16 Best Fertilizers for Cannabis (Key Bud Nutrients)
Contents
- Top 16 Nutrients and Fertilizers for Cannabis
- 1. Bergman’s Plant Food (From I Love Growing Marijuana)
- 2. Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula
- 3. General Hydroponics Flora Gro, Micro, Bloom Combo Fertilizer Set
- 4. Technaflora Recipe for Success Starter Kit
- 5. Osmocote Flower & Vegetable Smart-Release Plant Food
- 6. Grow More Hawaiian Bud Plant Fertilizer
- 7. Element Flower Fuel Plant Fertilizer
- 8. J R Peters Inc. Jacks Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer
- 9. Botanicare Growilla Veg & Bud Plant Fertilizer
- 10. General Hydroponics GH5312 CaMg+ Plant Nutrition
- 11. General Hydroponics BioThrive Plant Food
- 12. Maxicrop Pure Seaweed Extract Soluble Powder
- 13. Cutting Edge Solutions UJB:2603 Uncle John’s Blend Growing Additive
- 14. 13Essentials Foliar Spray Fertilizer
- 15. General Hydroponics Organics Go Box
- 16. Orga Grow Holland Organic Nutrients For Marijuana Plants
- How to Choose The Right Fertilizer
- The Clear Winner…
- Sources
The soil you use when growing cannabis might be the foundation of your plants, and the soil you use only works as well as the fertilizer you’re using within it.
Feeding your plants the right nutrients helps them grow healthy leaves and full buds. Potency comes mostly from genetics, but a starved or overfed plant will not reach its potential.
In this article, we break down popular nutrients and fertilizers for growing cannabis. This guide is for adults 21+ growing where it is legal.
In a hurry? Get Bergman’s Plant Food from ILGM for the best results.
Top 16 Nutrients and Fertilizers for Cannabis
Grower's Choice- Complete Nutrition from Seedling to Harvest
- Works in All Growing Mediums
- Great Value for Growing 5+ Plants
- Trifecta of Fertilizers & Plant Food
- For Lush Growth & Big Blooms
- Can be Used Alone or Combined
Great for Hydroponics- Hydroponic-Based Nutrient System
- 3-Part Nutrient System
- Provides Minerals + pH Balance
- Comprehensive Starter Kit
- 10-Part Organic Fertilizer Set
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Best Budget Buy- Original Slow-Release Plant Food
- Very Easy to Use
- Creates Beautiful Buds
Testing fertilizers yourself takes a lot of time and money. This list covers well-known products so you can start from proven options.
Depending on the strain you are trying to grow, and the make-up of your grow space, you can use this information to choose the product that’s right for you.
1. Bergman’s Plant Food (From I Love Growing Marijuana)
Bergman’s Plant Food is ILGM's own nutrient line, made specifically for cannabis.
It is sold as a set with separate products for each growth stage. ILGM's nutrient lineup has changed, so check that the set is still offered and what it includes.
What We Liked
- Complete Nutrition Cycle: From seedling to harvest, Bergman’s Plant Food offers an all-inclusive nutritional regimen. Whether you’re nurturing young plants or looking to boost flowering, there’s a specialized formula available.
- Value for Money: The set is sized to feed several plants.
- Versatility in Use: It is made for soil, hydroponics and other growing media.
- Stage-Based Formulas:
- Seedling Fertilizer: A gentle, phosphorus-forward feed for young plants.
- Growtime Fertilizer: A nitrogen-forward feed for vegetative growth.
- Flowertime Fertilizer: A potassium-heavy feed for flowering.
- Plant Booster: A phosphorus and potassium bloom booster. No booster can force early flowering in photoperiod plants; that is set by the light schedule.
- Storage and Usage: The fertilizers come in sealed bags, with instructions that stress avoiding overfeeding and checking pH. Check each bag's label for its exact N-P-K.
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires Attention: While the detailed guidelines are beneficial, they also mean growers need to pay close attention to plant stages and requirements.
- Storage Time: Even though the packaging allows long-term storage, it’s advised to use the nutrients within 12 months of opening, which might be limiting for some growers.
Final Thoughts
Bergman’s Plant Food promises and delivers a comprehensive nutritional program, designed with precision for the cannabis plant. With its clear stages and guidelines, it’s suitable for both rookies and seasoned growers.
Remember to keep an eye on the pH levels, and be diligent about plant needs to avoid overfeeding. Overall, if you’re on the hunt for a reliable, well-researched nutrient solution for your cannabis plants, Bergman’s Plant Food is a compelling contender.
Recommendation: Ensure you always monitor your plants and adjust their diet based on visible signs and symptoms. With Bergman’s detailed guidelines, combined with a bit of personal attention, you’re well on your way to a flourishing harvest.
2. Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula
Fox Farm is a well-known and well-respected brand in the growing community. Many growers start with it and keep using it. The trio is three liquid bottles for soil: one for growth, one for blooming and one for late flowering.
It has a fairly low learning curve, and the label includes a feeding schedule.
What We Liked
- Hydroponic growing option available
- Wide range of products
- Great price point
- Versatile to any strain
- Beginner-friendly feeding schedule
What We Didn’t Like
- They don’t make much distinction on how to use the nutrients throughout different stages
- Requires a bit more research when dealing with longer flowering times
Final Thoughts
There’s not much we dislike about Fox Farm. The formulas are simple. The main stumbling block is knowing when to switch from one stage to the next.
Follow the feeding chart and watch your plants. Start below the full label strength, since overfeeding burns roots and leaf tips.
3. General Hydroponics Flora Gro, Micro, Bloom Combo Fertilizer Set
This is one of the longest-running nutrient sets among indoor cannabis growers. It is a three-part system that you mix in different ratios for each stage.
The Flora Series contains FloraGro (vegetative growth), FloraMicro (a base used in every stage) and FloraBloom (flowering). The concentrates dissolve fully, which suits hydroponics.
Changing the ratio of the three bottles lets you shift the balance of primary, secondary and micronutrients as plants move from veg to flower. Always check and adjust pH after mixing.
What We Liked
- High-performance three-part fertilizer for veg, flowering, and fruiting
- Fully soluble concentrates
- Suitable for most grow media
- Flexible ratios for each stage
What We Didn’t Like
- Three bottles to measure every feeding
- Bottles are smaller for the price
Final Thoughts
This is a great fertilizer set that supports pretty much any stage of flowering. It’s easy to use, even for beginners, although we found the price to be higher than other sets of similar quality. All in all, if you have the budget, you can’t go wrong with this choice.
4. Technaflora Recipe for Success Starter Kit
This Technaflora kit lives up to its name by being the perfect starter kit to ensure success in your harvest. It suits first-time as well as experienced growers.
The kit includes Technaflora's base nutrients (B.C. Grow, B.C. Bloom or Boost), additives such as Root 66, Sugar Daddy and Awesome Blossoms, Magical (a calcium and magnesium supplement), Thrive Alive B-1 and a cloning gel. Check the current listing, since kit contents change.
The package comes with a detailed mixing chart that’s easy enough for new growers to understand and follow. The graph illustrates how to successfully and effectively use the available nutrients together to maximize benefits.
The chart tells you which products to use in veg and which in flowering. Magical supplies calcium and magnesium, which help prevent common deficiencies.
Sugar Daddy is a carbohydrate additive. Additives like it are optional; the base nutrients do most of the work.
What We Liked
- Complete multi-part kit
- Detailed mixing chart
- Includes a calcium and magnesium supplement
What We Didn’t Like
- Some of the bottles may arrive leaking or damaged
- Frequent users report issues mixing the ingredients
Final Thoughts
This kit is a truly comprehensive set that includes all of the fertilizer and nutrients that your plants need to thrive. If you don’t want to spend time researching the right type of food for your plants, then the Technaflora box is an easy alternative to piece-mealing together your own solution.
5. Osmocote Flower & Vegetable Smart-Release Plant Food
Osmocote is a nutrient-rich formula that helps with flower and vegetative state growth. It is a granular fertilizer coated in resin. Water seeps into the granules and dissolves the nutrients, which then release slowly through the coating.
Release speeds up as temperatures rise, so plants get more food during warm, active growth.
It is one of the easiest fertilizers to use: mix it into the soil at the label rate and water as usual. The trade-off is less control, since you cannot easily change the feed between veg and flower.
What We Liked
- Stimulates strong root development and vigorous top growth
- Easy-to-use coated granules
- Feeds for months from one application
- Suitable for containerized planting
What We Didn’t Like
- The packaging is not always secure
- Hard to adjust feeding between growth stages
Final Thoughts
Osmocote is a good low-effort choice for beginners and outdoor growers who want simple, steady feeding.
Growers who want to fine-tune nutrients by stage will prefer liquid feeds.
6. Grow More Hawaiian Bud Plant Fertilizer
The Grow More Hawaiian Bud Plant Fertilizer is a water-soluble bloom fertilizer.
It combines major nutrients with chelated micronutrients and seaweed extract. Check the label for the current N-P-K.
The application is super easy. Just add the formula to your desired volume of water, then agitate the water until the formula is dissolved.
What We Liked
- Water-soluble
- Can be used with injectors
- Bloom-focused formula
- Compatible with multiple growing media
What We Didn’t Like
- Easy to overdo micronutrients such as boron if you stack it with other feeds
Final Thoughts
This Grow More formula is meant for the flowering stage.
It is popular because it works in soil, coco and soilless mixes. Follow the label rate, since boron is essential in tiny amounts but toxic in excess.
7. Element Flower Fuel Plant Fertilizer
The Element Flower Fuel Plant Fertilizer is a bloom additive that combines nutrients with kelp and amino acids.
It is designed to be added to a base nutrient during flowering, and works in hydroponics, coco, peat and soil.
It is fully soluble. Check the label for the current N-P-K and how many gallons a container treats.
What We Liked
- Adds kelp and amino acids to your bloom feed
- Fully soluble for hydroponics
- Can be used with different growing mediums
What We Didn’t Like
- It is an additive, not a complete base nutrient
Final Thoughts
Because it is a bloom additive, use it alongside a complete base nutrient rather than on its own.
8. J R Peters Inc. Jacks Classic Blossom Booster Fertilizer
J R Peters is a trusted fertilizer brand known for water-soluble fertilizers. Blossom Booster is a high-phosphorus formula with a roughly 1:3:2 N-P-K ratio, aimed at flowering.
It includes chelated micronutrients along with the major nutrients.
Mix and apply it at the rate on the label, and start on the low end for indoor plants.
What We Liked
- Bloom-focused N-P-K ratio
- Suitable for indoor as well as outdoor cannabis plants
- Water-soluble and easy to apply
What We Didn’t Like
- High phosphorus is more than most cannabis needs; use it as a supplement
Final Thoughts
We recommend this formula because it comes with a set of very easy to understand instructions that read more like a guide on growing marijuana indoors, rather than a guide on how to use the fertilizer itself.
It is best used during flowering, alongside a balanced base feed.
9. Botanicare Growilla Veg & Bud Plant Fertilizer
The Botanicare Grow line includes dry, natural-ingredient fertilizers for vegetative growth and flowering.
Dry organic fertilizers feed slowly, since soil microbes must break them down before plants can use the nutrients. It is designed for use in coco coir, soilless mixes, and soil garden-based grow media. It also works well when mixed with one of the best bloom boosters for weed to encourage even higher yields.
What We Liked
- Natural-ingredient fertilizer
- Slow, steady feeding
- Can be used with coco, soilless mixes and soil
What We Didn’t Like
- May not break down fast enough
- Strong odor makes it not ideal for use in small, indoor spaces
Final Thoughts
The Botanicare line is a fine choice for growers who like dry organic feeds.
The one downside is smell: organic inputs can be pungent in a small indoor space.
10. General Hydroponics GH5312 CaMg+ Plant Nutrition
Are you in search of a calcium and magnesium supplement for your cannabis? Look no further than the General Hydroponics CaMg+.
It supplies calcium and magnesium, two nutrients that often run short in coco, hydroponics and soft or filtered water.
Use it when your plants need extra calcium and magnesium, not by default.
Dose by the label and your water source, and check pH after mixing.
What We Liked
- Corrects calcium and magnesium shortfalls
- Easy liquid dosing
- Suitable for most growing media
What We Didn’t Like
- May experience a significant drop in pH after mixing
11. General Hydroponics BioThrive Plant Food
The BioThrive Plant Food by General Hydroponics is a liquid organic-based fertilizer line.
It is marketed as a vegan formula made without animal ingredients, using plant-based and mineral inputs.
Follow the label for light and heavy feeding rates in potting mixes.
What We Liked
- Plant-based, vegan formula
- Liquid and easy to measure
- Works in potting mixes
What We Didn’t Like
- May experience problems balancing pH
Final Thoughts
We love how easy the application of this fertilizer works. When you buy it, it comes with detailed instructions on how to use it with any grow material and grow phase. It works for most home grow sizes.
12. Maxicrop Pure Seaweed Extract Soluble Powder
This Maxicrop plant food is made from Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed harvested in Norway, and Maxicrop says its soluble powder is OMRI listed.
Seaweed extract is a supplement, not a complete fertilizer. It supplies potassium and trace elements, and it can be mixed with other fertilizers.
It is often used in aquaponics because it is plant-based. It contains no fish; that idea likely came from mix-ups with fish-based fertilizers.
What We Liked
- Norwegian seaweed extract
- OMRI listed, per the maker
- Can be mixed with other fertilizers
- Used in aquaponic systems
What We Didn’t Like
- A supplement only; needs a base fertilizer
Final Thoughts
Maxicrop is a gentle supplement to add alongside your main fertilizer. Its smell is mild compared with fish-based feeds.
13. Cutting Edge Solutions UJB:2603 Uncle John’s Blend Growing Additive
Uncle John’s Blend Growing Additive from Cutting Edge Solutions is a supplement added to a regular feeding program.
Follow the label for how often to use it. Any fertilizer or additive can cause problems if overused.
What We Liked
It is a simple add-on that fits into most feeding schedules and can be used through the growth cycle.
What We Didn’t Like
The only thing we don’t like about Uncle John’s Blend Growing Additive is the price. Although nutrients are an investment in your plant’s well-being and ultimate bloom, these are pricey. The formula doesn’t claim to use organic compounds, which might warrant the price.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Uncle John’s Blend is a reasonable add-on if you want to experiment. It is not a substitute for a complete fertilizer.
14. 13Essentials Foliar Spray Fertilizer
This formula isn’t intended for marijuana use specifically. The 13Essentials formula does wonders for nearly any plant though.
As the name suggests, it supplies a broad mix of macronutrients and micronutrients as a foliar spray. You can still overdo it, so follow the label.
- Foliar feed system
- Broad nutrient mix
What We Liked
We enjoyed that the 13Essentials focused on what plant’s need to carry out their normal lifecycle. With potassium and phosphorous as the base, it also uses boron, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and more.
The wide array of macro and micronutrients in this formula is causing many growers to use 13Essentials.
What We Didn’t Like
It is pricey for the amount you get, and results are mixed. Foliar feeding supplements root feeding but cannot replace it. Avoid spraying buds in flowering, since wet buds invite mold.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fertilizer or nutrient additive that will have an outstanding impact on your plants, this is not the formula for you. However, if you’re looking for something a little extra to give your plants, 13Essentials works well.
We don’t recommend this product to anyone trying to specifically increase their yield, bud growth, bud size, or potency. The 13Essentials formula is purely to ensure your plants are getting a large volume and variety of both macronutrients and micronutrients.
15. General Hydroponics Organics Go Box
The General Organics Go Box is a go-to choice for a lot of first-time growers because the brand has decades of experience producing products that are specific to growing weed. It’s an all-in-one solution for growers who aren’t sure where to start when it comes to using particular nutrients in their growing process.
This product is an organic mix of fertilizer and nutrients that comes with eight bottles of nutrients in each pack.
What We Liked
- Organic-based formulas
- Sampler sizes let you try the full line
- Works with soil, coco and some hydroponic setups
- Reasonable prices
What We Didn’t Like
- Not all the formulas are OMRI certified.
- Organic hydroponics has noted that the lack of certification on some of their products is due to the cost of certification
Final Thoughts
The Go Box is a top choice for growers regardless of experience. General Hydroponics continues to make great fertilizers and nutrients for weed plants. The development that went into these products is apparent.
Keep all fertilizers sealed and away from children and pets; they are not safe to eat or drink.
16. Orga Grow Holland Organic Nutrients For Marijuana Plants
From Orga Grow Holland, we have organic nutrients and liquid fertilizer option. It is sold as a general plant food that many cannabis growers use.
The formula here is a 3-step system to aid your plants from initial planting and well into their bloom. The first step is a root stimulator which acts to encourage root growth and generation.
The second step is for vegetative growth. The third and final step is an abundant flowering formula.
- Simple formula
- Organic
- 3 step growth system
What We Liked
We like that this formula is a full system. For experienced growers who can accurately track their plant progression and identify when nutrients are necessary, this setup is a great option. The root stimulator isn’t a formula you see very often.
Getting your plants to take root properly is a frustration that many growers share. The root stimulator is the biggest win from this formula.
What We Didn’t Like
We don’t like that this doesn’t offer a lot for the new growers. If you’re new to growing, you might miss key signs that indicate it’s time to switch to the next step. There is a risk with both the growth stimulant and that flowering formula of overfeeding.
These issues kept the Orga Grow Holland formula from being the best nutrients and fertilizer for growing weed.
Final Thoughts
For the price, this is a quality product. It’s organic and is easy to use in coco fiber, soil, clay pebbles, and hydroponic systems. The product itself is versatile, but it relies on the user to have some knowledge about proper feeding and handling of cannabis.
The Orga Grow Holland isn’t exceptionally well-known, but it offers quality organic products that can assist experienced growers in increasing their yield and boosting their flowering phase.
How to Choose The Right Fertilizer
What goes into choosing the right nutrients and fertilizer? The right one will help you nurture your plants and all of its terpenes and cannabinoids. We just broke down over a dozen of our favorites, but even this list might be overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for.
There are key factors that you should consider when making the final choice of which fertilizer you want to use for your grow operation. The right fertilizer and nutrients should contain everything that your plants need, but they should be a good fit for how you are growing cannabis.
Depending on your grow space, the seeds you are using, and the type of cannabis plants you want to grow, there are specific things you should look for.
Plants need 17 essential elements, per NC State Extension. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen come from air and water. The rest come from the soil or your fertilizer:
- Primary macronutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)
- Secondary macronutrients: calcium, magnesium and sulfur
The three numbers on a fertilizer label are its N-P-K grade: the percentage by weight of nitrogen, phosphorus (as P2O5) and potassium (as K2O). A 10-30-20 product is 10% N, 30% P2O5 and 20% K2O.
Cannabis generally wants more nitrogen in veg and more phosphorus and potassium in flowering. Calcium, magnesium and sulfur matter too, and shortfalls are common in coco and hydroponics.
When researching additional nutrients, make sure that you look for ones with a water-soluble base. Whether the nutrients you’re giving your plants are liquid or tablets, they need to disperse with water. Since the nutrients most effectively enter a plant through the roots, a lot of growers drip the nutrients into the water supply or their favorite cannabis soil.
Plants also need trace amounts of these micronutrients, per NC State Extension:
- Boron
- Chlorine
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Nickel
- Zinc
A lack of any one can stall growth, while too much can be toxic. Most complete fertilizers and potting mixes already include them.
More is not better. Excess fertilizer salts can burn roots and leaves, so start at half the label rate and increase only if plants show they need it.
If you’re new to growing, a pre-made complete fertilizer is the safest start. Finding the proper nutrients and fertilizer for your plants will be a labor of love, but hopefully, with these reviews, you can find the best options for you!
The Clear Winner…
Any of the complete fertilizers on this list can grow healthy plants. One stands out as the simplest all-stage option.
Our pick for the top nutrient and fertilizer is Bergman’s Plant Food. We’re going with it because it covers each growth stage with its own formula, which keeps feeding simple. Confirm the set is still available before you plan around it.
It’s not easy identifying the right nutrients to add to your plants. If you’re a new grower, then you might not even know where to look or where to start.
We hope this breakdown helps you pick a fertilizer that fits your grow.
Sources
- Extension Gardener Handbook: Soils and Plant Nutrients, NC State Extension
- Maxicrop seaweed products, Maxicrop USA
