“Root-XS is the best root enhancer on the market now” (Store manager from one of USA’s largest chains)

“There have been no set backs at all and i have never seen such steady growth. No stalling No burning No setbacks.  Even height gain, regardless of variety.”

“Daily there is clear growth and at this rate I’m at least 3 or 4 days ahead of my normal program.  Root-XS has replaced at least three products that I normally use in wk 1 and the results for consistency and growth have been excellent.”

“Stability is a big bonus that comes from the foliar use of your Root-XS. Even steady increase all around. Time and money saving. Less running time and less working time per cycle.”

“I have never run my lights so close before without some noticeable leaf damage…mere inches and nothing but health and vigour and very active growth. Its amazing that nothing burns or has any adverse effects.”

“I am just starting the 12hrs and from the very first  transplant, there hasn’t been a single setback in 16 tested examples. And from about halfway through week 2 the green went forest dark and rich. I am so impressed by the scent of the fresh leaves that give off a definite healthy backyard garden smell.”

“The best of it seems to be the really quick take off at transplant that is the basis of the next three weeks of mad growth. And the even height is just amazing.  In the first week there were peaks and valleys in new clones and now its all even.  So all in all i would have to say that using your Root-XS has given me the fastest and most stable even growth I have ever seen.”

Step 1. Thoroughly wash and sterilize all hardware and areas that are likely to come in contact with the seedlings and possibly cause disease.

Step 2. To increase the success rate of seedlings, use a ‘heat mat’ and ‘propagation lid’. The vents on the propagation lid need to be closed. Maintain root and air temperature at 20-25^OC (68-77^OF) and relative humidity at ~80%. Note that cool conditions delay the germination of most seeds. This extends the length of time during which they are susceptible to fungal attack.

Step 3. Pre-soak the growing medium (e.g. Rockwool) by immersing or drenching with a pH buffered seedling nutrient solution. This will help remove any excess ‘alkalinity’ that is often present in the material and ensure the medium is bedded down. Allow excess nutrient to drain. If using Rockwool, gently squeeze to remove the excess nutrient.

Step 4.

• Option 1. Pre-germinating the seeds prior to planting them in the medium can be beneficial because it can help identify the better quality seedlings. To do this, place the seeds between moist tissue paper on a plate. Cover this with an up-turned plate to keep the seeds in the dark. Check every few days, ensuring that the tissue does not become dry – sprinkle with water as necessary. Once the root or “radical” becomes exposed, place the seed in the medium in an upright position with the root pointing downwards. Locate ~2 to 5mm (1/8 inch) below the surface.
• Option 2. Sow the seeds at a depth equal to 2-3 times their diameter. Cover the seeds with medium and gently press down.

Step 5. Immediately after planting, lightly re-water using water or bloom nutrient solution at EC ~0.8mS (typically about one-third the normal strength). Continue to water the medium as required, typically every 2 or 3 days. Ensure to maintain root and air temperature at 20-25^OC (68-77^OF) and relative humidity at ~80%. Diligently remove any dead leaves or seedlings – these are an ideal host for fungi. Note: Some plant varieties or media may require little or no nutrient until the first few ‘true’ leaves appear (Fig 17.7b). If the success rate is poor, try feeding with plain water.

Step 6. Remove the ‘propagation lid’ once the first shoot appears (Fig 17.7a). This will help prevent fungal diseases.

Step 7. Light is not required during the actual germination process. Once the first shoot (‘plumule’) appears however, the seedlings need good light to begin photosynthesizing. This prevents the plumule from becoming spindly or ‘etiolating’. Use low intensity lighting for the first few weeks of growth. “Cool white”fluorescent lights are preferable. Position these ~10cm (4 inches) above the plants.

If seedlings are being grown outdoors, position them in a partly shaded location. Too much light can stress seedlings in the early stages.

Step 8. Gradually expose the seedlings to their proposed environment. Depending on the plant variety, this may take only a few days, or many months. Begin to expose the seedlings to increased light intensity and nutrient strength. Ensure these changes are gradual as a sudden change might kill them.

Step 9. Healthy seedlings can grow quickly, therefore it is essential to transplant them into a bigger system or container that provides adequate room for further root and shoot growth. Do this only after a minimum of 2 ‘true leaves’ have formed (Fig 17.7b).

For more see page 75 of the FloraMax Hydroponics Manual.