Foli-Cal®

Calcium is a naturally occurring metal that is vital for growth and development of plants and animals.

Calcium is the main constituent of cell walls and membranes. When calcium is in short supply, cell division and the development of the growing point and root tips are affected. Calcium protects the cells from toxins and slows the aging process. Adequate calcium in fruit assures longer shelf life once it’s been harvested.

Foliar symptoms are rarely seen. Since calcium does not move well within the plant, death of the growing point or tissue breakdown are the symptoms commonly seen. This is known as blossom end rot on tomatoes and peppers (large brown areas on the underside of the fruit), tip burn on lettuce, internal browning on brussel sprouts, black heart on celery, bitter pit on apples and tip burn on strawberries.

No. Since these vegetables bloom throughout the season, you can not help the fruit that has already been affected. However, an application of Foli-Cal will help the new fruit that are being formed as the plant blooms.

It is true that there is plenty of calcium in most soils. However, calcium is very non-mobile in the plant. Under periods of high stress (blooming, high fertilization, high or low moisture, etc.), the plant can not get enough calcium to the growing point, resulting in some of the previously described symptoms. This can be corrected by supplementing the plant during these periods with a foliar calcium spray, making sure the fruit and growing points are contacted with the spray.

Agriculturally, calcium sprays are in the form of chlorides, nitrates or acetates. Acetates are the most readily taken up by the plant.

Foli-Cal is a 10% calcium spray derived from calcium acetate and calcium nitrate.

On tomatoes and other vegetables, apply every two weeks during the blooming period. Begin application at the 10–12 leaf stage. On fruit trees and vines, apply every two weeks throughout the growing season.

Add 3 oz. of Foli-Cal to 2 gallons of water and spray to wet.