Plant growth stimulants available in variety of forms
Plants all over town are experiencing a “growth spurt.” They are waking up after a drought and are hungry. Compost, animal manure and fish emulsion are good “slow-release” fertilizers and are also beneficial to soil organisms. Do plants need more?
I’ve had time to “dig deeper” into the science of using plant stimulants in addition to fertilizers. Using plant stimulants is somewhat controversial in some circles, although cannabis growers swear by them. To me, providing a little something extra for plants is like giving dogs treats or making holiday cookies for neighbors. Perhaps not essential, but fun!
Growth stimulants are not plant food. They provide a hormone or organic element that influences growth. Stimulants can help plants become established, enhance their performance and increase fruit and flower production. Only a few fall within the “plant food” category. Stimulants, when over-applied, can burn the roots of plants. Be sure to follow the instructions.
If you’re interested in “fooling around” with plant stimulants — now is the time of year for a “treat.” Not so with Mediterranean plants as they’re preparing for their summer dormancy.
In late winter, buds swell on woody stems, indicating plant stimulants are being produced by rising temperatures and longer days. Growth stimulants can be offered when buds have opened and foliage is underway. They can be used through summer, then withheld so that plants prepare for a winter nap.
Growth stimulants commonly used in home gardens are:
▪ Alfalfa pellets, like the ones used for horses, provide triaconatol, a stimulant of overall plant growth and mild amount of nutrients. A handful can be mixed in planting holes or sprinkled about and scratched into the surface soil.
▪ Bone meal or super phosphate (0-22-0) and triple phosphate (0-33-0) will stimulate growth and bud set. It can be mixed into a planting hole to provide slow-release rooting stimulation over several months.
▪ Transplant solution contains indole butyric acid, a hormone plants manufacture naturally in spring. When used it may help overcome transplant shock and encourage rooting of cuttings.
▪ Transplant solution with vitamin B1 has a low analysis of plant nutrients (usually 0-2-1) with the addition of thiamin (vitamin B1). It is naturally produced by plants and affects the rate at which plants consume essential nutrients.
▪ Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate and can be purchased in a drugstore. Magnesium strengthens plants and stimulates new growth. Mix one-half cup of Epson salts in a gallon of water and water in. Can be applied in the early spring and midsummer.
▪ Aspirin, or acetysalicylic acid or salicylic acid, can stimulate the natural defense system in plants. Spraying foliage or pouring on the root system with liquid made with 3 tablets in a gallon of water helps to activate the immune system of plants. Apply no more than once a month during the growing season.
Lee Oliphant’s column appears monthly and is special to The Cambrian. Find her online at centralcoastgardening.com or email her at cambria gardener@charter.net.
Tip of the month
Willow tea is a good source of auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins to encourage strong stems and rooting. You can make the tea in spring when willow tips swell. The buds contain the hormones. Cut 6-inch lengths of willow tips. Mash with a hammer and soak in boiling water. Cool. Strain out twigs and use liquid to water cuttings and to soak seeds. It can be frozen for future use.
This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 9:11 AM with the headline "Plant growth stimulants available in variety of forms."