Flushing Agents

A high-quality crop needs a clean and effective flush to reach its full potential. A common cause of crop failure can be traced to the build-up of nutrient salt deposits in soils or your soilless growing medium. By not flushing your plants prior to Harvest, your final product will be harsher and more bitter-tasting due to these excess nutrients stored within the plant. Flushing is also believed to increase bloom size because plants are not devoting energy to absorbing nutrients. Some try and flush using just water, but we recommend using a flushing agent because using just water has been shown to decrease yields and flush less effectively.

What is a flushing agent?

A flushing agent is specially formulated with chelates, which are much more effective at removing excess nutrients than water alone. It also allows your plant to continue using the excess nutrients and compounds it DOES need, up until harvest, preventing them from creating a deficiency during flowering.

When should you start flushing your plants?

• If you are growing in Garden Soil & Potting Mixes: Begin flushing 1-2 weeks before harvest
• If you are growing in a Hydroponic Grow Mediums: Flush for 1-2 days before harvest
• If you are growing in Coco Husk & Soilless Mixes: Flush for 1 week before harvest

When are others times I should be flushing my plants?

• Transitions between feeding and growth phases: Plants have different nutrient needs throughout different stages of growth. Clearing old nutrients during the transition into the new phase of growth will help start the plant’s journey into the flower stage.
• If you plants encounter nutrient lockout: Overfeeding, improper pH levels, and stress can result in a nutrient lockout. Flushing your plants will remove excess buildup of salts and nutrients while helping to restore the soil’s pH balance.

After flushing, all chemicals and nutrients will have been purged, and you will be left with the just the natural smell and taste of the plant!

If you want to learn more about preparing for harvest or about Nutrients and Fertilizer in general, visit our Learning Center!