It cannot be stored under 50 degrees Fahrenheit or it will turn black. Slowly increase the strength of the nutrient solution throughout the growth of the plant. Assume those links are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. In hydroponics, maintaining just the right growing conditions for plants is the name of the game. I germinate seeds with a solution strength of 0.50. As flower buds begin to form, pinch them off to divert energy and nutrients back to leaf development. As a hydroponic gardener, EC measures how strong your hydroponic solution is. Start plants out on the weaker end, and strengthen the solution as they mature. As the plant begins to grow and mature, increase the strength of the nutrient solution towards the higher end of the recommended range. If the EC rises, it means that the plants are taking up water faster than nutrients. Additionally, there are several basil varieties that feature purple leaves, providing a great addition to both your plate and palate. Space basil plants 8-10 inches apart so they have room to grow and are free from obstacles. If an herb you want to grow isn’t listed, it’s a safe bet that this general range will get the plant started safely. Growing Hydroponic Basil? This usually happens in hot weather, when the plant tries to keep cool. This means the leaves are usually cleaner and donât need much washing before use, since there is never ⦠If you’re looking for something not listed above, let me know and I’ll research and include it. If you don’t prune basil, it will quickly begin to grow vertically and bolt. Iâm sure you can figure out what it is when you hear hydroponic basil for the first time. Alternatively, you can also pinch off leaves as needed. Basil is susceptible to pythium, try to keep humidity low during the first couple of weeks after sprouting to reduce the risk of fungal development. When the basil seedlings have grown to two or three inches, itâs time to transplant them to the main hydroponics system. These values are intended for Hydroponic plants only (soil grown plants will differ). Increasing the EC of hydroponic ⦠Grow Period. A hydroponic solution’s pH refers to its level of acidity or alkalinity. Prune basil for the first time once the plant reaches 6” tall. Hydroponic lettuce grows best in a medium that has a pH value of 5.5-6.0. Many hydroponic ⦠With so much going for it, having a steady supply of fresh basil at your fingertips is a wise idea. The flip-side of that, is you need to know what your plant wants so you can help it grow and produce at its peak. You don’t need a heating pad to germinate basil seeds, but warmer temperatures will accelerate the germination process. Thanks for visiting HappyHydroFarm.com. ... Low-to-medium Electrical Conductivity (EC), a measure of nutrient strength, is generally preferred, with a EC ⦠Two important factors in hydroponic gardening are pH & EC levels. Several hydroponic growers have often provided basil a generic nutrient mix. Never prune a basil plant below the bottom two leaves. They used the same nutrient formula thatâs applicable for other plants, herbs, and other variants such as a lettuce plant. This will encourage the plant to bush out rather than grow vertically. Your local climate and hydroponic system will play a part in these values as well, so experiment within these ranges to find the optimal combo for your specific growing environment. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Harvesting one to two-thirds of the healthy leaves on the plant will spur new growth. Learn how to keep the flavor and aromas these plants are known for through the cold ⦠pH. These fungi are very difficult to get rid of and could ruin your basil crop. Regardless of how you germinate, basil seedlings should sprout in 3-10 days. A hydroponic solution that supports vegetative growth will promote healthy hydroponic basil. Plant. When this happens you add water until the required EC ⦠(It may also be shown as CF, for conductivity factor.) One thing to keep in mind is that basil loves light, make sure you grow it along with other plants that can tolerate extended lighting periods. Keep in mind, the levels and ranges listed here are for soilless hydroponic gardening. Most people will experience either a cool, fresh taste or an unpleasant soap taste. If you’re using T5 fluorescent lighting, bulbs with a 6500K frequency are best suited to supporting leafy greens like basil. Go with [0.5-1.5 EC/ 5-15 CF/ 300-1000 ppm] Most other veggies: [1.4-2.4 EC/ 14-24 CF/ 980-1680 ppm] Tomatoes, the heaviest feeders of all: [2.2-2.8 ECâ¦