Foliar Feeding: Fast, Direct Nutrition for Rapid Plant Response

Foliar Feeding is the act of applying fertilizer or bio stimulants through the plants stomata and epidermis.  Most nutrient delivery happens in the root zone; however when plants need a quick fix, foliar feeding becomes one of the most effective tools a grower can use. Applying nutrients directly to the leaves bypasses media limitations, delivering nutrients where they can be absorbed fastest. Foliar spraying fertilizer is one of the most efficient and economical applications. This science driven approach allows the plant to rapidly correct deficiencies, optimize performance, and push productivity higher. Unlock the full potential of your crop by putting the power of the leaf to work.


Why Foliar Feeding Works

Leaves aren’t just passive solar panels — they’re active nutrient gateways.  

When nutrients enter through the leaves, they move quickly into the vascular system where they can be mobilized throughout the plant. This is why growers see fast recovery from deficiencies like Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), or micronutrient shortages.

How leaves absorb nutrients:

  • Stomata: Tiny pores that exchange gases and can take in dissolved nutrients.

  • Epidermis: The outer leaf layers that can absorb small molecules under the right conditions.

Foliar feeding is especially useful when:

  • Roots are stressed 

    • Extreme soil temperatures, Drought, Overwatering, Transplant shock

  • You need quick correction of deficiencies.

  • Media is causing pH imbalance or nutrient lockout.

  • You want to support explosive vegetative growth.

In short.. when roots can’t, leaves can.

 When to Foliar Feed

Timing and conditions make all the difference.

Best times to spray:

  • Outdoors: Dawn or dusk

  • Indoors : Low light conditions

  • Avoid: Midday sun or high-intensity lights (risk of burn)

Use foliar sprays for:

  • Early veg vigor

  • Mid-cycle deficiency corrections

  • Rapid response during stressful conditions

  • Temporary boosts during high-demand growth phases

General guidelines:

  • Keep foliar solutions below 500 ppm (EC < 1.0).

  • Spray no more than once every 7–10 days with nutrient-based mixes.

  • pH between 5.5 and 6.8 for best uptake.

    • A slightly acidic spray dissolves the cuticle wax, allowing for increased uptake

  • Always ensure full coverage of both sides of the leaves — the underside has more stomata.

 Best Cutting Edge Solutions™  Products for Foliar Feeding

Our formulations are clean, stable, and designed to move easily through plant tissues, making them ideal for foliar use.

 Uncle John’s Blend™ 

A potassium-rich, micronutrient-packed formula that supports energy production and overall plant resilience.

  • Rate: Liquid (5–10 mL/gal) ; SP (0.79 g/gal)

  • Best time: 

    • Vegetative and transition stages

    • Anytime Potassium (K), Manganese (Mn), Sulfur (S), or Iron (Fe) deficiency appears 

  • Benefits: Carbohydrate metabolism, sugar production, stress tolerance

 Mag-Amped™

A magnesium-forward supplement that fuels chlorophyll production and enzyme function.

  • Rate: 2-5 mL/gal

  • Best time: 

    • Vegetative and transition stages

    • Anytime Magnesium (Mg) deficiency appears 

    • Low light conditions (ex: shade, light out, cloudiness)

  • Benefits: Prevents interveinal chlorosis, keeps foliage vibrant and strong

Plant Amp™

A clean, efficient Non-Nitrate Calcium source ideal for foliar application.

  • Rate: 5–10 mL/gal

  • Best time: 

    • Vegetative and transition stages

    • Anytime Calcium (Ca) deficiency appears 

    • First signs of tip burn

  • Benefits: Cell wall strength, bud formation, structure, and resilience


Bullet Proof SI™ 

A potent Silica (Si) designed to enhance plant strength and build resistance to environmental stressors. 

  • Rate: 1 mL/gal

  • Best Time:

    • Vegetative and transition stages

    • In times of environmental stress (Heat, Drought) 

  • Benefits: Heat & Drought Resistance, Stronger stems & structure, Improved Nutrient Transport 

 What Nutrients Shine in Foliar Sprays?

Foliar feeding is incredibly effective for nutrients that often lock out in the root zone:

  • Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca)

These elements can be taken up rapidly through the leaf surface, making foliar feeding the go-to method for correcting hidden hunger in fast-growing crops.

 

 

Foliar Feeding Crop Varieties

Cannabis: Foliar feeding is very effective for vegetative fertigation.  Applications to boost vigor or correct nutrient deficiencies are highly effective.  It is important to end foliar applications after week 3 of flower to protect quality and cleanliness.

Food Crops:  Grapes enjoy Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) sprays to improve vine health.  Foliar spraying apples with a calcium focus reduces bitter pits and supports fruit quality.  Spraying prior to fruit maturation is recommended for the freshest, cleanest produce.

Ornamentals: These plants can be sprayed throughout their entire life span.  Foliar spraying Iron (Fe) and Magnesium (Mg) keeps roses, turfgrass, and greenery vibrant and deep green.

Foliar feeding is not a replacement for root nutrition, but it is one of the fastest ways to fine-tune plant health and performance.


Real-World Results, Backed by Growers

From small craft growers to large commercial farms, our customers consistently report:

  • Faster recovery from deficiencies

  • More vibrant foliage

  • Higher stress tolerance

  • Improved yield quality

  • Stronger vegetative growth

Foliar feeding with CES isn’t a band-aid — it’s a precision tool that elevates your entire nutrient program.

Ready to Get Spraying?

The leaf is one of the most powerful delivery systems your plant has. With Cutting Edge Solutions™, you can tap into that potential and take your crop health to the next level.

 

Uncle John's Blend™ 0-0-2

 

Mag Amped™

 

Plant Amp™

 

 

 

 

Let's grow better together.