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6-12-12 Fertilizer: Complete Guide

Penn State Extension

Formulated for fruiting vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash, this blend supplies twice the phosphorus and potassium relative to nitrogen. Low 6% nitrogen limits excess foliage, directing energy toward blossoms and fruit. Apply 8 lbs per 1,000 sq ft at transplant and again at flowering. Using it too early during vegetative growth starves young plants of needed nitrogen.

Key Facts

6N
12P
12K
N 6% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth
P 12% Phosphorus: roots and flowers
K 12% Potassium: health and disease resistance
Learn more about NPK
NPK Ratio
6N
12P
12K
N 6% Nitrogen: leaf and stem growth
P 12% Phosphorus: roots and flowers
K 12% Potassium: health and disease resistance
Learn more about NPK
Formgranular
Application Rate8 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for fruiting vegetables
Price~$0.85/lb est.
Release Speedmoderate
Burn Risklow
syntheticgranular

What is 6-12-12 Fertilizer Best For?

tomatoespepperssquashfruit treesflowering plants

When Should You Use 6-12-12 Fertilizer?

Use for tomatoes, peppers, squash, and other fruiting vegetables at transplant and during flowering/fruiting stages.

When Should You NOT Use 6-12-12 Fertilizer?

Avoid during vegetative growth phase when plants need more nitrogen for leaf development.

Source:Penn State Extension