Does seaweed act as a growth stimulant?

The Power of Seaweed Extract in Gardening: A Promising Natural Booster

Introduction

Seaweed extract is gaining popularity in the gardening world due to its numerous benefits, especially when paired with iron. Harvested from various species of seaweed with diverse compositions, this natural supplement provides an array of essential nutrients and plant hormones that can enhance plant growth and overall health. In this article, we dive into the wonders of seaweed extract and its applications in gardening.

Seaweed: A Nutrient-Rich Marine Plant

Seaweed is a rootless plant belonging to the Fucus family, which can either float freely or cling to rocks using holdfasts. These unique plants photosynthesize sunlight through shallow water and absorb nutrients from seawater through their leaves. As the ocean receives runoff from the entire earth, it contains all known minerals, trace elements, and vitamins, making seaweed a rich source of nutrients. Seaweed contains over 60 minerals and several plant hormones, but it is not a complete fertilizer, as it lacks phosphorus.

Common Seaweeds in Gardening

Several seaweeds are commercially harvested for gardening purposes. Norwegian kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum), a brown algae, is the most commonly used seaweed in gardening. It can be found off the coasts of England, Ireland, Norway, and both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. Gulfweed (Sargassum), a floating sea plant, is harvested off the coast of North Carolina, while giant kelp (Macrocystis) is collected in the Pacific Northwest.

Seaweed's Growth Hormones and Their Applications

Seaweed's rapid growth, which can reach up to a foot or more per day, is attributed to its growth hormones. These hormones can also increase cell division, elongation, and root growth in other plants when applied as a foliar spray or when seaweed extract is used as a root dip.

Studies conducted at Virginia Polytechnic Institute showed that turf plots sprayed with seaweed extract had significantly more roots compared to untreated plots. Similarly, tests at Clemson University revealed that seeds soaked in liquid seaweed extract demonstrated rapid germination, increased root mass, and stronger plant growth.

Beneficial Effects of Seaweed Extract

Utilizing seaweed extract in gardening has been proven to offer several advantages:

1. Reduced transplant shock: Soaking plant roots in seaweed extract can minimize transplant shock and promote root growth.
2. Enhanced stem and leaf growth: Seaweed foliar sprays can stimulate faster and stronger stem and leaf development.
3. Early blossoming and fruit set: Spraying leaves and flower buds with seaweed extract can encourage earlier blossoming and fruit set.

Conclusion

Seaweed extract is a promising natural booster for gardening, offering numerous benefits when it comes to plant growth and health. With its rich nutrient profile and growth hormones, seaweed extract can significantly improve root growth, stem and leaf development, and overall plant performance. By incorporating seaweed extract in your gardening routine, you can harness the power of this remarkable marine plant to enhance the health and vitality of your garden.