This invention relates to compositions used in treating subterranean formations, which include a hydrated polymer, and a dry blended multi-functional component. The hydrated polymer and dry blended multi-functional component are mixed at the ground surface of a wellsite, and subsequently injected into the formation providing controlled delay in crosslinking to achieve targeted fluid viscosity properties. The hydrated polymer may be a guar, hydroxypropyl guar, carboxymethyl guar, carboxymethylhydroxypropyl guar, synthetic polymers, and guar-containing compounds. The dry blended multi-functional component may include a crosslinker and a chelating agent, and the well treatment fluid may further include an activator mixed with the hydratable polymer. The chelating agent may be a polyols, gluconate, sorbitol, mannitol, carbonate, or any mixtures thereof. The crosslinker may be any source of boron, alkaline earth metal borates, alkali metal borates, zirconium compounds, titanium compounds, or any combination thereof, while the activator may be a caustic soda or magnesium oxide compound. The invention further provides methods for producing a well treatment composition including providing a hydrated polymer, and providing a dry blended multi-functional component. Also, methods of hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation, as well as cleanup operations and gravel packing a wellbore are provided as well.