osmosis, ionic balance, and photosynthesis.
• Copper (Cu): A component of enzymes and vitamin A; deficiencies can lead to browning of leaf tips and chlorosis.
• Iron (Fe): Essential for chlorophyll synthesis; deficiency results in chlorosis.
• Manganese (Mn): Activates enzymes involved in chlorophyll formation; deficiency causes interveinal chlorosis.
• Molybdenum (Mo): Assists in nitrate reduction and nitrogen fixation.
• Zinc (Zn): Participates in chlorophyll formation and enzyme activation; deficiency leads to stunted growth and chlorosis.

Combining Excalibur Fertilizers:

When combining Excalibur Boost with either Excalibur VI or Excalibur IX, the goal is to enhance nutrient availability during critical growth phases. Excalibur Boost offers a quicker nutrient release (2-3 months), complementing the extended release profiles of Excalibur VI (6 months) and Excalibur IX (9 months).

Estimated Combined NPK and Micronutrient Effects:

Assuming a 1:1 mixture by weight, the combined NPK ratios are approximations:

Combination	N (Nitrogen)	P (Phosphorus)	K (Potassium)	Micronutrient Availability
Excalibur VI Only	11	11	14	Balanced supply of essential micronutrients.
Excalibur IX Only	11	11	13	Balanced supply of essential micronutrients.
Excalibur Boost Only	10	12	14	Enhanced micronutrient package, including increased Boron for improved pollination and seed set.
Excalibur VI + Boost (1:1)	10.5	11.5	14	Slightly elevated micronutrient levels, providing a boost during active growth and blooming periods.
Excalibur IX + Boost (1:1)	10.5	11.5	13.5	Slightly elevated micronutrient levels, supporting sustained growth with an added boost for flowering and root development.

Considerations:

• Application Rates: Adjust the application rates based on plant size, growth stage, and specific nutritional needs.
• Soil Testing: Conduct regular soil tests to tailor fertilization practices effectively.
• Monitoring: Observe plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses and adjust fertilization accordingly.

By thoughtfully combining Excalibur fertilizers, you can provide a tailored nutrient regimen that supports the dynamic growth and flowering cycles of plumeria plants.