Growing On

After 3-4 weeks the seedlings will be ready for growing on, transferring them from the propagator into the hydroponics system.

Conventionally propagated seedlings can be planted directly into the pots of perlite/vermiculite mix as long as there isn't a substantial amount of compost around the roots. This would affect the nutrient balance and particles from it may block irrigation hoses. A filter can be put between the nutrient return pipe and the sump in a recirculating system to catch small objects such as compost or substrate particles. If planted in a good amount of perlite it will filter any loose particles but it's often best to wash the compost from the roots before transfer to a hydroponic system to avoid the risk. Once cleaned the bare rooted plant can be potted in a granular media or used directly in a media-less system like NFT or aeroponics.

If pots are used to help support the plant in its medium choose those with an open structure. These allow the nutrient to reach the medium, provide good drainage and will let the roots grow out through the gaps, as the plant gets larger.

Transferring hydroponically raised plants is easy, with the seedling or cutting left in its propagation media with the roots growing out of it.  These can be pushed into open structured pots, inserted into the centre of a larger rock wool cube or planted directly into granular media before being moved to the hydroponic system of choice.

Once there the plants do not usually need to be moved again, there's no requirement to pot on as the plant grows larger, as the roots are not constrained. The plants will need support as they get bigger, particularly if their fruit is large and heavy. Simple frames can be constructed from bamboo canes with string tied between the plant stem and the frame. Remember that high yields are expected if we get it right so make sure the support is strong enough to take it, there's nothing worse than seeing a heavily fruiting plant collapsed in a heap. Cheap frames can also be bought, made from tubular aluminium with purpose made plastic corners. Wires can be used to support plants if there are convenient anchor points to attach them to.

As the plant grows its nutritional requirements change, initially needing a weak nutrient mix, rising to full strength over 2-3 weeks. At the point of flowering the mix is changed, giving a better balance of nutrients for this period as green growth becomes less important and fruit development becomes the focus. Two or three part nutrient mixes carry instructions on the correct dosage for each of these growing phases, if in doubt look at the manufacturers web-site or give them a call.