Seaweed Extract for Potassium

[Darkhorse]

I've been considering buying the seaweed extract offered by HVH to use in place of the Hibiscus Booster.  I've been experiencing salt burn on a few of my plants-- I fertilize according to directions but have been adding a little booster to almost every watering.  Not going to do that anymore. 

Anyway, am I correct in remembering that with an organic product such as the seaweed extract, there is no risk of salt burn (other than overuse of HVH special blend)?  I know it is nitrogen that one must be most careful of.  Is the extract as effective as the HVH booster in getting larger, more colorful blooms?

[helixturnhelix]

Hi Jordan,

Ive been using the seaweed extract in place of booster and just ordered booster to compare the two.  I got really good coloration using the sea weed extract and its nice not having to worry if you put too much in.  Word of caution, seaweed extract water will stain everything, I spilled it on my white carpet... not good.

[Darkhorse]

Thanks Chris.  Do you use the seaweed extract in small amounts with every watering?

[helixturnhelix]

Hey Jordan,

I use it whenever I fertilize, which was every watering in the winter.  Now that its alot warmer and I have to water more I give it every other watering with a dilute solution of orchid fertilizer (why i needed to order HVH fert)  I am going give some CVs HVH booster and some Sea Weed and compare them.  Though this would be best if I was using the same variety around the same age, but I would like to see if there is a difference. 

[Charlie]

The effects of HVH Booster (potassium nitrate) last for about 2 weeks after feeding it to the roots so I suggest using it twice a month in that way. Some people prefer to spray it on the leaves which gives a quicker response that does not last as long. You have to use it carefully on the leaves, although some have suggested that regular use conditions the leaves to it and it can be used at higher levels after that. Somewhat dangerous to experiment with in that way, could cause leaf drop - beware.

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

Chris, I like that experiment.  I had thought about doing the same thing to compare the booster and the extract.  Maybe use booster for a few months on a specific plant, flush the pot and wait a month, then switch over to the seaweed extract for a few months?  Far from perfect because the seasons will be changing... ugh... too bad you don't still have your two Space Oddities!



Thanks for clarifying that Charlie.  I'm using the booster much less often now and haven't had any new cases of fertilizer burn.  Interestingly, all affected plants were plants that I had overwintered.  I didn't water much over winter and fertilized even less, but perhaps the stress of very low light for 6 months exacerbated the problem. 

[jpiper82]

Charlie, Hib Booster, I use 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of water everytime I water, along with 1 teaspoon of HVH Fert, and an 1/8 teaspoon of 6% Iron.  Is this ok?
John

[Charlie]

John, you can use that formula long term and should get good results. To use the booster to give a real bloom boost, use it at 2 teaspoons per gallon just one time and see if you see a result within a week or two.

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

Charlie, what is the appropriate amount of seaweed extract to use along with HVH fertilizer and growth enhancer w/ each watering?  Is it 1/2 teaspoon per gallon like HVH special blend?  Thanks!

[Charlie]

Jordan, the seaweed extract can be used at 1/2 teaspoon per gallon occasionally but for regular use only 1/4 teaspoon per gallon is needed.

Charlie

[Darkhorse]

Thanks, Charlie!  I've been putting 1/2 tsp per gallon in the past few days.  Good thing this product is organic.  I should have some bright blooms to show soon as I am using the seaweed extract w/ every wqatering and the booster 2x a month at 2 tsp per gallon.

[Charlie]

You should be fine with this program. I can't wait to see the results!

Charlie

[blupit007]

Charlie,  I use your recipe of HVH booster, fert, super nova, vinegar, peroxide, & soap.  I have a 7 Lt. watering can and put 1 teaspoon HVH fertalizer, 2 teaspoons Super Nova, 1/2 teaspoon HVH booster, 2 teaspoons vinegar, 1 teaspoon peroxide, & a drop of dish soap.  I do this once a week.  All the plants look big green and healthy. 

I have not had any blooms since I sprayed with the All Seasons Hort oil for the spider mites (which I stopped a week ago, with 4 sprayings at 3 day intervals)  I now have buds on Saffron, Belle, & Cindy's Heart.  I noticed one leaf each on CH & Saffron that has fert burn (only one leaf).  Do I continue this fert program?  I think the lack of buds are a combo of really hot days, mites, and the hort oil.  But I am getting excited for the upcoming blooms.   Do I mix it up a bit from time to time, or do the hib's like routine?  I'm OK with making up this recipe each week, but I didn't know about the burn. 

[motherof4]

charlie...I did not know about the peroxide..vinegar and soap....what does this do..and how much per gallon of water??...lynette

[blupit007]

Also, My Belle took a beating with the spider mites, so it looks a little naked, although there are 2 buds on it.  Could I add a dose of Super Nova to give it a lift?