Dyna-Gro Foliage Pro 9-3-6 is a one-part liquid fertilizer containing all the macro and micronutrients plants need, which is why many growers use it as a simple hydroponic base nutrient. The label rate for hydroponics is 2–3 teaspoons per gallon for recirculating systems and about 1 teaspoon per gallon for non-recirculating (drain-to-waste) systems. Many home growers start lower, around 1–2 teaspoons per gallon for leafy greens, then adjust based on EC readings and plant response. It works especially well for lettuce, herbs, and houseplants.
Key takeaway: Foliage Pro is a convenient one-bottle nutrient for leafy crops. Measure EC instead of trusting teaspoons alone, because your water and crop change what the right dose is.
| Use | Rate (per gallon) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hydroponics, recirculating | 2–3 tsp | Product label |
| Hydroponics, non-recirculating | About 1 tsp | Manufacturer site |
| Houseplant maintenance | 1/4 tsp every watering | Manufacturer site |
| Foliar spray | 1/4–1/2 tsp | Product label |
| Typical pH target in hydroponics | About 5.5–6.5 | General hydroponic practice |
Some retailers list older label wording, such as 1–2 tsp per gallon for non-recirculating systems. Always follow the label on your bottle.
What’s in Foliage Pro
The 9-3-6 guaranteed analysis means 9% nitrogen, 3% phosphate (P2O5), and 6% potash (K2O). The manufacturer describes it as a complete formula with all essential macro and micronutrients, including calcium and magnesium, and lists 6.1% nitrate nitrogen and 2.9% ammoniacal nitrogen, with no urea. Calcium is listed at 2% and magnesium at 0.5%, and iron, manganese, zinc, and copper are chelated so they stay available in solution. The 3-1-2 N-P-K ratio suits leafy growth. Our guide to N-P-K ratios by growth stage explains why leafy crops like higher nitrogen.
You may also see the product sold as SUPERthrive Foliage-Pro. The manufacturer explains that Dyna-Gro’s nutrient line was consolidated under the SUPERthrive brand after an acquisition, with the same 9-3-6 grade and guaranteed analysis. Older white Dyna-Gro bottles and newer yellow SUPERthrive bottles therefore show up side by side in stores and listings. Check the 9-3-6 grade, not the logo.
Why Growers Use Foliage Pro in Hydroponics
- One part, one bottle. No mixing A and B parts, which reduces mistakes. See one-part vs two-part nutrients.
- Calcium included. Many one-part products leave out calcium to prevent precipitation; this one is formulated to include it.
- Clear concentrate. Easy to dose by teaspoon or syringe.
- Versatile. Works in hydroponics, LECA, and soil.
Step-by-Step Dosing
- Measure your source water. Check the EC of plain tap water first. See starting EC baseline.
- Start low. For lettuce and herbs, begin around 1–2 tsp per gallon.
- Stir and measure EC. Record the reading. Leafy greens often grow well in a moderate EC range; see EC and TDS basics.
- Adjust pH last. Aim for about 5.5–6.5. See fixing high or low pH.
- Monitor and adjust. Increase toward the label’s 2–3 tsp per gallon if plants look pale and EC drops quickly; decrease if tips burn.
One US teaspoon is about 5 mL. A syringe or small measuring cup makes repeat doses consistent.
Dosing by Crop
| Crop | Starting rate (per gallon) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lettuce, spinach | About 1–2 tsp | Sensitive to high EC; watch for tip burn |
| Basil, mint, herbs | About 1.5–2.5 tsp | Moderate feeders |
| Houseplants in water or LECA | About 1/4–1/2 tsp | Light feeders; refresh water often |
| Tomatoes, peppers | Label rate, 2–3 tsp | May need extra P and K in fruiting |
These are starting points. EC readings and plant response matter more than any fixed chart.
Is Foliage Pro Enough for Fruiting Crops?
Foliage Pro can grow tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers through the vegetative stage. During heavy fruiting, some growers add a bloom booster or switch to a nutrient with more phosphorus and potassium. Dyna-Gro sells a separate bloom formula for that purpose. Extra P and K isn’t always necessary; see our guide to bloom boosters and PK additives before buying more products.
Changing and Topping Off
Plants absorb water and nutrients at different rates, so EC drifts. Top off with plain water if EC rises, or with weak solution if EC falls. Replace the full reservoir every 1–3 weeks. See how often to change hydroponic water and topping off vs changes.
Using Foliage Pro With Hard Water or RO
Hard tap water already contains calcium and magnesium. Since Foliage Pro also supplies these, very hard water can push EC high before plants get enough nitrogen and potassium. If your tap water is hard, start at the low end or blend with reverse osmosis water. With pure RO or distilled water, Foliage Pro’s built-in calcium and magnesium help, and you usually don’t need extra Cal-Mag. See hard water and RO.
Troubleshooting
- Pale new leaves: EC may be too low, or pH may be too high and locking out iron. See iron deficiency.
- Burnt tips: EC too high; dilute.
- Precipitate or cloudiness: often from mixing with other products or very hard water. See cloudy solution.
- Slow growth with good EC: check light, temperature, and root health. See slow growth.
Foliage Pro vs Other Popular Nutrients
Compared with three-part systems such as the Flora Series, Foliage Pro is simpler but less adjustable between growth stages. Compared with powdered options like MasterBlend or Jack’s 321, liquid concentrate costs more per gallon of solution but is easier to measure in small batches. For more options, see best hydroponic nutrients.
Storage and Handling
Keep the bottle tightly capped in a cool, dark place away from children and pets. The manufacturer advises that if the concentrate freezes, you can dilute the unused portion with an equal amount of hot water and then use twice as much. Never pour concentrate straight onto roots; always measure it into water first.
FAQs: Foliage Pro in Hydroponics
How much Foliage Pro per gallon for hydroponics?
The label lists 2–3 tsp per gallon for recirculating systems and about 1 tsp per gallon for drain-to-waste. Many growers start lower for lettuce and adjust by EC.
Does Foliage Pro need Cal-Mag?
It already contains calcium and magnesium. Most growers don’t need extra unless tests or symptoms show a deficiency.
Can I use Foliage Pro for tomatoes?
Yes, especially during vegetative growth. Some growers add extra phosphorus and potassium during heavy fruiting.
Is Foliage Pro organic?
No. It’s a mineral (synthetic) fertilizer, which is why it dissolves cleanly for hydroponics.
What pH should I use with Foliage Pro?
Around 5.5–6.5 for most hydroponic crops. Adjust after adding nutrients.
Sources
- Dyna-Gro — Foliage Pro 9-3-6 product information
- Penn State Extension — Hydroponics Systems: Nutrient Solution Programs and Recipes
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Hydroponic lettuce @ Plaine des Cafres 03 by Rémih (CC BY-SA 4.0); Medals weighed in digital scale by Kpubkalanami (CC BY-SA 4.0); PH- und Leitfähigkeitsmessgeräte by Rotkaeppchen68 (CC0); Click & Grow Smart Garden 27 by Janar Raidla (CC BY-SA 4.0); Deep water culture by ArcadiYay (CC BY-SA 4.0)