(Mn) - Manganese plays an essential role in chlo-
rophyll production, nitrogen assimilation, and the
formation of proteins. Manganese stimulates seed ger-
mination and has been linked to the speed at which a
plant matures.
(Cl) - Chlorine is involved in the stimulation of
photosynthesis.
(B) - Boron is essential for tissue growth within
the plant. Boron helps promote the absorption of
water and regulate a plant’s metabolism.
(Zn) - Zinc helps with the development of en-
zymes and growth hormones.
(Cu) - Copper helps activate various enzymes
and plays a role in chlorophyll production.
(Mo) - Molybdenum is needed for the produc-
tion of nitrogen-based proteins.
(Ni) - Nickel regulates mineral metabolism,
enzyme activity, and other metabolic processes in
plants.
Nutrition for Seedlings and Clones
In addition to consistent atmospheric conditions
(arguably the most influential factor over cloning/
seedling success), gardeners can employ various nu-
trients and nutrient additives to help clones/seedlings
transition gently into the vegetative stage. During the
first few days, neither seedlings nor clones require
very much nutrition. In fact, one of the most com-
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mon mistakes made by novice growers is to over-feed
seedlings and/or clones. The first wave of nutrition
for seedlings is actually provided by the seed itself.
In most cases, a seed contains vital minerals and vita-
mins for the initial emergence of the seedling.
After the first few days, depending on the par-
ticular plant variety, a horticulturist can begin a
very light fertilizer regimen. For seedlings, a diluted
“vegetative” base fertilizer (1/4-1/2 strength of the
recommended dosage) will contain all of the essen-
tial mineral elements needed for proper plant de-
velopment. For soil gardeners, very little additional
nutrients are required during the first few weeks
of growth because the soil itself (depending on the
composition) will likely contain all of the essential el-
ements needed for healthy plant growth. As the seed-
ling develops into a vegetative plant, the grower can
increase the strength of the base fertilizer until he or
she reaches the manufacturer’s recommended dose.
Clones tend to be a little more finicky than seed-
lings in terms of nutrition. Until the clone has de-
veloped a healthy root mass, the provided nutrients
should be geared toward root production instead of
rapid vegetative growth. For this reason, many horti-
culturists rely on clone specific fertilizer regimens or
will use a diluted blooming base fertilizer (1/4 or 1/2
strength). A diluted blooming base fertilizer will still
contain all of the essential mineral elements needed,
but will also have a lower ratio of nitrogen to phos-
phorus and potassium. This type of ratio is more con-
ducive to root development than a “grow” fertilizer
that is rich in nitrogen. Once the clone has developed
a healthy root zone, its nutrition can be transitioned
to a vegetative base fertilizer which can be gradually
increased to full strength as the clone grows.
Nutrition for Vegetative Plants
A good base vegetative fertilizer containing all
of the essential mineral elements is a great start for
vegetative plants. During the vegetative stage, plants
should have a balanced diet with a higher ratio of
nitrogen. Nitrogen is used by plants for the develop-
ment of healthy, green leaves and branches. In addi-
tion to a vegetative base fertilizer with a high ratio of
nitrogen, growers can supplement various additives
which aid in vigorous growth and increased struc-
tural integrity. Some of those additives include plant
hormones, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements,
silica, beneficial microorganisms, and enzymes. Dur-
ing the early vegetative stage or the transition from
the clone/seedling stage, it may be a good idea to
dilute the fertilizer (1/2-3/4 strength) until the plants
have become acclimated to their new home. Growers
rarely realize how drastically the environmental con-
ditions change when moving a plant from one stage
to the next. Lessening the potency of the fertilizer,
even for a few days, can make a huge difference in
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
March 2019