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| I started a lot of containerized trees this year (mostly pawpaws--Asimina Triloba), and used controlled release fertilizer (CRF). Most was Osmocote 8-9 month. They were started in a high tunnel. As the summer progressed, the sides on the tunnel were open. Even with temperatures at or below freezing this fall, most of the trees held their green leaves, seeming to delay dormancy. I moved them into an unheated barn recently as temperatures dropped into the teens. The leaves are still on the trees. I read some research indicating that CRF may interfere with dormancy, as it continues to fertilize the tree late in the growing season. I would appreciate any ideas or experience anyone has with this issue. I hope my trees survive the winter. Marc |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Marc, It's possible it did interfere, and you may get some tip die back. I would think the trees will survive it. Don't use it anymore, use a 6 month product, and go light! Are they in a 5-1-1 mix? Remember we want fruit in the end, so greening the tree with fertilizer does not produce fruit but green growth, and actually inhibits fruiting. Why older trees in the ground are not fertilized. |
This post was edited by Drew51 on Tue, Nov 26, 13 at 11:21
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| Thanks, Drew. Yes, some are in 5-1-1, others are in a pine bark/compost mix. I was pushing the trees, trying to get as much growth as possible in their first year in containers so I could graft next spring. Most are still not at that size yet. I will use the 6 month product next year. Marc |
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| Marc, Sounds to me like a right way to treat them if grafting. Very cool! See my advice in your other thread. Please keep us updated next spring on how they do. |
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