Q. I was told I need
chelated iron for my roses. So, per instructions, I added the granulated type
today. My question is, how often do I do this? They do not mention this on the
label, just the dosage.
chelated iron for my roses. So, per instructions, I added the granulated type
today. My question is, how often do I do this? They do not mention this on the
label, just the dosage.
A. Chelated iron means the
iron is “captured” by a chemical, called a chelate, that protects it. As long
as the iron is protected, it can be used by the plant. Once the iron is “let
go”, it is no longer protected. In our soils and water, if left unprotected the
iron can no longer be used by the plant.
iron is “captured” by a chemical, called a chelate, that protects it. As long
as the iron is protected, it can be used by the plant. Once the iron is “let
go”, it is no longer protected. In our soils and water, if left unprotected the
iron can no longer be used by the plant.
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| Iron EDDHA chelate for applying to the soil. 5 pound bag. |
You must have mentioned that your rose bushes were
yellowing to get this kind of advice. If
the person helping you is knowledgeable, they would ask if the yellow leaves
were on the ends of branches (new leaves) or further inside the plant on older
leaves. If this is an iron problem, the
yellowing would be on the newer leaves. If
yellowing is on older leaves, it is a different problem.
yellowing to get this kind of advice. If
the person helping you is knowledgeable, they would ask if the yellow leaves
were on the ends of branches (new leaves) or further inside the plant on older
leaves. If this is an iron problem, the
yellowing would be on the newer leaves. If
yellowing is on older leaves, it is a different problem.
There are two methods of correcting yellow leaves because
of iron problems. One method is to apply
chelated iron to the soil. The other
method that is to spray chelated iron, mixed with water, on the leaves.
of iron problems. One method is to apply
chelated iron to the soil. The other
method that is to spray chelated iron, mixed with water, on the leaves.
Timing, or when to apply the chelated iron, is critical
depending on the method. Chelated iron
must be applied to soils in the very early spring before, or as new growth is
emerging.
depending on the method. Chelated iron
must be applied to soils in the very early spring before, or as new growth is
emerging.
Applying chelated iron to the soil is the most effective
way of correcting plants with yellow leaves because it only requires a single
application.
way of correcting plants with yellow leaves because it only requires a single
application.
 |
| Iron EDDHA chelate for applying to the soil in 1 pound container |
 |
| Iron chelate for mixing with water and spraying on the leaves |
The most effective chelated iron to apply to soils contains
the chelate “EDDHA” in the ingredients. The more EDDHA iron on the label, the
more effective it is.
the chelate “EDDHA” in the ingredients. The more EDDHA iron on the label, the
more effective it is.
At this time of year, or any time after early spring,
chelated iron must be sprayed on the leaves to be effective. Applying it to the soil will not work. Unlike
soil applications which are required only once in the spring, spraying iron on
the leaves requires multiple applications for most trees and shrubs. Applications to the leaves may be required
four or five times, a few days apart, to get a decent green color again.
chelated iron must be sprayed on the leaves to be effective. Applying it to the soil will not work. Unlike
soil applications which are required only once in the spring, spraying iron on
the leaves requires multiple applications for most trees and shrubs. Applications to the leaves may be required
four or five times, a few days apart, to get a decent green color again.
The label may not tell you so but always use distilled or
reverse osmosis water when mixing chelated iron to make a foliar spray. Our
water is very alkaline and reduce the effectiveness of the iron chelate.
reverse osmosis water when mixing chelated iron to make a foliar spray. Our
water is very alkaline and reduce the effectiveness of the iron chelate.
Also, use 1 teaspoon per quart of spray of a mild liquid
detergent such as Castile soap mixed into the solution as the last ingredient. Liquid
detergents help move the chelated iron through the waxy leaf surface and inside
the plant.
detergent such as Castile soap mixed into the solution as the last ingredient. Liquid
detergents help move the chelated iron through the waxy leaf surface and inside
the plant.