The 6-24-24 fertilizer blend is a specialized nutrient formulation designed to provide a high proportion of phosphate and potash with a lower amount of nitrogen. This specific ratio is sought after by homeowners and agricultural users who need to boost foundational plant structures rather than just leafy growth. Finding this blend often requires searching beyond generic lawn care products, as it is considered a performance-oriented fertilizer. Locating this product, whether for a small lawn or a large field, is achievable through targeted searching across local farm suppliers and online wholesale distributors.
Understanding the 6-24-24 Ratio
The three numbers on a fertilizer bag represent the NPK ratio: the percentage by weight of Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P₂O₅), and Potash (K₂O), always in that order. A 6-24-24 blend contains 6% nitrogen, 24% available phosphate, and 24% soluble potash by weight. This composition is distinct because the phosphate and potash content are four times higher than the nitrogen content.
This high phosphate (P) concentration promotes vigorous root development, which is beneficial for new plantings, turf overseeding, and crops like potatoes or carrots where root yield is paramount. The high potash (K) content enhances a plant’s overall resilience, improving its ability to withstand stresses like drought, cold temperatures, and disease. Legumes, such as clover and soybeans, fix their own nitrogen, so they thrive with this blend, which supplies the high P and K they require without excessive nitrogen. The formulation is often used as a winterizer or as a starter fertilizer to establish strong root systems early in the season.
Local Retail Options
Because 6-24-24 is not a generic, high-nitrogen lawn blend, it is less commonly stocked at major national home improvement stores like The Home Depot or Lowe’s. These retailers typically carry formulations with a higher first number for fast green-up, such as 24-0-6. For immediate, in-person purchasing, the search should be directed toward specialized agricultural outlets.
Local feed stores, grain elevators, and farm supply cooperatives are the most reliable physical sources for this NPK blend. These businesses cater to farmers and serious gardeners, often stocking specialty fertilizers, including 6-24-24, sold in 50-pound bags or in bulk. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm inventory, as these blends may be seasonal or require a special order. Garden centers and nurseries that focus on landscaping professionals may also carry or be able to source this product.
Online Purchasing and Bulk Ordering
Online purchasing provides access to a wider selection of specialized suppliers who offer 6-24-24 in various formats and quantities. Dedicated seed companies and agricultural distributors frequently list this product on their e-commerce sites. These platforms allow for the purchase of standard 50-pound bags, which can be shipped directly to the buyer.
For large-scale applications, such as farming or treating extensive acreage, bulk ordering is the most cost-effective solution. Many specialized farm suppliers offer discounts for buying in significant quantities, often requiring a minimum purchase of 20 or more bags. Due to the substantial weight of fertilizer, shipping costs are a significant factor. Some companies offer better pricing for in-store pickup or local delivery for bulk orders. Contacting the supplier directly for a freight quote is recommended when ordering several hundred pounds or more.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer Form
The 6-24-24 formulation is available in several physical forms, and the choice depends on the application method and desired nutrient release rate. The most common form is granular, which consists of dry pellets that are applied using a broadcast or drop spreader. Granular fertilizer is typically slow-release, dissolving gradually with soil moisture to provide sustained feeding over a period of four to eight weeks, making it suitable for large area coverage like lawns and fields.
Liquid forms, including water-soluble powders and concentrates, offer faster, more immediate nutrient uptake. Concentrates are mixed with water and applied through a sprayer or fertigation system, allowing plants to absorb nutrients almost instantly through the foliage and the roots. This rapid availability is highly effective for correcting immediate nutrient deficiencies or for targeted application to smaller garden areas. While liquid options may require more frequent reapplication than the slow-releasing granular form, they ensure a uniform distribution of nutrients, as every drop contains the exact 6-24-24 ratio.