Garden & Greenhouse March 2019 Issue | Page 21
the way a plant responds to the changes in its envi-
ronment.
The Importance of Calcium
There is one essential element that should be
given some extra attention when it comes to clone/
seedling and early vegetative growth. That element
is calcium. Much of a plant’s structural integrity is
influenced by calcium. Calcium is vital for vigorous
growth and overall structural development. When
calcium levels are too low, a plant’s cell membrane
can become weak. This weakening can cause leakage
resulting in the loss of cellular compounds. Sufficient
calcium levels are required for cell wall development
and cellular division. Strong stems and branches are
a result of proper calcium levels. Put another way,
much of the plant’s ability to hold large, dense fruits
or flowers is determined by its structural integrity
which is greatly influenced by calcium.
Calcium also acts as a secondary messenger that
helps regulate cellular functions and assists in gen-
eral plant functions, like nutrient uptake. Calcium
stimulates the protein channels within a plant’s rhizo-
sphere which aids in nutrient uptake. If there is not
enough calcium present this process will not function
properly and nutrient uptake will be slowed down.
In this way, calcium works very similarly to the hor-
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mones
that regulate various cell functions.
T A I L O R E D
In order to reap the reward of larger yields,
horticulturists should pay close attention to the clon-
ing and vegetative stages, much like they do to the
fruiting/flowering stage. During the early stages of
growth, the nutrition provided, along with proper
atmospheric conditions, will directly impact a plant’s
ability to later produce large fruit or flowers. Provid-
ing a fertilizer regimen that contains all of the essen-
tial elements is imperative. In addition to a balanced
base fertilizer, growers can accelerate vegetative
growth by incorporating additives, such as plant hor-
mones, amino acids, and enzymes.
Although all of the essential elements are neces-
sary, a grower who understands how each particular
element affects plant development will be better
equipped to fine tune his or her fertilizer regimen.
For example, providing ample calcium throughout
the vegetative stage of growth will prepare the plants
for increased fruit/flower production. All in all, horti-
culturists who provide clones, seedlings, and vegeta-
tive plants with the proper nutrition will be greatly
rewarded come harvest time. GG
Eric Hopper resides in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula
where he enjoys gardening and pursuing sustainability.
He is a Garden & Greenhouse senior editor and can be
contacted at [email protected].
1/8/19 9:47 AM Page 1
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