Are you getting the best ROI from your Osmocote programme?

Now is an ideal time to review your Osmocote nutrition programme, with a clear focus on optimising return on investment (ROI), says Andrew Wilson, Technical Manager at ICL.

The familiar phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” often applies in horticulture, but it can also limit progress. Periodically reviewing your Levington Advance Solutions growing media mix can reveal opportunities to apply less fertiliser, achieve earlier crop readiness, and ultimately improve profitability.

Traditionally, container stock nurseries potted crops in spring for summer sales, overwintering any unsold stock for sale the following year in a larger format. To manage this risk, many growers relied heavily on Osmocote 12–14 month controlled-release fertiliser to cover extended production cycles.

Osmocote is sold around the world, and the 12-month release pattern is based on an average temperature of 21°C.  Here in the UK, where temperatures are generally cooler, the 12-14m can equate to a 14-16m release pattern. Employing our AngelaWeb 3.0 precision nutrition software programme, we can show that in many cases an Osmocote product with an 8-9m release pattern will have sufficient longevity for extended production cycles.

Review Your Osmocote Strategy for Better Returns

However, the market has evolved. Fewer nurseries are now producing larger volumes of stock – often potted in multiple  smaller  batches in winter or early spring – to meet tightly defined retail sales windows for multiples and supermarkets. This shift raises an important question: is a 12–14month longevity still the most effective choice? Even traditional nurseries, that overwinter some stock, may benefit from rethinking their long-standing fertiliser strategy.

At the heart of improving ROI is matching fertiliser longevity to your actual growing and sales period, with a sensible buffer for the end user. A plant that performs well for the consumer enhances satisfaction and encourages repeat business for garden centres and nurseries alike.

Choose the Right Osmocote Longevity and Rate

Reducing Osmocote longevity from 12–14 months (typically applied at 5kg/m³) to 8–9 months (4kg/m³) for container nursery stock, or to 5–6 months (3kg/m³) for perennials, can significantly reduce total fertiliser input. Importantly, it can also bring crops to market earlier.

This earlier readiness is supported by the technology behind Osmocote 5. Developed specifically for peat-reduced and peat-free growing media, this fifth-generation range features an S-shaped nutrient release curve and improved trace element delivery. Nutrient availability is better aligned with plant demand, helping growers achieve higher quality crops in a shorter timeframe – particularly with perennials and fast-growing shrubs. At the same time, Osmocote 5 products offer enhanced safety and consistency.

How Shorter Longevity Can Improve ROI

From an ROI perspective, the implications are clear. Faster nutrient release means lower application rates without compromising plant quality. Using an 8–9month product at 4kg/m³ instead of a 12–14month product at 5kg/m³ delivers immediate fertiliser cost savings and environmental benefits. Earlier crop maturity can also unlock earlier sales and free up valuable nursery space.

For growers who do overwinter stock, switching to a shorter longevity still makes sense. Fertiliser savings are realised in the first year, and any remaining plants can be top-dressed in the New Year to stimulate early-season growth and sales.

Plan Your Next Osmocote Programme Now

A structured annual review – ideally during the quieter winter months – with your ICL technical area sales manager can help refine your approach. By assessing last season’s crop performance and planning for the year ahead, and by using tools such as our AngelaWeb 3.0 precision nutrition software programme, fertiliser strategies can be tailored to your crops, growing media, irrigation water quality and production goals.

Looking further ahead, ICL is also preparing for upcoming EU regulations on biodegradable fertiliser coatings. The company is set to launch its first biodegradable controlled-release fertiliser, N Boost, this year, with further innovations planned to ensure a full Osmocote range meets the 2028 EU deadline.