Using Iron in the Summer heat

[Kathleen]

Well, for the most part, my plants are doing fine....all are growing, some are even blooming a little (even tho the flowers are small).  I think I am going to have to relocate a few of them to under the Oak tree as they are getting new leaves that are curly and the older leaves are dying off leaving a bare stick except for the curly leaves at the end of the branch.  I am thinking this is because the sun is too strong for them ??

I have a few other young plants (in 6" pots) that are getting the same amount of sun, but are reacting differently.  The new leaves at the top are big and healthy-looking except that they are yellowish-green with dark green veins running thru them.  I thought this looked like an Iron deficiency, so I ordered some from HVH.  Before I actually use it, I thought I had better ask if it is safe to use when the weather is this hot. Also, should I use more or less fertilizer in this heat?  Any Suggestions?

Kathleen

[Charlie]

Iron is safe to apply to the root zone but I wouldn't spray it on the leaves now. Iron is basically used to cure yellowish leaves but is rarely needed if one is using enough HVH Special Blend. Many times people are not using sufficient amounts in order to get the max growth and blooms from their hibiscus but it is also possible to use too much in which case you will see the leaves react badly. Anyway, 2 teaspoons per gallon of water is not too much even in summer. If you are growing in pots make sure that water is sufficient to leach extra salts out - which means a little of the water should come out the drain holes and away from the plant.

Charlie