March 3, 2001
Question: Queen palms are showing severe boron deficiency which you previously addressed in your column. I am trying to find boron for direct treatments to the palms followed by applications of an all purpose fertilizer. I have done this singular treatment with manganese with success. Where can I locate boron as a stand-alone product?
-M. Beal, e-mail
Answer: Boron (B) is usually not sold separately from other fertilizer components and for good reasons. Although B is one of 16 essential plant nutrients, the use of B often takes great skill in application. Too much B can be toxic to plant and may even kill the plant it is intended to help. In farm operations, and depending on the crop, often no more than 2-3 ounces of B are required for application over an acre of crop land. When B is available, almost always, it is incorporated as a minute portion of a balanced mix fertilizer. Purchase a good slow-release palm fertilizer. Check the label to make sure it includes B. You may call the Extension office to locate sources of palm fertilizers recommended by the University of Florida. These sources are not to be found in southwest Florida.
Stephen Brown is a horticulture agent with the Lee County Extension. To submit questions call the horticulture desk at 461-7504 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or via e-mail at shb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. Listen to the ‘Garden Show’ at 8 a.m. on 1200-AM WINK/WNOG.