FAQs

Properly stored (cool environment, out of sunlight, sealed container) the FloraNova series should last up to one year without any problems.

Absolutely! All of our nutrient blends contain the necessary elements for plant growth. Start with the formula ratios identified on the label for the specific plant or crop you are growing, and then adjust and experiment until you find the right formula for your specific need.

For further information, refer to our feedcharts.

Of course. Make sure you use a weaker nutrient solution than you would for root feeding. Avoid foliar feeding in the heat of the day and under excessive sunlight. Generally, the best times to foliar feed are in the early morning and late afternoon. Make sure you spray the undersides of the leaves. This is where the stomata or “lungs of the plant” are located, and where maximum absorption occurs.

In hydroponics, the plant roots are constantly provided with all the water, oxygen, and nutrients they need. The challenge for the grower is to keep up with the plant’s needs and to avoid damaging it with either excesses or deficiencies of minerals. As a general rule, a plant consumes more nitrogen during the formative or vegetative stage and more phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium as it flowers.

Throughout its growth cycle, the plant will also consume calcium, sulfur and micro nutrients such as iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, copper and zinc.

FloraMicro®, the foundation or “building block” of the FloraSeries system, provides nitrogen, calcium, micronutrients and trace minerals, which are essential for a comprehensive hydroponic plant diet. By adding FloraGro® to FloraMicro, the plant will receive additional nitrogen and potassium, stimulating structural and foliar growth. To stimulate flower and fruit development, FloraBloom® is added to provide the necessary phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur.

Yes and no. The FloraNova series is designed to use one part at a time, but in a time of transition it may be beneficial to mix the two at half strength each (makes a full strength nutrient solution). Use FloraNova Grow® in the vegetative stage and FloraNova Bloom® in the fruiting/flowering stage.

Note: If your plant is not fruiting or flowering plant, FloraNova Grow® is all that you will need to use.

For further information, refer to our FloraNova feedchart.

Yes and no. The Maxi Series is designed to use one part at a time, but in a time of transition it may be beneficial to mix the two at half strength each (makes a full strength nutrient solution). Use MaxiGro™ in the vegetative stage and MaxiBloom™ in the fruiting/flowering stage.

Note: If your plant is not a fruiting or flowering plant, MaxiGro™ is all that you will need to use.

For further information, refer to our Maxi Series™ feedchart.

Never mix the nutrients together in their concentrated form, as this will cause nutrient “lock-out,” making some minerals unavailable. It is best to begin by adding FloraMicro®, stirring well, and then adding FloraGro® and/or FloraBloom®. If both FloraGro® and FloraBloom® are used, add one, stir well, then add the other.

1. Start with a reservoir of fresh water, adding concentrates one at a time and thoroughly stirring each one in to prevent nutrient lockout. Shake each bottle well before pouring.
2. If using any silicon products, like Armor Si^™, add them to your reservoir first.
3. Next add any calcium sources – start with supplements, like CALiMAGic™. Following any supplements, add FloraMicro®, which also contains calcium.
4. If using FloraBloom®, or any other bloom supplements that contain phosphorus, like Purpinator® / Terpinator®, add it following your calcium products.
5. If using FloraGro®, add it to your reservoir now.
6. Any additional supplements can typically be added in any order at this point, except organics, like Floralicious®, which should be added last.
7. Adjust pH to match the recommended range for the crop you’re growing.

Refer to feedcharts for guidance on measurements by growth stage.

Be sure to watch Jesse walk you through the process of mixing FloraSeries® here ⟶

FloraNova Grow® and FloraNova Bloom® contain 3-5% organic substances for a hybrid of mineral and organic gardening.

Only crops grown from unrefined minerals are recognized as “organic”. The trouble is unrefined minerals do not dissolve well for hydroponic use and some of these unrefined minerals contain quantities of impurities, some of which are toxic to plants. For that reason, FloraBloom®, FloraGro®, and FloraMicro® are made from high quality refined minerals. This ensures high quality crop production, but prevents the crop from being considered “organic”.

The proper ratio of each FloraSeries® nutrient depends on the crop and the stage of growth (look on the label for specific recommendations for different crops). However, as a rule of thumb we use the “1-2-3” ratio:

• For seeds, cuttings, or delicate seedlings, use 1/4 tsp. of each nutrient to 1 gallon water
• For the vegetative stage of growth use 1-3 tsp. FloraGro® to 1-2 tsp, FloraMicro® to 1 tsp, and FloraBloom® per 1 gallon water
• For bloom to ripening stage, use 1-2 tsp. FloraGro®, 2 tsp. FloraMicro®, 2-3 tsp. FloraBloom® to 1 gallon water.

Use a less aggressive nutrient strength in the range of 1000-1200 ppm (2-2.4 mS) before adding the KoolBloom.

If you drain, clean and remix the nutrients every 7 to 10 days, it’s okay to top off with fresh water daily. As plants consume nutrients and water, the nutrient strength in the hydroponic reservoir will change. GENERALLY, nutrient strength should run between 800 to 1500 parts per million (ppm). Your exact ppm requirements will depend on your circumstances and style of growing. We strongly suggest that you purchase a nutrient testing device and start monitoring your nutrient solution’s ppm. We use meters with a “sodium chloride” scale. Before using your meter, calibrate it with General Hydroponics® Standard Reference Solution. Then, measure the ppm in the solution. If you find that it is greater than what you want, add water to bring the indicated ppm down to a safe level. If you find the ppm is too low, add nutrient solution to bring the indicated ppm up to its desired level. Your water quality will affect your final readings. When in doubt, remember that it is always better to apply too little nutrient than too much. Unless you know the specific ppm tolerance level for the plant you are growing, it is best to keep the nutrient solution between 800 and 1500 ppm.

• When using both Armor Si™ and CALiMAGic™, add Armor Si™ to the reservoir first.
• When using Armor Si™ and/or CALiMAGic™, with FloraSeries®, these products should be added prior to adding FloraMicro®.

The concept behind FloraSeries® is simple: Different plants have significantly different nutrient needs, which change during each plant’s growth cycle. By using various combinations of FloraGro®, FloraBloom® and FloraMicro®, the grower can fulfill the plant’s exact needs at each stage in the plant’s life cycle. As the crop grows, the grower can precisely adapt the nutrient formulation to meet the crops changing needs.