SuperNova vs SuperThrive

[jpiper82]

What is the difference between these two products, and should they be used together?

[Charlie]

Hi John, good question. Superthrive is a bit of a mystery to most people. Some love it and swear by it while others swear at it! The company does not help due to the hype of their marketing and not including a detailed list of ingredients. However, reliable sources report that it has an auxin in it that promotes root development in plants, plus B vitamins and other ingredients. Supernova is quite different, containing a different type of naturally occurring plant hormone that stimulates top growth and lateral stem formation. It also contains other ingredients as described in more detail on the HVH site.

I would use Superthrive in any situation that calls for enhanced root formation, such as when transplanting, and Supernova for any situation that calls for stimulating top growth such as after pruning.

Charlie

[Nievesgirl]

Charlie I wanted to ask you about using supernova + dark energy and your special blend all together ?
Have you tried dark energy ? I ordered some and Want to see what it does.

I have seen super thrive every where but what stopped me from buying it is not list of ingredients like Charlie stated. I went to superthrive's website and all of the advertising did not help me learn anything about this product.

[Charlie]

Hi Kerry,

Yes, I tried Dark Energy combined with Supernova and HVH Specialblend fertilizer.. Hibiscus are naturally such good growers that I didn't see any additional results than when using Supernova and HVH Fert without the Dark Energy. Since it is very expensive I decided not to continue with it. It might help in a situation where a hibiscus is stressed or not growing. But, who knows, maybe using it will give someone the first real 12 inch bloom! It's good to keep in mind that these specialty products developed by and for the hydroponics industry are aimed at plants such as tomatoes and, for better or worse, marijuana production is a big driving force for the development of high tech growing techniques. Hibiscus are not the same as plants that are grown for a big harvest at the end of the growing season so may not react the same.

Here is what the developer says about Dark Energy:

"Dark Energy is a select blend of L-amino acids, specifically chosen for each of their beneficial effects on plant growth.  L-amino acids improve the absorption rate of your favorite fertilizers by chelating essential nutrients and making them more available to your plants.  Dark Energy enhances the bloom stage of any plant by stimulating the natural production of ethylene, a flowering and ripening hormone.  Trials have shown that an increase in ethylene concentration results in a reduced time to harvest and synchronized, even ripening. You will notice an increase in overall biomass and harvest quality through continued use of Dark Energy."

HVH Specialblend fertilizer is already chelated for better absorption which is the main thing that Dark Energy appears to do. However, if you notice any special results that you did not see when not using it I would love to see photos, etc.

Charlie

[Nievesgirl]

Hi Kerry,

Yes, I tried Dark Energy combined with Supernova and HVH Specialblend fertilizer.. Hibiscus are naturally such good growers that I didn't see any additional results than when using Supernova and HVH Fert without the Dark Energy. Since it is very expensive I decided not to continue with it. It might help in a situation where a hibiscus is stressed or not growing. But, who knows, maybe using it will give someone the first real 12 inch bloom! It's good to keep in mind that these specialty products developed by and for the hydroponics industry are aimed at plants such as tomatoes and, for better or worse, marijuana production is a big driving force for the development of high tech growing techniques. Hibiscus are not the same as plants that are grown for a big harvest at the end of the growing season so may not react the same.

Here is what the developer says about Dark Energy:

"Dark Energy is a select blend of L-amino acids, specifically chosen for each of their beneficial effects on plant growth.  L-amino acids improve the absorption rate of your favorite fertilizers by chelating essential nutrients and making them more available to your plants.  Dark Energy enhances the bloom stage of any plant by stimulating the natural production of ethylene, a flowering and ripening hormone.  Trials have shown that an increase in ethylene concentration results in a reduced time to harvest and synchronized, even ripening. You will notice an increase in overall biomass and harvest quality through continued use of Dark Energy."

HVH Specialblend fertilizer is already chelated for better absorption which is the main thing that Dark Energy appears to do. However, if you notice any special results that you did not see when not using it I would love to see photos, etc.

Charlie

Thanks for the info yes dark energy is expensive so is supernova. I only wanted a 16oz bottle and I found it on ebay for 15 bucks. It should be coming today. I want to see if this stuff helps nightfire. So far just using the special blend and supernova. I have notice lots of growth at the top.

You are so right about marijuana fueling the hydroponics industry to make new and better products. I been looking at all types of hydro sites and forums and no one seems to be talking about growing tomatoes lol

I even saw this machine and I am so amazed that some one could come up with this !

[jpiper82]

So Nivesgirl, how are you doing with the "Dark energy"
John

[Darkhorse]

LOL at the photos... you know people using those kinds of setups are not using them for Marigolds... haha

[Nievesgirl]

So Nivesgirl, how are you doing with the "Dark energy"
John

You know what I am not sure , I think I will try to do a test. One with supernova and one with super nova and dark energy.   I have been using Barts fertilizing recipe and all of my plants look great. I added dark energy and super nova to the mix. 

[jpiper82]

Kerry, I have noticed the growth enhancer effect with SuperNova, as the plants have grown taller and there is more leaf growth on top.  I have been using SuperThrive all along but I am not sure of the benefit.  I suspect that I should see enhanced growth in the root structure.  I will be re-potting up my Bridal Path for winter which will be the best indicator for me and I will let you know.

The second enhancer, HVH Hibiscus Booster, has definitely made a difference in terms of quality of color and depth of color, and probably size of blooms.  I am also getting longer bloom times now up to 1 1/2 days.  Given that, the temperatures have cooled somewhat in Texas.

This is what I use as a water/fert. program
1 gal water
1 tsp HVH Fert.
1/2 Tsp SuperNova
1/4 tsp SuperThrive
1/4 tsp HVH Hibiscus Booster

Been doing this all year, except the Hib Booster was only added 30-45 days ago, and the results are seen after about 30 days.

Still curious about the "Dark Energy" application, and sometimes I wonder about having my Hib's on to many steroid's for the long term effect of growing them....
Best Regards,
John

[Charlie]

Remember when people questioned whether drinking coffee for a lifetime might be bad for them?From what I can tell, the researchers seem to be saying that coffee is actually beneficial. The hormones in the "Super.." products are entirely natural to the plants and I think that at the low doses you are using them there should be no long term harm, and quite the contrary could be true.

Charlie

[Nievesgirl]

I am using 1 tsp per gallon instead of 1/2. When I was using supernova by its self you can see a big different in growth.  But like I said I am still testing out the dark Energy

[Nievesgirl]

John ,

I have some news for you not sure if it will help since I did not have any real test to go by.

I have a cv called lady bug that I hate so much ( will probably find it a new home once I cross it with a few of  Charlie’s cv’s) but anyways this cv is sooooo slow to grow. I bought it in March and it is still small. I pruned it before and growth did occur but it was not great. The bush ( if you want to call it that lol)  still was oddly shaped.  Right now I am experiencing lots of new leaves from it. It could be from the dark energy or Bart’s recipe.  The only thing I added to bart’s recipe was dark energy and supernova.  I brought this cv to work so it will only get HVH special blend, supernova ,and dark energy( no hvh booster)

[jpiper82]

John ,

I have some news for you not sure if it will help since I did not have any real test to go by.

I have a cv called lady bug that I hate so much ( will probably find it a new home once I cross it with a few of  Charlie’s cv’s) but anyways this cv is sooooo slow to grow. I bought it in March and it is still small. I pruned it before and growth did occur but it was not great. The bush ( if you want to call it that lol)  still was oddly shaped.  Right now I am experiencing lots of new leaves from it. It could be from the dark energy or Bart’s recipe.  The only thing I added to bart’s recipe was dark energy and supernova.  I brought this cv to work so it will only get HVH special blend, supernova ,and dark energy( no hvh booster)

Bart's program is a little different than mine. He uses a different ratio of water/fert than I do.  Look under Bridal Path and you will see my program.  with that said the only difference is the HVH Hib Booster which I add, and your Dark Energy.  I am so glad your CV is taking off!

As Charlie would say "It ia all a learning experience"  Love your T5 thing keep us informed.

Your input is valuable to me, and I thank you.
John

[jpiper82]

Hi all! New question: When do you quit using Super Nova?  The benefits this year have been outstanding, It has given me huge growth on my plants. Huge vertical growth with lots of blooms on the top of the plants, to the point that I have to do a hard prune on them in order to get more bush in the plant for next year.

I think it is great to use this product on new 4" and 6" plants when we first get them to stimulate growth and flowers, but after they are a year old and we are working with harder wood should we continue using this product on all watering/fert programs?

Your comments would be appreciated
Thanks,
John

[Charlie]

It's a good question, John. Due to the cost, I personally use it only on plants that have had a setback of some sort or are growing slower than expected. There are plenty of times it can help - after pruning, to get through the stress of a cold winter, to come back after winter, etc. Once a hibiscus is growing strong and doing as it should I figure that the hormone balance inside the plant is fine and don't mess with it. Of course there is a difference between fine and optimal and anyone seeking optimal growth and blooming may want to experiment the way you have this summer. Except for the Magic Moments that were fried when first arriving in the central TX heat your hibiscus have looked exceptionally nice. It's not just the Supernova though. Your entire formula has contributed and I'm sure that if the basic fertilizer had been missing the Supernova would have been limited in what it could have accomplished.

I hope we hear from more people who have tried Supernova and the other nutrient products recommended for hibiscus.

Charlie

[jpiper82]

Kerry, Any update on Dark Energy?
John

[Nievesgirl]

I was planing to keep using it all year , would there be any kind of effects from using it for a long time ?

John my Lady bug is doing much better.  I am going to see if the dark energy encourages my cranberry muffin to bloom. It has not bloomed and I had it for months now. It just keeps growing foliage.

[Charlie]

Kerry, I doubt that there is anything to be concerned about with using Dark Energy long term. Apparently it provides amino acids that are available to bind or chelate with mineral nutrients for better absorption by plants.

Your Cranberry Muffin is typical for that variety. It does not want to bloom until it is large and old enough which can be 6 months or longer in a 6 inch or larger pot. However, once it starts blooming it will often open multiple 8 inch flowers on the same day. Now that we are going into winter it may not bloom until next spring but maybe it will surprise us!

Charlie

[Bart]

OK Kerry, John and Charlie, you have all convinced me to add Super Nova to my Feeding regimen. Charlie you'll see my order tonight.  My Greenhouse is now ready with the exception of the Roof so I want to discuss the light package we are ordering. I am in hopes of seeing mush new growth soon with a possible bud/bloom or two or lots.  The Greenhouse, for lack of a better term (enclosure) turned out better then expected. My concern will be the heat from the lights so I have to figure out an auto venting system. 

Guys, I don't have the opportunity to get on and participate (learn) as much as I would like.  John, I loved the CD and I know I owe you a call. I am traveling for the next two days so I hope to reach you while looking through the windshield. Kerry, I certainly hope the Dark energy is working well for you but I also hope you can determine what is best before these new stimulants break you up; of course I am one to talk. I am ordering a lighting system in which the ROI is probably 2 years plus.  Of course that all depends on the amount of plants I decide to increase to this spring and how well my new setup works for me this winter.

I know the last post on this string was a couple of weeks ago however it is all very interesting to me!

Talk to you guys soon,
Bart

[Nievesgirl]

Kerry, I certainly hope the Dark energy is working well for you but I also hope you can determine what is best before these new stimulants break you up; of course I am one to talk.

Hi Bart I am not sure what you mean by this ? 

I do have more updates, I had lady bug in the sun at my apt from spring to summer. It did not want to grow at all ! I am not sure if its because this cv loves more light or what. It is at work with me and it doing so much better since I have been adding the dark energy to the mix. I have more branching occuring ( I pruned it, I have also pruned it at home and never got growth ) I also have about 6 new buds growing. Never has lady bug produce so many at once. I think I have seen LB bloom 3 times for me the whole growing season