When it comes to growing a healthy, uniform crop, many of our customers turn to Polyon Controlled-Release Fertiliser to assist.
While growers have plenty of fertiliser choices on the market, some have questionable results despite bold claims to last several months. Jeff Elliot from Elliot’s Wholesale Nursery agrees:
“Every time I go into a nursery I have instantly got a fair idea of what fertiliser they use. Most nurseries in New Zealand have a slightly yellowed look of fertiliser that hasn’t quite gone the distance, some people tell me this is good – you have hardened plants... mmm I am not so sure. These nurseries are either selling hungry plants or top–dressing to keep them growing. Only problem is if you are top-dressing you are in catch up, and you don’t catch up with some plants. If a fertiliser says it’s good for nine months most of us should not have to top–dress. If you are having to top dress it is costing you way more than the labour and fertiliser you are putting on, let alone the fact that the fertiliser was advertised to last 9 months and it didn’t. We have been using Polyon for over 10 years now and found it produces consistent, uniform crops with practically no top-feeding required. Polyon releases consistently so you don’t get a fast start / fast finish like some fertilisers.”
Elliott’s Wholesale Nursery are putting Polyon Fertiliser through its paces at their 10 hectare address just north of Christchurch. Core business is supplying other nurseries, garden centres and the landscaping sector with high-quality plants.
Polyon undertook independent research to test its nutrient-use efficiency. The results showed maximum effectiveness, engineered to provide 100% controlled-release with virtually no nutrient lock-off or nitrogen loss compared to competing fertilisers.
Fertiliser spends
Fertiliser use continues to increase in New Zealand, and our grower customers and potting mix manufacturers have fertiliser spends of up to $50,000 per month – so it’s an important input to get right. Longstanding players in the industry, Awa Nursery, recently made the switch to Polyon and they are delighted with the results.
“We have recently made the switch to using Polyon as our controlled release fertiliser in our potting mix and have been experiencing more consistent, uniform crops, with longer lasting healthy green foliage.
We grow a large variety of species in a range of all sizes and have found it produces a superior crop that is ready for market a lot quicker than what we had previously had. With less top dressing or no top dressing at all. Would be more than happy to recommend it to a fellow grower for a successful crop for this Spring,” says Corey Ronaldson, Awa’s Production Manager.
Awa Nursery in Waimauku are wholesaling direct to both the general public and businesses. Across 9 hectares, they grow and offer quality ground covers, grasses, flaxes, hedging, native trees, deciduous trees, fruit trees, ferns, palms, succulents, indoor plants and many other varieties.
Kauri Park Nurseries in Kaiwaka, Northland work on large-scale planting projects across the country and are also seeing excellent results from Polyon:
“We get a very uniform grade with a rich colour. Our plants are holding extremely well – giving us and our clients a great shelf life on our planted seedlings. Our plants have also shown exceptional root structure with no spiking over the heat of summer – this is a real plus for us and anyone trying to grow quality plants in NZ’s unique climate.
With good longevity after planting plus we are experience an excellent grade compared to container size – it’s fair to say we are extremely happy with Polyon.” Phil Wearmouth – Kauri Park Nurseries.
Who are Polyon?
Established in 1941, Polyon are an American-based fertiliser specialist who develop the best value fertiliser on the New Zealand market.
PrimeHort’s collaboration with Polyon began in 2010. Our tailored formula will feed plants for up to two years in all New Zealand conditions. By delivering a consistent feeding system with just one application, there are no risks of the particles cracking or releasing nutrients too early.
BENEFITS OF POLYON FERTILISER:
- Reduce costs.
Having just one application means plant growth is steady rather than surging, which significantly reduces labour costs. - Greener technology.
Each little patented pill packs a punch. Inside its polyurethane membrane are special nutrients ready to feed the root zone slowly, constantly, daily, and for up to two years, which also prevents excessive growth. - A solution for all.
Polyon have designed a variety of polymer coating thicknesses to allow for New Zealand’s different soil types, soil temperatures and season lengths. Essentially, the membrane slowly releases dissolved nutrients through diffusion, only when triggered by soil temperature. So if the formula needs to change to suit your feeding program, we will have a solution. - Easy handling. The durable coating means it is dust-free, safe to handle and really clean to apply.
Like most products at PrimeHort, the savings become more significant when customers buy in bulk. For example, in September 2025 our website advertises the 18-20 month Polyon at $196 per 25kg bag. For orders of 40 or more bags, the price drops to $170/bag, and a sling (about 43 bags) will drop the bag price further to $160 (all prices exclude GST).
If you would like to discuss the right Polyon formula for your nursery or greenhouse operation, please get in touch – we can look at your trade list and identify which blend of fertiliser will maximise crop yields. Some of the growers we have helped have given feedback indicating growth rate increases of up to 22 percent, just by using our customised fertiliser.
We look forward to growing smarter together, with a little green pill to boost results!
