Hydroponic Nutrient Strength Chart

As with fertilizers for soil-based gardening, nutrient levels in a hydroponic system must be matched to the plant being cultivated. The hydro gardener must also maintain nutrient solution pH levels conducive to plant nutrient uptake. Devices which monitor the pH and electro-conductivity of the solution being used let the gardener know when adjustments to solution parameters are necessary.

Garden Geeks Plant Info

Electro-Conductivity (EC) or Conductivity Factor (cF) can be expressed as either millisiemens (mS), cF or parts per million (ppm).

Example: 1mS = 1EC = 10cF = 700ppm

The pH and Electro-Conductivity values specified here are given as a broad range. It should be noted that different seasons and climate will alter the needs of your plant. As a general rule, in cooler grow rooms, the plant requires higher nutrients; with warmer rooms, the plant requires lower levels of nutrients.

Nutrient Strength Categories: L = Low   M = Medium   H = High

Vegetables top

PlantpHRangecFppm
Artichoke6.5 - 7.5L8 - 18560 - 1260
Asparagus6.0 - 6.8L14 - 18980 - 1260
Bean (Common)6.0H20 - 401400 - 2800
Beetroot6.0 - 6.5H18 - 501260 - 3500
Broad Bean6.0 - 6.5M18 - 221260 - 1540
Broccoli6.0 - 6.8H28 - 351960 - 2450
Brussels Sprouts6.5H25 - 301750 - 2100
Cabbage6.5 - 7.0H25 - 301750 - 2100
Capsicum6.0 - 6.5M18 - 221260 - 1540
Carrot6.3M16 - 201120 - 1400
Cauliflower6.5 - 7.0M15 - 201050 - 1400
Celery6.5M18 - 241260 - 1680
Cucumber5.5M17 - 251190 - 1750
Eggplant6.0H25 - 351750 - 2450
Endive5.5M20 - 241400 - 1680
Fodder6.0M18 - 201260 - 1400
Garlic6.0L14 - 18980 - 1260
Leek6.5 - 7.0L14 - 18980 - 1260
Lettuce6.0 - 7.0L8 - 12560 - 840
Marrow6.0M18 - 241260 - 1680
Okra6.5H20 - 241400 - 1680
Onion6.0 - 6.7L14 - 18980 - 1260
Pak Choi7.0M15 - 201050 - 1400
Parsnip6.0L14 - 18980 - 1260
Pea6.0 - 7.0L8 - 18980 - 1260
Pepino6.0 - 6.5H20 - 501400 - 3500
Potato5.0 - 6.0H20 - 251400 - 1750
Pumpkin5.5 - 7.5M18 - 241260 - 1680
Radish6.0 - 7.0M16 - 22840 - 1540
Silverbeet6.0 - 7.0M18 - 231260 - 1610
Spinach6.0 - 7.0M18 - 231260 - 1610
Sweet Corn6.0M16 - 24840 - 1680
Sweet Potato5.5 - 6.0H20 - 251400 - 1750
Taro5.0 - 5.5H25 - 301750 - 2100
Tomato6.0 - 6.5H20 - 501400 - 3500
Turnip6.0 - 6.5M18 - 241260 - 1680
Zucchini6.0M18 - 241260 - 1680

Herbs top

PlantpHRangecFppm
Basil5.5 - 6.5L10 - 16700 - 1120
Chicory5.5 - 6.0H20 - 241400 -1680
Chives6.0 - 6.5M18 - 221260 -1540
Fennel6.4 - 6.8L10 - 14700 - 980
Lavender6.4 - 6.8L10 - 14700 - 980
Lemon Balm5.5 - 6.5L10 - 16700 - 1120
Marjoram6.0M16 - 201120 - 1400
Mint5.5 - 6.0H20 - 241400 - 1680
Mustard Cress6.0 - 6.5M12 - 24840 - 1680
Parsley5.5 - 6.0L8 - 18560 - 1260
Rosemary5.5 - 6.0L10 - 16700 - 1120
Sage5.5 - 6.5L10 - 16700 - 1120
Thyme5.5 - 7.0L8 - 16560 - 1120
Watercress6.5 - 6.8L4 - 18280 - 1260