Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 | Chelated Micronutrients | Hydroponics, Soil & Foliar Application
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Greenway Biotech · Made in California since 1989
Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32.
Sweeter berries by design.
Greenway Biotech Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 is a water-soluble, EDTA-chelated specialty formula built specifically for strawberries — June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. Moderate nitrogen prevents excessive foliage; ultra-high potassium supports sugar movement, firmness, and shelf life from first flower through final harvest.
Find your size → Calculate how much I need32%
Soluble potash (K₂O) — drives sugar movement, firmness, and shelf life
12%
Available phosphate (P₂O₅) for crown development and flowering
6micros
Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu (all EDTA-chelated) plus mineral B and Mo
35+yrs
Family-owned California fertilizer manufacturing experience
01 / Choose your size
Right-sized for the patch.
From a single raised bed to a commercial high-tunnel, our strawberry formula is available in six bag sizes. Coverage estimates assume a typical 2-3 g per plant feeding every 2-3 weeks across an 8-application season. Hydroponic and commercial growers should size by reservoir or acreage rather than plant count — see the calculator below.
| Bag Size | Plant-Season Coverage | Hydro Reservoir Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | ~22 plants for a season | ~180 gal-fruiting | Single raised bed, container patch |
| 2 lb | ~45 plants for a season | ~360 gal-fruiting | Small home patch, balcony tower |
| 5 lb | ~115 plants for a season | ~900 gal-fruiting | Most popular |
| 10 lb | ~225 plants for a season | ~1,800 gal-fruiting | Large home patch, small hoop house |
| 25 lb | ~565 plants for a season | ~4,500 gal-fruiting | Hoop house, small CSA, U-pick |
| 50 lb | ~1,130 plants for a season | ~9,000 gal-fruiting | Best value |
02 / Ideal applications
One formula.
Every strawberry system.
Strawberry 8-12-32 works in every growing system strawberries are produced in — from a single matted-row patch to vertical hydroponic towers. Each application has its own rate; the calculator below figures it for you.
June-Bearing Strawberries
Single heavy crop in late spring / early summer. Pre-plant + side-dress after first flush. 2-3 g per plant every 2-3 weeks.
Everbearing & Day-Neutral
Continuous flushes spring through fall. Steady biweekly feeding at full strength during active fruiting; taper in fall.
Hydroponic Towers & NFT
0.5-0.6 lbs per 100 gal at fruiting with Cal-Mag Plus. Strawberries are EC-sensitive — do not exceed 1.6 EC.
Container & Strawberry Pots
0.5 tsp per gallon of soil at potting; top-dress at first flower. Liquid feed every 14 days during fruiting.
Drip Fertigation
0.5 lb per 100 gal every 2 weeks during fruiting. Fully soluble, no residue — ideal for commercial drip systems.
Targeted Foliar Spray
0.5-1.5 lb per 100 gal for pre-bloom, runner support, or deficiency correction. Stop at first fruit color.
03 / Why 8-12-32
Built for berries.
Not borrowed from blueberries.
Strawberries are not blueberries. They are not raspberries. They are not generic "berry crops." Their nitrogen window, pH preference, and potassium demand are distinct — and this formula reflects that.
32%
Among the highest potassium concentrations in a strawberry formula.
Potassium drives sugar movement to developing fruit, regulates cell water balance for firm berries, and is involved in activating more than 60 enzyme systems. At 32% K₂O, this formula matches the fruit-load demand of strawberries during heavy flush. Pair with a separate calcium source — see Cal-Mag Plus or Calcium Nitrate below.
12%
Enhanced phosphorus for crown development and flowering.
During crown development, flowering, and fruit set, strawberries have elevated phosphorus demands. The 12% available phosphate (P₂O₅) level supports root systems, ATP energy transfer, and flower production. Higher than a balanced 20-20-20 on a per-pound-of-P basis.
8%
Moderate nitrogen — not too much, not too little.
Excess nitrogen on strawberries produces soft berries, reduced sugar content, delayed ripening, and excessive runners at the expense of fruit. The 8% nitrogen level (split 7.20% nitrate + 0.80% ammoniacal per the CDFA label) supports healthy leaf development and runner production without pushing the plant out of fruiting balance.
6micros
Full micronutrient package — Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu all EDTA-chelated.
Iron (0.50%), manganese (0.20%), zinc (0.30%), and copper (0.05%) are protected by EDTA chelation, which helps reduce micronutrient tie-up and supports availability across a wider pH range than non-chelated forms. Boron (0.10%) and molybdenum (0.001%) round out the package in mineral form.
CDFA
California-registered and lab-verified.
Registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture under our currently-approved 2025 label. Independently tested for heavy metals — results consistently well below required limits. Manufactured in Madera, California by a family-owned operation since 1989.
90-Day
Backed by a 90-day guarantee.
If you're not satisfied with your results, return the unused portion within 90 days for a full refund. No questions asked. Every Greenway product carries the same guarantee.
04 / The science
Why potassium matters at fruit fill.
60+
Plant enzyme systems involve potassium
Among the three macronutrients on every fertilizer bag, potassium is the one strawberries demand most during fruit fill. Unlike nitrogen and phosphorus, which are structural — nitrogen builds amino acids, phosphorus builds ATP and nucleic acids — potassium remains a free ion inside plant tissue. It's the activator, not the building block.
That activator role is what makes the 32% K₂O level matter. Potassium regulates stomatal opening (controlling water loss), drives phloem loading of sugars into developing fruit, and is involved in the activation of more than 60 enzyme systems including those tied to starch synthesis, protein synthesis, and cellulose deposition. When strawberries enter fruit fill, internal demand for potassium spikes — and falling short shows up as soft berries, lower Brix, and reduced shelf life.
Strawberries are also notably EC-sensitive. In hydroponic production, EC above 1.6 during fruiting reduces Brix (sugar content increases dilution-wise but acidity rises faster, producing a sourer berry), causes leaf-margin burn, and stresses the root zone. This formula's potassium-forward but moderate-nitrogen profile lets you hit potassium demand without driving total EC into the danger zone. Pair with a separate calcium source — calcium and phosphorus are chemically incompatible in concentrated solution, so any high-P fertilizer must be supplemented separately for firm fruit.
For deeper coverage of how plants use potassium, see our guide on What's the Function of Potassium (K) in Plants? and our complete strawberry nutrition guide at What is the Best Fertilizer for Strawberries?
05 / Application rates
Pick your method.
Get your rate.
Five distinct rate tables for the most common strawberry applications. Click a tab to switch — quick-answer summaries above each table for the most common case, full table below for everything else.
Per Plant (Soil & Raised Bed)
Quick answer: For established strawberries, apply 2-3 g (about half a teaspoon) per plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Apply in a ring around the crown, avoiding direct stem contact, then water in.
| Plant Stage / Size | Rate per Plant | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| New transplants / small plants | ~2 g (~0.4 tsp) per plant | Every 3 weeks |
| Established plants | ~2.5 g (~0.5 tsp) per plant | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Large / mature plants in fruiting | ~3 g (~0.6 tsp) per plant | Every 2 weeks during heavy flush |
| Everbearing between flushes | ~1.5 g (~0.3 tsp) per plant | Half-strength weekly |
⚠️ Stop feeding 2-3 weeks before final harvest of a flush. Excess nitrogen close to harvest produces soft, less-sweet berries. For everbearing varieties, taper feeding in late summer to early fall to avoid soft new growth that does not harden off before winter.
Hydroponic (Per 100 Gallons)
Quick answer: For flowering and fruiting strawberries in hydroponic systems, use 0.5-0.6 lbs per 100 gal of reservoir, pair with Cal-Mag Plus at 1,000-1,500 ml per 100 gal, target EC 1.4-1.6, pH 5.6-6.0. Strawberries are EC-sensitive — do not exceed 1.6 EC during fruiting.
| Growth Stage | 8-12-32 per 100 gal | Cal-Mag Stock per 100 gal | pH Range | Target EC (PPM @ 500-scale) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Establishment | 0.25 lbs (~113 g) | 250-500 ml | 5.8-6.2 | 0.8-1.0 EC (400-500 PPM) |
| Vegetative Growth | 0.4-0.5 lbs (~180-227 g) | 500-1,000 ml | 5.6-6.0 | 1.2-1.4 EC (600-700 PPM) |
| Flowering & Fruiting | 0.5-0.6 lbs (~227-272 g) | 1,000-1,500 ml | 5.6-6.0 | 1.4-1.6 EC (700-800 PPM) |
RO Water — Add Calcium Nitrate
On reverse-osmosis or rainwater, add Calcium Nitrate at 0.10-0.20 lbs per 100 gal (vegetative) or 0.15-0.30 lbs per 100 gal (fruiting) to ensure adequate calcium for fruit firmness and shelf life. On tap water with 30+ ppm Ca it is optional. Always dissolve Calcium Nitrate separately and add to the reservoir first — never combine in concentrate with 8-12-32 or Cal-Mag Plus.
⚠️ Cal-Mag Plus stock note: Cal-Mag ml figures above assume prepared liquid stock — the full 5 lb bag dissolved in 2 gal of water. Reduce Cal-Mag stock 30-50% if using tap or well water already supplying 30+ ppm calcium.
Foliar Spray (Per 100 Gallons of Spray Solution)
Quick answer: For pre-bloom push, dissolve 0.75 lb per 100 gal (about 3.4 g/gal, or 0.7 tsp/gal). Apply early morning or late afternoon, spray to glistening (not runoff), and stop all foliar feeding once fruit begins to color.
| Purpose | Rate per 100 gal | Approx. per gallon | Frequency / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-bloom push | 0.75 lb (~340 g) | ~3.4 g/gal (~0.7 tsp/gal) | Once, 10 days before first flower |
| Runner production support | 0.5 lb (~227 g) | ~2.3 g/gal (~0.5 tsp/gal) | Every 10 days during runner production; light spray only |
| Deficiency correction (max) | 1.0-1.5 lb (~454-680 g) | ~4.5-6.8 g/gal (~1-1.5 tsp/gal) | Every 7 days, max 2 sprays; stop 14 days before harvest |
⚠️ Foliar application cautions: Always test on a small area first and wait 24-48 hours before full application. Do not spray when temperatures exceed 85°F, during peak sun, or onto open blossoms. Stop all foliar feeding once fruit begins to color — foliar deposits are visible on ripening berries and can scorch fruit. For everbearing varieties, restrict foliar to vegetative recovery periods between flushes only.
Soil & Container (Bed and Pot Applications)
Quick answer: For garden beds, broadcast 1 lb per 100 sq ft before planting and side-dress at 0.25 lb per 100 sq ft after each major harvest cycle. For containers, mix 0.5 tsp per gallon of soil at potting and top-dress at first flower.
| Method | Rate | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-plant incorporation | 1 lb / 100 sq ft (~454 g / 100 sq ft) | Once before bed prep; strawberries prefer pH 5.8-6.5 — do not lime aggressively |
| Side-dress (June-bearers) | 0.25 lb / 100 sq ft (~113 g / 100 sq ft) | After first flush; repeat after each major harvest cycle |
| Side-dress (everbearers / day-neutral) | 0.25 lb / 100 sq ft (~113 g / 100 sq ft) | Monthly during the season |
| Container - at potting | 0.5 tsp / gallon of soil volume | Mix into soil before potting; top-dress at first flower |
| Soil drench - establishment | 0.25 lb / 100 gal (~113 g / 100 gal) | At transplant; repeat 2 weeks later |
| Soil drench - vegetative | 0.5 lb / 100 gal (~227 g / 100 gal) | Every 14 days during vegetative growth |
| Soil drench - fruiting | 0.5-0.75 lb / 100 gal (~227-340 g / 100 gal) | Every 14 days during fruiting; use lower end if soil EC is rising |
| Drip fertigation | 0.5 lb / 100 gal (~227 g / 100 gal) | Every 2 weeks during fruiting |
Fall Caution
Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding in fall — it promotes soft new growth that does not harden off before winter, increasing winterkill risk in zones 6 and colder. Taper feeding to biweekly and reduce rate in late summer to early fall.
Commercial (Per Acre)
Quick answer: Commercial strawberry rates typically range from 80 to 175 lbs of 8-12-32 per acre per season, split across the fruiting window or applied via continuous drip fertigation during fruit fill. Always confirm with a current soil test and tissue test.
📋 Field & Acreage Rates: The per-acre figures below are general references for medium-testing soils at typical yield goals. Actual rates should be based on a current soil test and local nutrient removal estimates. Consult your local extension service for site-specific recommendations.
| Program | 8-12-32 Rate (lbs/acre) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Light | ~80-110 lbs/acre/season | High baseline soil P and K — supplement strategy only |
| Standard | ~110-140 lbs/acre/season | Medium-testing soils — typical commercial program |
| Heavy | ~140-175 lbs/acre/season | High-yield day-neutral programs with drip irrigation |
⚠️ Always split into 3-5 applications across the fruiting window, or use continuous fertigation during fruit fill. Supplement calcium separately — gypsum pre-plant or Calcium Nitrate via fertigation. Monitor runoff EC and reduce rates if soil EC trends above 2.0 mS/cm.
06 / How to use & calculate
Dissolve it.
Apply it.
Water it in.
Four application methods cover everything strawberries need from this formula. The calculator on the right does the math for whichever you pick.
-
01
Soil / Per-Plant Application
Dissolve 2-3 g per plant in water, or apply dry in a ring around each crown and water in. Avoid direct stem contact. Water thoroughly after application to move nutrients into the root zone. Repeat every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season.
-
02
Hydroponic Systems
Pre-dissolve each fertilizer separately in warm water before adding to the reservoir. On RO water, add Calcium Nitrate first, then Cal-Mag Plus stock, then 8-12-32 last. Adjust pH to 5.6-6.2. Verify final EC — do not exceed 1.6 EC during fruiting. Replace reservoir every 1-2 weeks.
-
03
Drip Fertigation
Pre-dissolve completely before injection. Keep calcium products in a separate stock tank — never combine with 8-12-32 in concentrated form (calcium and phosphorus precipitate as calcium phosphate). Flush lines with plain water after each application to prevent salt buildup.
-
04
Foliar Spray (Limited Use)
0.5-1.5 lb per 100 gal depending on purpose. Apply early morning or late afternoon — below 85°F leaf temperature only. Spray to glistening, not runoff. Test small area first. Stop all foliar feeding once fruit begins to color.
07 / Compare
Six fruiting-crop formulas.
Different jobs.
Strawberry 8-12-32 is one of several specialty fertilizers in our catalog. Use this side-by-side comparison to choose the right formula for your crop. For a deeper dive on potassium options, see our Best Potassium Fertilizer guide.
| Product | NPK | Best For | Organic? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32 (this product) | 8-12-32 | Strawberries — June-bearing, everbearing, day-neutral | No | Moderate N, enhanced P, very high K. Tuned to strawberry fruit-fill demand and EC sensitivity. Full EDTA-chelated micros. |
| Tomato Fertilizer 4-18-38 | 4-18-38 | Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant — fruiting nightshades | No | Lower N, higher P and K than strawberry formula. Nightshade-optimized — different N split and pH preference than strawberries. |
| Cucumber Fertilizer 8-16-36 | 8-16-36 | Cucumbers, squash, melons, gourds — vine crops | No | Higher P and K than strawberry formula, tuned for vine crop fruit production and crispness. Same N level. |
| Lettuce Fertilizer 8-15-36 | 8-15-36 | Leafy greens — lettuce, spinach, kale, chard | No | Slightly higher P than strawberry, similar K. Foliage-focused with rapidly available N profile. Not for fruiting crops. |
| Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 | 0-0-53 | Standalone potassium boost during heavy fruiting | No | Higher K concentration but no N, P, or micros. Use as a supplement to a complete formula, not as a primary feed. |
| Generic Balanced 20-20-20 (other brands) | 20-20-20 | General-purpose feeding for many crops | No | Equal NPK — too much N for fruiting strawberries, not enough K. Pushes vegetative growth at the expense of berry quality. |
08 / Decision
Is this the right
fertilizer for your crop?
Strawberry 8-12-32 is purpose-built for strawberries. For a few specific use cases, a different product is a better match — see the right column.
Best Choice For
- Strawberries — June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties
- Fruiting stage when potassium and sugar demands peak
- Hydroponic strawberry towers and vertical systems requiring 100% water-soluble nutrients
- When berry sweetness, firmness, and shelf life are top priorities
- Drip fertigation, soil drench, and container production with a separate calcium source
Consider Another Product If
- Growing tomatoes or peppers — try Tomato Fertilizer 4-18-38 for nightshade-optimized ratios
- Growing cucumbers or melons — try Cucumber Fertilizer 8-16-36 for vine crop ratios
- Growing leafy greens — try Lettuce Fertilizer 8-15-36 for foliage-focused nutrition
- Growing blueberries — blueberries require a very different pH (4.5-5.5) and ammoniacal-nitrogen program; this formula is not suitable
- Early seedling / establishment only — consider a balanced formula like Grow Green 4-2-6 until flowering begins
- You only need additional potassium — use Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 as a supplement
09 / Build the program
8-12-32 is the N-P-K and micros.
These complete the program.
8-12-32 provides nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a full chelated micronutrient package — but no calcium (calcium and phosphorus are chemically incompatible in concentrated solution). For a complete strawberry feeding program, pair with these companions.
Essential — Calcium + Mg
Cal-Mag Plus 2-0-0
Calcium and magnesium for firm berries, cell wall strength, and shelf life. Required in hydroponic systems and recommended for all production methods.
Hydroponic calciumCalcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0
The standard calcium source for hydroponic strawberries on RO water. Adds nitrate-N and 19% calcium. Always pre-dissolve and add to reservoir first.
Potassium boostPotassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Chloride-free potassium with 17% sulfur for extra K during heavy fruit fill. Especially useful for matted-row or open-field operations.
MagnesiumEpsom Salt
Magnesium sulfate for chlorophyll production and overall plant vigor. Useful where soil magnesium is low or being antagonized by high potassium.
10 / Safety & handling
Read this before
you mix.
8-12-32 is classified as an oxidizing solid (GHS H272 — may intensify fire). Safe when used as directed. These five rules cover the most common mistakes.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, and combustible materials. Do not store with fuels, oils, or organic materials.
- Wear gloves (nitrile recommended) and eye protection when handling. Avoid breathing dust — use in well-ventilated areas or wear a dust mask when measuring.
- Do not mix dry fertilizer with other products before dissolving. Never combine 8-12-32 concentrate with Cal-Mag Plus or Calcium Nitrate concentrate — calcium phosphate precipitates and locks up both nutrients.
- Do not apply to forage or pasture crops — contains molybdenum (label restriction). Application to crops not listed on the label may cause crop injury due to boron.
- Store in original sealed container — product is hygroscopic and will clump in humid conditions (efficacy unaffected; simply break up before use). Keep out of reach of children and pets.
11 / FAQ
Common questions.
Honest answers.
If your question isn't here, contact our team. We'd rather over-explain on the front end than disappoint on the back end.
How do I make my strawberries sweeter?
Adequate potassium is the nutritional foundation for sweeter berries. The 32% potassium in this formula supports sugar movement to developing fruit, which may help improve Brix levels when other growing conditions are well managed. Beyond nutrition, ensure 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, maintain consistent moisture leading up to harvest (avoid overwatering near ripening but do not stress plants), and pick fully ripe berries in the morning when sugar content tends to peak. Cool overnight temperatures in the days before harvest can also support sugar accumulation. See What's the Function of Potassium (K) in Plants? for more on potassium's role in fruit quality.
What pH should I maintain for strawberries?
Strawberries prefer slightly acidic conditions. For soil growing, maintain pH 5.8-6.5. For hydroponics, adjust pH by growth stage: establishment at 5.8-6.2, vegetative growth at 5.6-6.0, and flowering/fruiting at 5.6-6.0. Always check pH after mixing nutrients, as fertilizer addition will change the solution pH.
Why doesn't this formula contain calcium?
Calcium and phosphorus are chemically incompatible in concentrated solution — when mixed, they form insoluble calcium phosphate that precipitates out and becomes unavailable to plants. This is why any high-phosphorus fertilizer must be supplemented with a separate calcium source. For hydroponic systems and container growing, Cal-Mag Plus 2-0-0 is the standard pairing. For RO water, add Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0. For soil gardens, gypsum or bone meal also work as alternatives.
Can I use this in hydroponic strawberry towers?
Yes. The formula dissolves completely and works in vertical hydroponic towers, NFT systems, DWC, Dutch buckets, ebb and flow, and Kratky setups. For flowering and fruiting, use 0.5-0.6 lbs per 100 gallons of reservoir, maintain EC at 1.4-1.6 (700-800 PPM at 500-scale), keep pH at 5.6-6.0, and always add Cal-Mag Plus at 1,000-1,500 ml per 100 gal. Check EC daily since towers evaporate faster, and top off with plain pH-adjusted water — not nutrient solution — when EC rises. On RO water, add Calcium Nitrate at 0.15-0.30 lbs per 100 gal for fruit firmness.
What's the best feeding schedule for everbearing strawberries?
Everbearing and day-neutral varieties need consistent nutrition for continuous production. Start at half strength weekly during spring establishment, increase to full strength for the first crop, reduce to half strength between crops, return to full strength for the second crop, and taper to biweekly in fall. Never skip feeding during active fruiting, and increase Cal-Mag Plus during peak production. Stop heavy nitrogen feeding by mid-fall to allow hardening before winter.
Can I use this formula on blueberries or raspberries?
Not as a primary fertilizer. Blueberries require a very different program — pH 4.5-5.5 and ammoniacal-nitrogen-dominant feeding — and this formula is not tuned for them. Raspberries and blackberries have their own nitrogen and pH preferences and are better served by a balanced formula. This product is specifically tuned for strawberries. The label does mention compatibility with other berry crops, but for best results we recommend matching the formula to the crop.
Is it safe to foliar spray this formula?
Yes, with limits. Foliar rates are 0.5-1.5 lb per 100 gal of spray solution depending on purpose. Always apply early morning or late afternoon below 85°F, spray to glistening (not runoff), and test a small area first. Most importantly, stop all foliar feeding once fruit begins to color — foliar deposits are visible on ripening berries and can cause scorching. For deficiency correction, do not exceed 1.5 lb per 100 gal, limit to 2 consecutive sprays, and stop 14 days before harvest.
How long can I store the powder?
Indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place in the original sealed container, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. The product is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the air and clumps. If clumping occurs, simply break it up before use; nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and micronutrient content is unchanged.
Ready to grow?
Pick your bag. We'll ship it.
From a 1 lb test run for a single raised bed to a 50 lb season supply for a hoop house, we've shipped strawberry fertilizer from Madera, California to growers in all 50 states. Free shipping on orders over $100. 90-day money-back guarantee on every order.
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