What is the difference between Florikan NPK Max, NPK Plus, and NPK Pro?
NPK Max uses Florikan's standard polymer coating and is the most widely stocked option. NPK Plus adds micronutrients and secondary elements, making it the better choice for container crops and palms where deficiencies are common. NPK Pro is a higher-nitrogen formula aimed at foliage production and fast establishment. The coating technology across all three lines is the same, so the choice comes down to nutrient profile and crop type, not release reliability.
How do I choose the right release duration for my application?
Release duration is temperature-driven: all Florikan and Nutricote release windows are calibrated at 77 degrees F. In cooler climates or winter production, a 90-day formula can stretch to 4 or 5 months. In south Florida or high-tunnel production through summer, a 180-day formula may exhaust in 5 months. For landscape installation, the 180-day and 270-day Nutricote formulas are standard. For container nursery stock going out the door on a defined production cycle, match the duration to your crop's typical stay time in the container.
Which Florikan formula works best for palms?
The 8-2-12 Palm and Citrus formula is the most popular choice for palms, with a nutrient ratio that reflects palms' high potassium demand and sensitivity to excess phosphorus. The 180-day release window covers most outdoor production cycles in warm climates without requiring reapplication. The 17-5-11 NPK Max is a reasonable substitute when the palm-specific formula is unavailable, though the lower K ratio is a tradeoff. For container palms in a nursery setting, the 140-day NPK Plus at 18-5-12 is also commonly used.
What is Nutricote and how does it relate to Florikan?
Nutricote is a controlled-release fertilizer line manufactured by Florikan under a licensing arrangement with Chisso-Asahi in Japan. The coating technology differs slightly from Florikan's standard NPK line: Nutricote uses a polyolefin resin coating with a more consistent, even release curve. It is common in high-value container production and is the preferred choice when release predictability across temperature swings matters more than cost per unit. A.M. Leonard stocks Nutricote in the 18-6-8 formula at 180, 270, and 360-day durations, as well as the 14-4-14 at 70, 270, and 360 days.
What does Sapphire Time-Release Aluminum Sulfate do, and when is it used?
Sapphire is a polymer-coated aluminum sulfate that lowers soil pH gradually over either a 90 or 180-day window. It is used primarily for acid-loving plants like azaleas, blueberries, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas when you need consistent pH adjustment without the hot spots that come from uncoated aluminum sulfate. The controlled release prevents root burn and reduces the number of separate applications required over a growing season. A.M. Leonard carries both the 90-day and 180-day formulas.
