Ferrous Sulphate (آئرن سلفیٹ) is a fast-acting iron supplement and soil acidifying amendment used to help correct iron deficiency in plants. It is especially useful for yellow leaves caused by iron chlorosis, where leaves turn pale or yellow while the veins remain green.

Iron deficiency is common in alkaline soils and hard water areas because plants may struggle to absorb iron even when iron is already present in the soil. This makes ferrous sulphate useful for many gardens in Pakistan, especially in high-pH soils, urban gardens, rooftop pots, lawns, and fruit plants affected by poor nutrient availability.

Use it for citrus, guava, roses, lawns, vegetables, flowering plants, and acid-loving plants where iron deficiency symptoms are visible. It works best as a soil drench or soil application, not as a direct leaf spray.

Pack Size Guide

800g: Best for a few pots, trial use, or small balcony plants.
5kg: Best for larger gardens, lawns, trees, or bulk soil treatment.

Benefits

Helps Fix Yellow Leaves
Useful for interveinal yellowing caused by iron deficiency, especially on new leaves.

Supports Greener Growth
Helps plants produce chlorophyll, which supports healthy green leaf colour and growth.

Good for Lawns and Fruit Plants
Useful for lawn grass, citrus, guava, roses, and other plants showing iron deficiency symptoms.

Suitable for Pots and Garden Beds
Can be used in potted plants, grow bags, garden beds, lawns, and root-zone soil treatment.

Helpful in Hard Water Areas
Useful where hard water and alkaline soil reduce iron availability over time.

How to Use Ferrous Sulphate

For Potted Plants 8–12 Inch

• Mix 1 teaspoon, about 5g, in 1 liter of water.
• Apply to the soil around the root zone.
• Avoid direct contact with leaves.
• Use only when iron deficiency symptoms appear.
• Repeat after 15–20 days if needed.

For Garden Beds

• Mix 50–100g per 10 square meters into the soil.
• Water thoroughly after application.
• Apply during active growth when plants can respond.

For Lawns

• Mix 100g in 10 liters of water.
• Apply evenly over the lawn using a watering can or sprayer.
• Water lightly afterward if needed.
• Avoid contact with concrete, tiles, stone, or clothes because ferrous sulphate can stain.

For Citrus, Guava, Roses, and Fruit Plants

• Mix 1–2 teaspoons per liter of water.
• Pour around the root zone, not directly against the stem or trunk.
• Apply every 15–20 days during active growth if symptoms continue.
• Use with compost or organic matter for better long-term soil improvement.

Best For

Fruit plants: e.g. citrus, guava, pomegranate, lemon, and seedlings showing yellowing.
Vegetables: e.g. tomatoes, chillies, spinach, okra, and beans where iron deficiency is visible.
Flowers: e.g. roses, hibiscus, petunia, and seasonal flowering plants.
Lawns: useful for pale or yellow grass linked with iron deficiency.
Pots and grow bags: helpful where repeated watering and hard water reduce nutrient availability.

Precautions

• Wear gloves while mixing and applying.
• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store in a dry place.
• Do not apply on very dry soil. Water lightly before or after application.
• Avoid spilling on tiles, concrete, marble, stone, or clothes because it can leave rust-like stains.
  

Important Note

Not all yellow leaves are caused by iron deficiency. Yellowing can also happen due to overwatering, root damage, pests, disease, nitrogen deficiency, magnesium deficiency, or poor drainage. Ferrous sulphate works best when the yellowing is due to iron chlorosis, especially when new leaves are yellow with green veins.

Tip for Gardeners

For long-term improvement, use ferrous sulphate with vermicompost, or mustard cake to improve soil condition around the root zone. Organic matter helps support healthier soil, while ferrous sulphate provides iron and can help reduce high-pH effects near roots.

Seasonal Tip

Iron deficiency often becomes more visible during active growth, hot weather, or after repeated watering with hard water. In Pakistan, check citrus, guava, roses, lawns, and potted plants during spring, summer, and after monsoon when yellow new leaves can appear quickly.

Safety for Edible Plants

Ferrous sulphate can be used for edible plants when applied to the soil as recommended.

• Apply to soil only, not directly on edible leaves or fruits.
• Wait 5–7 days before harvesting after application.
• Always wash vegetables, herbs, and fruits thoroughly before eating.

FAQs

What are the signs of iron deficiency in plants?

Iron deficiency usually appears as yellowing between green veins, especially on new leaves. It is common in high-pH or alkaline soils where iron becomes less available to roots.

Can I use ferrous sulphate on edible plants like chillies or spinach?

Yes, apply it to the soil around the root zone. Wait 5–7 days before harvesting and wash produce thoroughly before eating.

How often should I apply ferrous sulphate?

Apply every 15–20 days during active growth only when symptoms are visible. Stop once new growth returns to a healthier green colour.

Is ferrous sulphate good for lawns?

Yes, it can help green up pale lawns when iron deficiency is part of the problem. Apply evenly and avoid spilling on concrete or tiles because it can stain.