How much FloraNova should you use per gallon? On the General Hydroponics 1-part chart, medium feed uses 2.0 to 6.0 mL of FloraNova Grow per gallon (3.79 L) during growth, then 3.5 to 6.0 mL of Bloom per gallon in flowering. Light and aggressive feeds scale those rates down or up, and EC targets confirm strength.
Key takeaway: FloraNova uses one base per stage: Grow in vegetative weeks, Bloom in flowering, checked by EC.
| Stage (medium feed) | Grow mL/gal | Bloom mL/gal | EC mS/cm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedling/clone (week 1) | 2.0 | – | 0.6–0.8 |
| Early growth (weeks 2–3) | 4.0–4.8 | – | 1.2–1.8 |
| Late growth (week 4) | 6.0 | – | 1.8–2.1 |
| Early bloom (weeks 1–2) | – | 6.0 | 1.8–2.1 |
| Mid bloom (weeks 3–5) | – | 5.0 | 1.5–1.8 |
| Late bloom and ripen (weeks 6–8) | – | 3.5–4.0 | 1.0–1.4 |
How Does the FloraNova Feeding Chart Work?
One base nutrient per stage. The General Hydroponics 1-part chart lists all amounts per 1 U.S. gallon (3.79 L). Grow is used for four growth weeks under an 18-hour photoperiod, then Bloom replaces it for up to eight bloom weeks under 12 hours, followed by a flush week.
Compare it with our Flora Series feeding chart guide.
What Are the Three FloraNova Feed Levels?
Aggressive, medium and light. General Hydroponics matches each level to how often you irrigate. Aggressive suits one or fewer irrigations a day, large pots and slow drybacks. Medium fits one to five irrigations a day. Light fits more than five a day, small pots or blocks and high planting density.
What Are the FloraNova Rates for Aggressive and Light Feed?
Higher and lower than medium. Aggressive feed runs Grow from 2.5 to 7.5 mL per gallon (3.79 L) and Bloom from 4.2 to 7.5 mL. Light feed runs Grow from 1.8 to 5.3 mL and Bloom from 3.0 to 5.3 mL. General Hydroponics says charts are recommendations and may need adjustment.
What EC and PPM Should FloraNova Reach?
It rises with plant size. On medium feed, the chart targets EC 0.6 to 0.8 mS/cm for seedlings, rising to 1.8 to 2.1 for late growth and early bloom, then 1.0 to 1.2 for ripening. PPM values use the 500 scale, so a 700-scale meter will read higher for the same solution.
Convert readings with our EC to PPM conversion guide.
How Do You Mix FloraNova Correctly?
Measure per gallon, then test. General Hydroponics says to check both the number and the unit, giving the example that 5 mL per gallon in 10 gallons (37.9 L) needs 50 mL. It advises checking pH after nutrients and supplements are fully mixed, and comparing EC with the chart’s range rather than assuming.
- Fill the reservoir and note its volume in gallons.
- Multiply the chart rate by the gallons.
- Add Grow or Bloom and stir well.
- Add any supplements the chart lists.
- Measure EC and compare with the target.
- Check and adjust pH last.
See our mixing hydroponic nutrient solution guide for more detail.
What pH Works With FloraNova?
Use the program’s target when given. General Hydroponics says the right range depends on the nutrient program and growing system. Penn State Extension says the optimal pH for growing vegetables hydroponically is generally 5.0 to 7.0, and the Edible Schoolyard’s 2-liter bottle project adjusts tap water to 6.0 to 6.5.
Why Do Rates Drop Late in the FloraNova Chart?
Nitrogen targets fall as fruit ripens. On medium feed, the 1-part chart lists total nitrogen at 180 ppm in late growth, 150 ppm in early bloom, 100 ppm in late bloom and 80 ppm for ripening. Bloom rates fall from 6.0 to 3.5 mL per gallon to match, before the final flush week.
What Does the FloraNova 4-Part Chart Add?
Three supplements. The 4-part chart adds CALiMAGic, Floralicious Plus and Liquid KoolBloom to the Grow and Bloom base. On medium feed, base rates are lower than the 1-part chart, such as 4.8 mL per gallon of Grow in late growth, while CALiMAGic adds 1.2 to 2.4 mL per gallon.
How Much FloraNova Should Small Home Gardens Use?
Start low for seedlings. The Edible Schoolyard’s 2-liter bottle lesson uses Grow at 1/4 teaspoon (about 1.2 mL) per gallon for seeds or cuttings and 1 teaspoon (about 5 mL) per gallon for established plants. Those amounts sit within the General Hydroponics light-to-medium range for those stages.
FAQ About the FloraNova Feeding Chart
Is FloraNova one part or two?
The base program uses one bottle per stage, Grow or Bloom.
Does FloraNova need a flush week?
The 1-part chart lists a flush in bloom week 9 with no base nutrient.
Can lettuce use Grow only?
Leafy crops stay vegetative, so growth-stage rates apply; check EC for your crop. See our hydroponic lettuce EC guide.
Should I follow weeks or stages?
General Hydroponics says to watch the actual growth stage, not just the calendar.
Sources
- General Hydroponics — FloraNova Professional 1-Part Nutrient System Feedchart (PDF)
- General Hydroponics — How to Read a General Hydroponics Feed Chart
- Penn State Extension — Hydroponics Systems and Principles of Plant Nutrition
- The Edible Schoolyard Project — 2 Liter Bottle Self Watering Container
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Idroponica g5 by Unknown (CC BY-SA 3.0); Glass graduated cylinder-250ml 1 by Lilly_M (CC BY-SA 3.0); Electrical conductivity meter by Nuno Nogueira (Nmnogueira) (CC BY-SA 2.5); PH- und Leitfähigkeitsmessgeräte by Rotkaeppchen68 (CC0)