Nominal EC and pH Values for Hydroponic Crops
By Bluelab
Although there are ideal EC values for each plant type, this does not mean that a range of plants, all technically requiring different strength nutrients, cannot be grown in a home situation together. The grower simply lists the range of EC values and picks an average value. For most home systems this value is between 1.2EC and 2.0EC depending upon the requirements of the predominant crop types being grown.
The pH values given here are broad, note that the average is 6.0 - 6.5pH for hydroponic applications.
Below is a list of crops with the ideal EC and pH values the crop is grown at in a hydroponic system for optimum performance:
|
CROP
|
EC VALUE
|
pH
|
CROP
|
EC VALUE
|
pH
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
African Violet
|
1.0 - 1.2
|
6.0 - 7.0
|
Lavender
|
1.0 - 1.4
|
6.4 – 6.8
|
|
Asparagus
|
1.4 - 1.8
|
6.0 – 6.8
|
Leek
|
1.6 - 2.0
|
6.5 – 7.0
|
|
Anthurium
|
2.0 - 2.5
|
5.0 – 6.0
|
Lettuce - Fancy
|
0.3 - 0.8
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
|
Balm
|
1.0 - 1.4
|
5.5 – 6.5
|
Lettuce - Head
|
0.6 - 1.4
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
|
Banana
|
1.8 - 2.2
|
5.5 – 6.5
|
Melons
|
1.0 - 2.2
|
5.5 – 6.0
|
|
Basil
|
1.0 - 1.4
|
5.5 – 6.5
|
Mint
|
1.0 - 1.4
|
6.5 – 7.0
|
|
Beans
|
1.8 - 2.5
|
5.5 – 6.2
|
Mustard / Cress
|
1.2 - 2.4
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
|
Beetroot
|
1.4 - 2.2
|
7.0 – 7.2
|
Onion
|
1.8 - 2.2
|
6.0 – 7.0
|
|
Blueberry
|
1.8 - 2.0
|
4.0 – 5.0
|
Parsley
|
0.8 - 1.8
|
5.5 – 6.0
|
|
Broccoli
|
1.4 - 2.4
|
6.0 – 6.8
|
Passion fruit
|
1.6 - 2.4
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
|
Bromeliad
|
0.8 – 1.0
|
5.0 – 7.5
|
Pea
|
1.4 - 1.8
|
6.0 – 7.0
|
|
Brussel Sprout
|
1.8 - 2.4
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
Pumpkin
|
1.4 - 2.4
|
5.5 – 7.5
|
|
Cabbage
|
1.4 - 2.4
|
6.5 – 7.0
|
Radish
|
1.2 - 2.2
|
6.0 – 7.0
|
|
Capsicum
|
2.0 - 2.7
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
Rhubarb
|
1.6 - 2.0
|
5.5 – 6.0
|
|
Carrot
|
1.4 - 2.2
|
5.8 – 6.3
|
Roses
|
1.8 - 2.6
|
5.5 – 6.0
|
|
Cauliflower
|
1.4 - 2.4
|
6.5 – 7.0
|
Sage
|
1.0 - 1.6
|
5.5 – 6.5
|
|
Celery
|
1.5 - 2.4
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
Spinach
|
1.8 - 3.5
|
6.0 – 7.0
|
|
Chives
|
1.2 - 2.2
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
Silver-beet
|
1.8 - 2.4
|
6.0 – 7.0
|
|
Cucumber
|
1.6 - 2.4
|
5.5 – 6.0
|
Squash
|
1.8 - 2.4
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
|
Roses
|
1.8 - 2.2
|
5.5 – 6.0
|
Strawberry
|
1.8 - 2.5
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
|
Eggplant
|
1.8 - 2.2
|
5.8 – 6.2
|
Thyme
|
1.2 - 1.6
|
5.5 – 7.0
|
|
Endive
|
0.8 - 1.5
|
5.5 – 6.0
|
Tomato
|
2.2 - 2.8
|
5.5 – 6.5
|
|
Fennel
|
1.0 - 1.4
|
6.4 – 6.8
|
Turnip, Parsnip
|
1.8 - 2.4
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
|
Garlic
|
1.4 – 1.8
|
6.0 – 6.5
|
Watercress
|
0.4 - 1.8
|
6.5 – 6.8
|