Epsom Salts and Iron Chelates (forum)

Eve starts with ...
I recently watered my mandarine tree and brassicas with a diluted solution of epsom salts and iron chelates. I also watered the foliage as well with the mixture.

Not sure if it was a coincidence but my mandarines after a few days, ended up with black spots on them. The fruit was okay underneath but was wondering if watering the foliage with this mixture was the wrong thing to do. The brassica foliage was also looking a bit shocked but thankfully have recovered and have some new growth.

Have I made the mistake of thinking that the solution is like the seasol mix that is good for foliage as well?

Has anyone else had this experience.

Time: 8th May 2010 4:41pm

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Julie says...
Can't help you with the black spot problem, but it is actually recommended to water foliage with iron chelates. It acts much faster than watering the soil.

Maybe next time you do it, pick a time before the mandarin fruits, so you are only watering leaves. Just a thought.

Time: 8th May 2010 7:17pm

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About the Author Julie
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Eve says...
Probably right Julie.

I did not even think about the fruit when I did it. :)

Thought the brocolli should have been okay though - it is not in fruit yet. I suspect that maybe it is the epsom salts that should not be put on the foliage as I also heard on Gardening Australia this week that iron chelates can be used as a foliar feed as well.



Time: 9th May 2010 3:18pm

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Rhys says...
I can't remember where exactly but i have definitely read that epsom salts can be used as a foliar feed...may not have been a reputable source though. The only plant i've heard that is not meant to like epsom salts is sage apparently.

Time: 9th May 2010 6:08pm

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About the Author Getafix
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kert says...
Yup, you read it on the packet as sold in supermarkets.

Time: 12th May 2010 10:13am

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