BALANCING GROWTH IN THE GARDEN
There are so many different crops we can grow in
hydroponic systems, it can be difficult to figure out exactly
how to balance the growth of our plants so we can maximize
the harvestable portion we are after. Sometimes we end up
with a lot of plant, and very little of the harvestable parts we
are growing the plant for in the first place.
Understanding the physiology of a plant being
grown is one way to determine the conditions
it needs to be most productive.”
at the expense of fruit yields, and plants that simply take
forever to produce the first flower bud, or just don’t flower
at all. Sometimes foliage crops such as lettuce start to bolt
before they ever reach an edible size. Herbs grown for edible
foliage can also flower early, reducing the lifespan and
productivity of the plant, while flowering plants may need
certain triggers before any blooms are initiated on otherwise
mature, healthy plants. Understanding the physiology of a
plant being grown is one way to determine the conditions it
needs to be most productive, but to go a little further, there
are some advanced techniques that can help steer crops in
the right direction.
Vegetative vs. Generative Growth
It’s not uncommon, in the highly protected environment
of an indoor garden, to experience lush vegetative growth
Commercial growers are usually well aware of the vegetative
versus generative growth balance aspects of their crops and
how to influence these. Vegetative
refers to the production of leaves and
stems, and generative refers to the
production of flowers, fruits and seeds.
Hydroponic crops generally go through
an early vegetative stage (seedlings),
on to a fully vegetative phase when
the plant develops sufficient foliage to
support flowers and fruits, then finally,
when conditions are right and the plant
is at the correct stage of maturity, to a
generative phase of flowering, fruiting
and seed development.
While most common hydroponic
crops have vegetative and generative
stages if grown for long enough—even
lettuce will flower and set seed if given
enough time—what is important is
Chrysanthemums flower after exposure to
short day lengths.
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Maximum Yield USA | October 2015