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Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 | Chelated Micronutrients | Hydroponics, Soil & Foliar Application

Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 | Chelated Micronutrients | Hydroponics, Soil & Foliar Application

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Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32

Grow sweeter, larger, and more abundant strawberries with our premium water-soluble 8-12-32 formula. Scientifically balanced for strawberries with EDTA-chelated micronutrients for soil, hydroponic, and foliar growing.

Best for strawberries during flowering and fruiting. Works in soil, raised beds, containers, drip irrigation, and all hydroponic systems. Designed to support sweetness, firmness, and berry size when used as part of a complete nutrition program.

Ideal Applications

Strawberries
2-3g per plant every 2-3 weeks
Blueberries
0.5-1 lb per 100 sq ft
Raspberries & Blackberries
0.5-1 lb per 100 sq ft
Hydroponic Berries
0.5–0.6 lbs per 100 gal (fruiting)
Fruiting Stage Feeding
Full strength from first flower through harvest
FEATURES

🍓 Optimized 8-12-32 Berry Ratio

Moderate nitrogen prevents excessive foliage while ultra-high potassium (32%) supports sugar movement and fruit development for sweeter, firmer berries when paired with proper light, irrigation, and harvest timing.

🛡️ EDTA-Chelated Micronutrients

Iron, manganese, zinc, and copper are protected by EDTA chelation, helping reduce micronutrient tie-up and supporting availability across a wider pH range than non-chelated forms.

🌊 Instant Cold-Water Solubility

Dissolves completely in room-temperature water with zero residue. Compatible with drip irrigation, hydroponic towers, NFT systems, DWC, Dutch buckets, and foliar sprays.

🚫 Tested for Heavy Metals

Every batch independently tested by third-party laboratories with results consistently well below required limits. CDFA registered for professional and home grower confidence.

🌱 Strawberry-Specific Formula

Purpose-built for strawberries — not a generic berry fertilizer. Blueberries require a very different pH and nitrogen program. This formula is tuned to the specific macronutrient ratios and pH preferences of strawberry crops.

📏 Increased Berry Size & Uniformity

High potassium improves cell expansion and water regulation for larger, more uniform berries with better market appeal and consumer satisfaction.

⚡ Enhanced Sugar Accumulation

The 32% potassium content can support sugar movement to developing fruit, which may help improve Brix levels for noticeably sweeter, more flavorful berries when crop conditions are well managed throughout the harvest.

📦 Extended Shelf Life & Firmness

Proper potassium and calcium supplementation produces firmer berries that resist bruising, improving post-harvest quality and reducing losses during shipping.

🌸 Complete Bloom Support

Enhanced phosphorus (12%) ensures strong crown development, abundant flowering, and excellent fruit set across all growth stages from establishment through heavy fruiting.

🔬 Full Micronutrient Spectrum

Includes boron for proper pollination and fruit shape, plus molybdenum for nitrogen metabolism — a complete nutritional package beyond just NPK.

DERIVED FROM
SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA

8-12-32: Engineered for Sweet, Abundant Berries

Our formula addresses the unique nutritional demands of strawberries and berry crops throughout their growth cycle — moderate nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage, enhanced phosphorus for prolific flowering, and ultra-high potassium to support sugar movement and fruit quality.

🌿 Nitrogen — 8% (Moderate Foliage)

Strawberries need sufficient nitrogen for healthy leaf growth and runner production, but excess nitrogen causes soft berries, reduced sugar content, delayed ripening, and excessive vegetation at the expense of fruiting. Our 8% level hits the sweet spot.

🌸 Phosphorus — 12% (Enhanced Flowering)

During crown development, flowering, and fruit set, strawberries have elevated phosphorus demands. The 12% level supports strong root systems, ATP energy transfer, abundant flower production, and improved berry development.

⭐ Potassium — 32% (Sweetness & Size)

Strawberries are heavy potassium feeders, especially during fruiting. This dominant 32% level supports sugar movement to developing fruit, helps regulate water balance for firm berries, is involved in activating more than 60 enzyme systems, and can significantly enhance photosynthesis.

Essential Micronutrients

🧲 Iron (Fe) 0.10%

Chelated EDTA. Essential for chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis. Prevents interveinal yellowing and supports healthy pigment development in developing berries.

⚙️ Manganese (Mn) 0.05%

Chelated EDTA. Activates enzymes involved in photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism. Supports normal plant metabolism, pollen viability, and berry uniformity.

🌱 Zinc (Zn) 0.05%

Chelated EDTA. Required for auxin production and protein synthesis. Essential for proper berry formation, seed development, and preventing small leaves.

🔗 Copper (Cu) 0.05%

Chelated EDTA. Involved in lignin synthesis for strong cell walls. Supports enzyme function, overall plant structural integrity, and berry firmness.

🧱 Boron (B) 0.02%

Boric Acid (mineral form — not chelated). Critical for cell wall formation, calcium utilization, and pollination. Prevents misshapen berries and ensures proper flower development and fruit set.

🔬 Molybdenum (Mo) 0.0005%

Sodium Molybdate (mineral form — not chelated). Supports nitrate metabolism and efficient nitrogen use. Though needed in tiny amounts, deficiency causes yellowing and poor overall growth.

Why High Potassium for Berries?

🍓 Sweeter Berries

Potassium supports sugar movement and accumulation in developing fruit, which can improve Brix levels for sweeter, more flavorful strawberries when other growing conditions are well managed.

📏 Larger Fruit

Improves cell expansion and water uptake for bigger, more uniform berries with better market appeal.

📦 Longer Shelf Life

Maintains berry firmness and reduces post-harvest deterioration, bruising, and shrinkage during storage and shipping.

🛡️ Improved Plant Resilience

Adequate potassium can support stronger cell wall integrity, which may contribute to improved plant resilience against common fungal and environmental stressors during the growing season.

🎨 Vibrant Color

Enhances anthocyanin production for deep red color development throughout the berry, improving visual quality.

🌡️ Stress Tolerance

Helps plants cope with temperature extremes, drought stress, and environmental fluctuations during critical fruiting periods.

APPLICATION RATES & DIRECTIONS

Below are recommended rates for strawberries. Start at the lower end and increase based on plant response. Rates for hydroponic applications assume RO or rainwater — reduce Cal-Mag Plus by 30–50% if using tap or well water with 30+ ppm calcium.

Hydroponic Application Rates — Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 per 100 Gallons
Growth Stage 8-12-32 Amount Cal-Mag Plus Stock pH Range Target EC (PPM 500 / 700)
Establishment 0.25 lbs 250–500 ml 5.8–6.2 0.8–1.0 EC (400–500 / 560–700)
Vegetative Growth 0.4–0.5 lbs 500–1,000 ml 5.6–6.0 1.2–1.4 EC (600–700 / 840–980)
Flowering/Fruiting 0.5–0.6 lbs 1,000–1,500 ml 5.6–6.0 1.4–1.6 EC (700–800 / 980–1,120)

EC Sensitivity Note

Strawberries are EC-sensitive — do not exceed 1.6 EC during fruiting. High EC reduces flavor (lower Brix, more acidic) and increases leaf-margin burn. EC up to 1.8–2.0 may be used under cool, high-light conditions only.

PPM/TDS readings depend on your meter's conversion scale. 500-scale PPM = EC × 500 | 700-scale PPM = EC × 700. Most Hanna and HM Digital meters use 500-scale. Most Bluelab meters report EC directly.

Cal-Mag Plus stock is prepared by dissolving the entire 5 lb bag in 2 gallons of water; doses above are ml of that prepared stock per 100 gallons of reservoir.

RO Water — Add Calcium Nitrate

On reverse-osmosis or rainwater, Calcium Nitrate is recommended to ensure adequate calcium for fruit firmness and shelf life. On tap water with 30+ ppm Ca it is optional.

  • Vegetative: 0.10–0.20 lbs Calcium Nitrate per 100 gal
  • Flowering/Fruiting: 0.15–0.30 lbs Calcium Nitrate per 100 gal
  • Do not exceed final EC of 1.6 during fruiting regardless of source water

Pre-dissolve Calcium Nitrate separately and add to the reservoir first, then Cal-Mag Plus stock, then 8-12-32. Never combine in concentrate.

⚠️ Calcium Supplementation Required: This formula does not contain calcium because calcium and phosphorus are chemically incompatible in the same solution. Always supplement with Cal-Mag Plus or Calcium Nitrate for firm berries and to prevent soft fruit.
Foliar Application Rates — Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 per 100 Gallons of Spray Solution
Purpose 8-12-32 Rate Frequency / Notes
Pre-bloom push 0.75 lb / 100 gal Once, 10 days before first flower; spray to glistening. Can add Cal-Mag stock 5 ml/gal to tank.
Runner production support 0.5 lb / 100 gal Every 10 days during runner production; light spray only. Add Cal-Mag stock 5 ml/gal if plants show stress.
Deficiency correction 1.0–1.5 lb / 100 gal (MAX) Every 7 days, max 2 sprays; stop 14 days before harvest; test small area first. Add Cal-Mag stock 5–10 ml/gal to tank.
⚠️ Foliar Application Cautions: Always test on a small area first and wait 24–48 hours before full application. Do not spray when temperatures exceed 85°F, during peak sun, or onto open blossoms. Stop all foliar feeding once fruit begins to color — foliar deposits are visible on ripening berries and can scorch fruit. For everbearing varieties, restrict foliar to vegetative recovery periods between flushes only.
Soil & Container Application Rates — Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32
Application Rate Timing
Pre-plant incorporation 1 lb / 100 sq ft Once before bed prep; strawberries prefer pH 5.8–6.5 — do not lime aggressively
Side-dress (June-bearers) 0.25 lb / 100 sq ft After first flush; repeat after each major harvest cycle
Side-dress (everbearers) 0.25 lb / 100 sq ft Monthly during the season
Drip fertigation 0.5 lb / 100 gal Every 2 weeks during fruiting
Container plants (at potting) 0.5 tsp / gallon of soil, mixed in At potting; top-dress at first flower
Soil drench (establishment) 0.25 lb / 100 gal At transplant; repeat 2 weeks later
Soil drench (vegetative) 0.5 lb / 100 gal Every 14 days
Soil drench (fruiting) 0.5–0.75 lb / 100 gal Every 14 days; use lower end if soil EC is rising

Fall Caution

Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding in fall — it promotes soft new growth that does not harden off before winter, increasing winterkill risk in zones 6 and colder. Taper feeding to biweekly and reduce rate in late summer to early fall.

HOW TO USE

Soil & Container Growing

  1. Dissolve 2-3g (⅓-½ tsp) per plant in water before application.
  2. Apply around the crown of each plant, avoiding direct stem contact.
  3. Water thoroughly after application to move nutrients into the root zone.
  4. Repeat every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.
  5. Increase frequency during heavy fruiting if plants show signs of deficiency.

Hydroponic Systems

  1. Fill reservoir with clean water to desired volume.
  2. Pre-dissolve each fertilizer separately in a small bucket of warm water before adding to the reservoir.
  3. Add Calcium Nitrate (if used for RO water) first — stir thoroughly.
  4. Add Cal-Mag Plus stock and stir until fully dispersed.
  5. Add Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 at the rate for your growth stage (see Application Rates table).
  6. Stir thoroughly and adjust pH to 5.6–6.2 as needed (5.8–6.2 for establishment; 5.6–6.0 for vegetative and fruiting).
  7. Verify final EC — do not exceed 1.6 EC during fruiting.
  8. Monitor reservoir daily and top off with plain pH-adjusted water (not nutrient solution) when EC rises.
  9. Change reservoir completely every 1–2 weeks.

Foliar Spray

  1. Pre-dissolve fertilizer in a small amount of water before adding to the spray tank.
  2. Use 0.75 lb per 100 gal for pre-bloom, 0.5 lb per 100 gal for runner support, or up to 1.5 lb per 100 gal for deficiency correction (see Application Rates table).
  3. Apply in early morning or late afternoon — never in direct midday sun or above 85°F.
  4. Spray to glistening — leaves should be wet but not dripping.
  5. Test on a small area first and wait 24–48 hours before full application.
  6. Stop all foliar feeding once fruit begins to color.

Optimal Feeding Through Growth Stages

Establishment (Week 0–4): 0.25 lbs / 100 gal + Cal-Mag 250–500 ml / target 0.8–1.0 EC

Vegetative (Week 4–8): 0.4–0.5 lbs / 100 gal + Cal-Mag 500–1,000 ml / target 1.2–1.4 EC

Flowering (Week 8–10): 0.5–0.6 lbs / 100 gal + Cal-Mag 1,000–1,500 ml / target 1.4–1.6 EC

Fruiting (Week 10+): 0.5–0.6 lbs / 100 gal + Cal-Mag 1,000–1,500 ml / target 1.4–1.6 EC — do not exceed 1.6 EC

Pro Tip: Supporting Sweetness Through Harvest

For the best flavor, maintain consistent moisture leading up to harvest — avoid overwatering near ripening, but do not stress the plants. Continue full-strength potassium feeding all the way through harvest. Pick berries in the morning when sugar content tends to peak, and allow fruit to fully ripen on the plant before picking. Cool overnight temperatures in the days before harvest can also support sugar accumulation.

When Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 Is the Right Choice

  • Growing strawberries — June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties
  • Fruiting stage when potassium and sugar demands peak
  • Hydroponic strawberry towers and systems requiring 100% water-soluble nutrients
  • When berry sweetness, firmness, and shelf life are top priorities

When to Consider Other Options

STRAWBERRY FERTILIZER CALCULATOR
SAFETY & HANDLING
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Wear gloves and eye protection when handling dry powder or concentrated solutions
  • Avoid inhaling dust — use in well-ventilated areas or wear a dust mask when measuring
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage Guidelines
  • Store in a cool, dry place in the original sealed container
  • Product is hygroscopic — it will absorb moisture from the air if exposed, causing clumping
  • If product clumps, simply break it up — efficacy is not affected
  • Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources
  • Keep away from children and pets
Application Precautions
  • Do not mix dry fertilizer with other products before dissolving in water
  • Always add Cal-Mag Plus to reservoir first, then add this fertilizer separately
  • Avoid direct contact with plant stems and foliage when applying to soil
  • Water thoroughly after soil application to prevent root burn
  • Do not foliar spray during peak sun hours or when temperatures exceed 85°F
First Aid
  • Eye contact: Flush with clean water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists
  • Skin contact: Wash affected area with soap and water
  • Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist

Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety information.

COMPLETE YOUR SYSTEM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I make my strawberries sweeter?

Adequate potassium is the nutritional foundation for sweeter berries. The 32% potassium content can support sugar movement to developing fruit, which may help improve Brix levels when other growing conditions are also well managed. Beyond nutrition, ensure 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, maintain consistent moisture leading up to harvest (avoid overwatering near ripening but do not stress plants), and pick fully ripe berries in the morning. Cool nights before harvest can also contribute to better flavor. For a deeper understanding, see our article on What's the Function of Potassium (K) in Plants? For a complete nutrition guide, see What is the Best Fertilizer for Strawberries?

What pH should I maintain for strawberries?

Strawberries prefer slightly acidic conditions. For soil growing, maintain pH 5.8–6.5. For hydroponics, adjust pH by growth stage: establishment at 5.8–6.2, vegetative growth at 5.6–6.0, and flowering/fruiting at 5.6–6.0. Always check pH after mixing nutrients, as fertilizer addition will change the solution pH.

Can I use this for hydroponic strawberry towers?

Yes — our formula dissolves completely and works in vertical hydroponic towers, NFT systems, DWC, and Dutch buckets. For flowering and fruiting, use 0.5–0.6 lbs per 100 gallons of reservoir, maintain EC at 1.4–1.6 (700–800 PPM @ 500-scale / 980–1,120 PPM @ 700-scale), keep pH at 5.6–6.0, and always add Cal-Mag Plus at 1,000–1,500 ml per 100 gal. Check EC daily since towers evaporate faster, and top off with plain pH-adjusted water — not nutrient solution — when EC rises. On RO water, add Calcium Nitrate at 0.15–0.30 lbs per 100 gal for fruit firmness.

What's the best feeding schedule for everbearing strawberries?

Everbearing varieties need consistent nutrition for continuous production: start at half strength weekly during spring establishment, increase to full strength for the first crop, reduce to half strength between crops, return to full strength for the second crop, and taper to biweekly in fall. Never skip feeding during active fruiting, and increase Cal-Mag Plus during peak production.

Why doesn't this formula contain calcium?

Calcium and phosphorus are chemically incompatible in the same solution — when mixed, they form insoluble calcium phosphate that precipitates out and becomes unavailable to plants. That's why any high-phosphorus fertilizer must be supplemented with a separate calcium source. For more on why calcium matters, see our article on Why Calcium is Crucial for Plant Growth.

Recommended calcium sources:

How do I store the powder to prevent clumping?

Our fertilizer is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the air. Keep the bag sealed tight between uses and store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If the powder clumps, simply break it up. Clumping does not affect the product's efficacy or nutrient content.

Is this formula suitable for other berry crops?

This formula is optimized and formulated specifically for strawberries. Do not use it as a general berry fertilizer — blueberries require a very different program (pH 4.5–5.5, ammoniacal nitrogen) and caneberries such as raspberries and blackberries have their own requirements. For strawberry-specific guidance, see our complete article on What is the Best Fertilizer for Strawberries?

GROW WITH CONFIDENCE

Important details on quality, returns, sustainability, and charitable efforts that set our product apart.

Product Quality Guaranteed
  • Family-owned and operated since 1989 — over 35 years of fertilizer manufacturing expertise
  • Manufactured in Madera, California, USA
  • Tested by independent third-party laboratories for purity and guaranteed analysis
  • Registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
  • Independently tested for heavy metal content with results consistently well below required limits
  • Solution-grade raw materials selected for maximum solubility and plant availability
Hassle-Free Return Policy

If you're not completely satisfied, we offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. Simply return the unused portion in its original packaging, and we'll process a full refund. No questions asked.

Environmental Responsibility

We're committed to sustainable practices, including:

  • Recyclable packaging materials
  • Precise nutrient formulation to reduce environmental runoff
  • Support for integrated pest management (IPM) practices
  • Promoting water-efficient growing methods including hydroponics
Charitable Contributions

1% of all profits go to our foundation, focused on improving educational opportunities for children in agricultural communities.

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