Skip to main content
Products

What Is Bone Meal Fertilizer Used For?

UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions

Bone meal (3-15-0) is an organic phosphorus fertilizer made from ground animal bones. Used for bulb planting, transplant establishment, root development, and flowering promotion. Mix directly into planting holes, surface application is ineffective because phosphorus doesn't move through soil. Works best in acidic to neutral soils (pH below 7). May attract dogs and wildlife due to animal origin.

What You Need to Know

Bone meal (3-15-0) is an organic phosphorus fertilizer made from ground animal bones. Used for bulb planting, transplant establishment, root development, and flowering promotion. Mix directly into planting holes, surface application is ineffective because phosphorus doesn't move through soil

Works best in acidic to neutral soils (pH below 7). May attract dogs and wildlife due to animal origin.

For personalized recommendations based on your specific garden size and fertilizer, use our fertilizer calculator.

Sources

Last updated: