Direct answer: 27-0-0 fertilizers are high-nitrogen lawn foods designed to boost green color and growth quickly, with some blends offering quick-release and slow-release nitrogen for sustained feeding. This article spotlights five practical options tailored for American lawns, from spray-on solutions to granular blends, and explains who each product fits best.
Buyer notes: If you want fast greening, look for blends with a high percentage of quick-release nitrogen. If you prefer fewer applications, choose products with slow-release nitrogen. For large lawns, consider hose-end sprayers or concentrated formulas that cover broad areas. The table below summarizes the five selected products for quick comparison.
| Product | Type | Best For | Approx. Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Green & Growth Fertilizer High Nitrogen 28-0-0 (32 Fl Oz) — Simple Lawn Solutions | Liquid with Attached Sprayer | Owners seeking easy, on-spot spraying; small to medium lawns | Up to 3,200 sq ft | 70% quick-release, 30% slow-release nitrogen |
| 0-0-26 Foliar Phosphite Liquid Fertilizer (32 oz) — Pendelton Turf Supply | Liquid Fertilizer | Plants needing stress defense and quick nutrient uptake | Varies by spray rate | Foliar phosphite; supports stress resistance |
| Maximum Green & Growth Fertilizer High Nitrogen 28-0-0 Lawn Food (1 Gallon) — Simple Lawn Solutions | Liquid Lawn Food | Larger lawns or ongoing feeding programs | Depends on sprayer setup | 70/30 split nitrogen |
| GORDON’S Tankables Lawn & Pasture Fertilizer 27-0-2 | Liquid/Lawn & Pasture Fertilizer | Lawns or pastures needing balanced N with some potassium | Varies by bottle size | Broad compatibility; quick green-up |
| Petramax Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer 28-0-0 NPK — Petra | Liquid Fertilizer | All grass types; rapid greening | Depends on application rate | 70% quick-release, 30% slow-release |
Maximum Green & Growth 28-0-0 With Sprayer
Best for: Homeowners with a medium-sized lawn who want a convenient, spray-ready solution. The attached sprayer simplifies application, ensuring a consistent mix and coverage up to 3,200 square feet. The 28-0-0 formulation provides strong nitrogen for rapid green-up and growth.
Why selected: This product combines a high nitrogen content with both quick-release and slow-release nitrogen, balancing immediate greening with longer-lasting feeding. The attached sprayer helps ensure even distribution and reduces measuring errors.
Limitations: Coverage is tied to the attached sprayer’s performance; larger lawns may require reapplication or an alternative application method. Also, being a liquid fertilizer, occasional streaking can occur if not evenly sprayed.
0-0-26 Foliar Phosphite Liquid Fertilizer
Best for: Lawns and ornamental plants needing enhanced stress defense and nutrient uptake, especially in stressful seasons or stresses like heat and drought. Suitable for both turf and ornamentals when used according to the provided dilution directions.
Why selected: The 0-0-26 formula emphasizes phosphite for plant defense while delivering essential nutrients. This makes it a strategic choice during stress periods or for improving plant resilience alongside nitrogen support.
Limitations: This product is a foliar fertilizer, so it should be used as directed to avoid leaf burn. It is not a pure soil-application fertilizer and may require complementary soil feeding for a fully sustained program.
Maximum Green & Growth 28-0-0 Lawn Food (1 Gallon)
Best for: Larger lawns or ongoing feeding programs requiring higher-volume liquid nitrogen delivery. This option is well-suited for homeowners who have hoses-end sprayer setups or prefer concentrated formulas for extended coverage.
Why selected: It delivers a strong 28-0-0 nitrogen signal with both quick and slow-release components, facilitating rapid greening and sustained growth. The gallon size supports broader application intervals and larger lawns.
Limitations: The actual area covered depends on spray equipment and application technique. Ensure proper dilution and uniform spray to avoid patchy results.
GORDON’S Tankables 27-0-2 Lawn & Pasture
Best for: Lawns and pastures that benefit from a balanced nitrogen mix with a touch of potassium, promoting green-up and broad coverage across large, open spaces.
Why selected: The 27-0-2 ratio targets rapid green-up while adding potassium for improved turf hardiness and resilience. This product is versatile for different lawn types and pasture areas.
Limitations: It is not a pure 27-0-0 nitrogen blend; the added potassium shifts the nutrient balance. Consider matching with a separate potassium strategy if your lawn already receives regular potassium.
Petramax Liquid Nitrogen 28-0-0
Best for: Lawns needing rapid greening across all grass types. Works well for both new or established lawns seeking quick nitrogen delivery without heavy application complexity.
Why selected: This liquid nitrogen product emphasizes a strong 28-0-0 profile with a two-component release pattern (70% quick-release, 30% slow-release), promoting immediate color and ongoing growth. It claims broad compatibility with different turf types.
Limitations: As a liquid product, uniform spraying and correct dilution are crucial to avoid spots or over-application. Confirm compatibility with your existing fertilization schedule to prevent overfeeding.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for 27-0-0 Fertilizers
- Application method: Choose spray-on liquids with attached sprayers for ease of use on smaller lawns, or hose-end/large-volume liquids for bigger areas.
- Nitrogen release profile: Look for blends combining quick-release nitrogen for fast greening with slow-release nitrogen for sustained feeding.
- Target lawn type: Most products support warm- and cool-season grasses; verify compatibility with your specific grass type.
- Soil health and micronutrients: Some blends include iron, manganese, or humic substances to improve color and turf resilience; consider whether additional micronutrients are needed for your soil.
- Watering and dilution guidelines: Follow label directions to avoid leaf burn, nutrient runoff, or overfeeding. Correct dilution is essential for liquids.
- Coverage and sprayer compatibility: Estimate area and ensure your sprayer or applicator matches the product’s coverage claims to avoid over- or under-application.
- Seasonal timing: Apply nitrogen-based fertilizers during active growth periods to maximize uptake; avoid application during dormancy in cold climates unless recommended.
FAQ
- What does 27-0-0 mean on fertilizer labels? Answer: It indicates 27% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 0% potassium. High nitrogen supports lush green growth and vigor.
- Are liquid nitrogen fertilizers better than granular ones? Answer: Liquid formulations offer rapid uptake and uniform coverage, but require careful application to avoid streaks; granules provide longer-lasting feeding with less frequent applications in some cases.
- Can I use 27-0-0 fertilizer on all grass types? Answer: Most 27-0-0 products are designed for broad compatibility, but always check label directions for your grass species and climate.
- How often should I fertilize with a high-nitrogen product? Answer: It depends on the product’s release profile and lawn needs. Many programs use monthly or biweekly applications during active growing seasons, with adjustments for growth rate and weather.
- Is it safe to mix two different fertilizers? Answer: Mixing products is not advised unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer. Use one program at a time and stagger applications to avoid nutrient overload.
- What should I do if I see leaf burn after application? Answer: Apply with proper dilution, water lightly after application if guidelines permit, and avoid applying in extreme heat or drought conditions.