Is 15.5-0-0 Calcium Nitrate the Secret to Stronger Roots and Bigger Yields?

When gardeners and commercial growers talk about getting more fruit, better bloom quality, and stronger root systems, one fertilizer consistently rises to the top: calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0). With its potent blend of nitrogen and calcium, this dual-purpose fertilizer is often the missing link between decent and outstanding results.

In this blog, we’ll uncover why calcium nitrate deserves a spot in your nutrient plan and how to use it effectively with help from Supply Solutions LLC.

What Is Calcium Nitrate?

Calcium nitrate is a highly soluble, fast-acting fertilizer that provides:

• 15.5% nitrogen (in both nitrate and ammonium forms)
• 19% calcium

This unique combo supports both vegetative growth and fruit/flower quality—two areas that often compete for resources in plants.

Why Is Calcium So Important?

Calcium is a secondary nutrient that is essential for:

• Building strong cell walls
• Root development
• Preventing blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers
• Supporting fruit firmness and post-harvest quality

Unlike other nutrients, calcium is not mobile in plants. That means it must be consistently supplied through the roots during key growth phases.

Benefits of Using Calcium Nitrate

✔ Stronger root systems for better water and nutrient uptake
✔ Healthier foliage and faster recovery from stress
✔ Improved fruit size, firmness, and shelf life
✔ Prevention of calcium deficiency disorders like tip burn and blossom-end rot
✔ Balanced nitrate nitrogen that encourages even growth without excessive leafiness

When to Apply Calcium Nitrate

Calcium nitrate is best used during:

• Vegetative growth stages (early to mid-season)
• Fruit set and development (especially for tomatoes, peppers, melons, citrus)
• Mid-season root boosts after transplanting or pruning

Avoid applying just before harvest or in cold, wet conditions when calcium uptake slows.

How to Apply It

For Gardens and Beds:

• Use 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of water
• Apply as a root drench around the base of each plant
• Repeat every 1–2 weeks during fruiting

For Hydroponics or Drip Systems:

• Inject into irrigation water at recommended ppm levels
• Maintain consistent feeding to avoid calcium interruptions

For Lawns:

• Apply as a soluble spray for quick greening and root recovery

Pairing Calcium Nitrate with Other Fertilizers

• Combine with 10-10-10 fish fertilizer or 12-6-6 ornamental blend for full-spectrum feeding
• Use with ammonium sulfate to lower pH and enhance calcium availability in alkaline soils
• Alternate with organic amendments to build long-term soil health

Find all of these fertilizers and more at Supply Solutions LLC, your source for high-quality plant nutrition.

Real-World Results

A greenhouse grower using calcium nitrate on tomatoes reported:

• 25% increase in fruit set
• Fewer cracked or misshapen fruits
• Longer shelf life for market produce
• Healthier foliage even under heat stress

Calcium nitrate made the difference between average yield and a profitable season.

When Not to Use It

• In phosphorus-heavy blends (can cause precipitation)
• In high-pH soils unless pH is adjusted
• On calcium-saturated soils without a soil test

Wrap-Up: The Dual Power of Nitrogen and Calcium

If your plants are struggling with growth, fruit set, or root health, 15.5-0-0 calcium nitrate could be the solution. It’s not just a nutrient—it’s a performance enhancer.

Let Supply Solutions LLC help you integrate it into your garden or farm system for consistent, proven results.

Have questions or need product support? Contact us today:

• Phone: 503-451-1622
• Email: sales@mysolutionssupply.com
• Contact Form
• Facebook Page

Give your plants the strength they need—from the roots up.