Growing parsley in a hydro tower: from sowing to harvest
Curly parsley needs a little patience when germinating. Here I show you my process with the right pH and EC values, light, pump times and pictures from my own growing.
Parsley is one of the herbs I need most often. In the hydro tower it grows into dense, curly bunches, and I cut fresh stems for months. The only thing it asks for is patience at the start: it germinates much more slowly than lettuce or basil. Once it has strong roots, it almost runs by itself.
This guide is about curly parsley of the variety Mooskrause. You grow flat-leaf parsley exactly the same way. Root parsley forms a thick storage root and suits the tower less well.
My curly parsley in the hydro tower: it needs light, air and a little space.
Curly parsley seeds of the variety Mooskrause, exactly the variety from this guide.
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Plant labels to write on, so variety and sowing date stay clear.
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My growing plan for parsley
Tap a phase to see the values and what I do during that time.
1. Germination
week 1 to 4 · water only
Germination type
Dark germinator
Temperature
15 to 20 °C
Duration
1 to 4 weeks
Nutrient
none yet
Parsley germinates in the seedling box with lid. I put 3 to 6 seeds on each moist foam cube. Then I spray with water and put the lid on. It keeps the seeds dark and the cubes moist.
Parsley dawdles when germinating, because the seed coat contains substances that slow germination. At 15 to 20 °C it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, a little warmer often only 1 to 2 weeks. Don’t put the box directly on the radiator. I check every day and spray again if the cubes look dry.
My chamomile bath
I soak parsley seeds in lukewarm chamomile tea for 12 to 24 hours before sowing. That washes out part of the slowing substances and the seeds germinate faster. Then sow immediately and don’t let them dry out again.
2. Seedlings
after emergence · EC 0.4 to 0.8
pH
5.5 to 6.0, target 5.8
EC
0.4, then 0.8
Water
18 to 24 °C
Light
14 to 16 hrs
As soon as the first seedlings are about 1 cm tall, the lid comes off and the lamp goes on. I separate the cubes and put them into net pots in my Seedling station. Cubes that haven’t germinated yet stay in the box.
From now on there’s Frankie’s liquid nutrient: first up to an EC of about 0.4, with the first true leaves about 0.8. At first the water touches the cube. When the roots grow out at the bottom, I lower the water level until about 0.5 to 1 cm of air remains between pot and water. I measure every 2 to 3 days, always EC first, then pH.
3. Growth in the tower
several true leaves · EC 1.2
pH
5.5 to 6.0, target 5.8
EC
about 1.2
Pump indoors
5 min on, 30 min off
Pump in heat
15 min on, 15 min off
Parsley moves into the hydro tower when it has several true leaves and light roots grow out of the cube. Curly parsley gets wide. Feel free to leave single openings next to it free, so light and air reach the outer leaves. After planting check whether water reaches every opening.
I now raise the EC to about 1.2. The air pump runs constantly and isn’t on the timer. In the running tower I top up with ready-mixed nutrient solution, measure and balance. I only have to mix completely fresh if the values don’t stay stable or the roots look odd.
4. Harvest
continuously · EC up to 1.6
pH
5.5 to 6.0, target 5.8
EC
up to 1.6
Cut
outer stems
Heart
stays
Fully grown parsley tolerates an EC up to about 1.6. I always cut single strong stems low from the outside, with clean, sharp scissors. The heart in the centre stays, that’s where new stems grow. Better harvest a few stems regularly than cut the whole plant down at once.
clean, sharp scissors
cut outer stems low
leave the heart in the centre
briefly rinse before eating
5. Indoors under light
autumn and winter · 200 to 300 PPFD
Light
200 to 300 PPFD
Duration
14 to 16 hrs, never longer
Lamp
at the side, 20 to 30 cm
Humidity
55 to 70 %
Indoors parsley grows compact if it gets enough light and isn’t too warm. My lamps hang at the side of the tower, 20 to 30 cm from the plants. That way the light reaches the lower levels too. A small fan moves the leaves gently, which makes the stems sturdier and the dense, curly leaves dry faster.
My parsley germinates in the seedling box. The lid keeps the seeds dark and moist.
Anzuchtkarte · frankiesgarten.dePetersilieVom Samen bis zur Ernte im Hydro Tower
Meine Notizen
Sorte:
Hersteller:
KeimtypDunkelkeimer
Keimen bei15 bis 20 °C
Keimdauer1 bis 4 Wochen
Samen je Würfel3 bis 6
pH-Ziel5,8
Wasser18 bis 22 °C
Licht14 bis 16 Std.
Pumpe drinnen5 an / 30 aus
Dünger, EC und pH
Phase
EC (mS/cm)
Frankies Dünger
pH
Anzucht (erste Blätter)
0,4
0,5 ml pro Liter
5,5 bis 6,0
Jungpflanze
0,8
1 ml pro Liter
5,5 bis 6,0
Wachstum im Tower
1,2
2 ml pro Liter
5,5 bis 6,0
Ernte
bis 1,6
bis 3 ml pro Liter
5,5 bis 6,0
Zeitplan und Beobachtungen
Ausgesät am:
Gekeimt nach:Tagen
Erste echte Blätter nach:Tagen
In die Anzuchtstation nach:Tagen
In den Tower nach:Tagen
Erste Ernte nach:Tagen
Geerntet insgesamt:mal
Pflege
Samen in den Schlitz legen, nicht eindrücken.
Deckel auf die Anzuchtbox, dann liegt der Samen dunkel.
Geduld: Petersilie keimt langsam.
Erst EC messen, dann pH.
Nachfüllen mit fertiger Nährlösung.
Außen ernten, das Herz stehen lassen.
⚠️ Darauf achten: mögliche Schädlinge
Blattläuse: an jungen Blättern und Stielen. Mit Wasser abbrausen.
Spinnmilben: helle Pünktchen und feine Gespinste bei trockener Luft. Blätter abbrausen.
Blattflecken: braune Flecken mit dunklem Rand. Befallene Blätter entfernen, für Luft sorgen.
Möhrenfliege: nur draußen. Netz drüber hält sie fern.
Mein Tipp für draußen: Ein feines Insektenschutznetz über den Tower stülpen.
Parsley is a leafy plant. My liquid nutrient is therefore enough from seedlings to harvest, you don’t need to switch to bloom nutrient. I add it until the EC suits the phase and then set the pH to 5.8. Always EC first, then pH.
Young and big plants in the same tower
If young and big plants stand together, set them all to an EC of about 1.1 to 1.2. The young ones cope well with that. Only the reverse is bad, when big plants get a solution meant for young plants.
Young parsley in the seedling station before it moves into the tower.
My recommendation for getting started
5-in-1 meter for pH, EC, TDS and temperature
Affordable, easy to use and perfectly adequate for beginners.
Bluelab OnePen: pH, EC and temperature in one device, fast and precise.
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Permanent monitor for pH, EC and temperature. Stays in the reservoir, you can check it any time.
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Calibration solution for pH 4 and 7, so your meter measures correctly.
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Phosphoric acid as pH down. Dose drop by drop, wear safety glasses and gloves.
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From my shop
Everything for your soil-free start
HydroFlex Tower for indoors and outdoors, seedling box, seedling station, support rings and my own nutrient. After you buy, I’ll help you on WhatsApp.
Indoors my pump runs for 5 minutes and then pauses for 30 minutes. That’s enough, the roots stay moist. Outdoors in blazing sun I increase to 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. If the leaves droop, the pause is too long. The easiest way is a digital timer with a cycle function. The air pump runs constantly.
Curly parsley gets wide over time. I put one plant per opening and feel free to leave a spot next to it free. I close free openings with cover caps so no light falls into the water and no algae grow.
Digital timer with cycle function. I set 5 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
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Pump for the tower. Make sure lift height and connection suit your tower.
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Air pump. Brings oxygen to the roots, especially when the water gets warm.
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Harvest without weakening the plant
I always harvest from the outside in. I cut the strong outer stems low, the heart in the centre stays. From there the plant keeps pushing out new stems. That way you harvest from the same plant for months.
I cut the outer stems, the heart in the centre stays.
Parsley is biennial. In the second year or after lots of heat it forms a flower stalk, then the leaves get less tender. So sow a few new cubes every two to three weeks, then you always have young plants in reserve.
Parsley indoors under the lamp
In autumn and winter the window light usually isn’t enough for compact parsley. It needs about 200 to 300 PPFD at the leaves, 14 to 16 hours a day. My lamps hang at the side of the tower, 20 to 30 cm away. Long, thin stems show you the light is too weak.
Indoors my parsley keeps growing compact under the grow light.
A small fan moves the air gently between the dense leaves, and a hygrometer shows you the humidity. About 55 to 70 % is ideal. More about lamps and PPFD on my page about lighting.
Mars Hydro VG40 LED grow light, pack of 2, 60 cm. Suits herbs well.
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PAR meter. Measures the light directly at the leaves.
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Mars Hydro VG80 LED grow light, pack of 2, 120 cm, for longer shelves.
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Spider Farmer shelf with lamp, if you want to grow on several levels.
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Your water
Measure your tap water without nutrient before mixing. Soft water is below 0.3, medium 0.3 to 0.5 and hard above 0.5. I mix hard water half and half with rain or RO water. More on my pages about the EC value and the pH value.
Reverse osmosis system if your tap water is very hard.
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Pests on parsley: what I look out for
Parsley is robust, but you should know a few pests:
🐜
Aphids
On young leaves and stems. Rinse off with water.
🕸️
Spider mites
Light dots and fine webs in dry air. Rinse the leaves.
🍂
Leaf spots
Brown spots with a dark edge. Remove affected leaves, ensure air flow.
🪰
Carrot fly
Only outdoors. A net over the tower keeps it away.
My tip for outdoors
Outdoors a fine insect net over the tower keeps carrot fly and aphids away. I use this net:
Usually it’s impatience. Parsley needs 1 to 4 weeks. Keep the cubes evenly moist, the box dark and the temperature at 15 to 20 °C. A chamomile bath before sowing helps, and better replace old seed.
Long, thin stems
Too little light, often together with too much warmth. Take the lid off right after germination, hang the lamp closer and check the PPFD at the leaves.
Yellow or brown leaves
Old outer stems may yellow. If lots of leaves turn pale at once, check pH, EC, water temperature and roots, and only ever change one value.
Brown, slimy roots
Healthy roots are light. If they turn brown and slimy, the water is usually too warm. Above 25 °C it hardly holds oxygen. Then the air pump, a shady spot for the reservoir and fresh nutrient solution help.
FAQ about parsley in hydroponics
What is hydroponics?
In hydroponics the plant grows without soil. The roots get water, nutrients and oxygen directly from the nutrient solution. In the hydro tower the pump pushes the water up, from there it runs through the planting openings back into the reservoir.
Which parsley is grown in this guide?
Curly parsley of the variety Mooskrause. Other varieties grow similarly, but can differ in germination time, growth and flavour. If your seed packet says something different, go by the packet.
What’s the difference between curly parsley, flat-leaf parsley and root parsley?
You grow curly and flat-leaf parsley for the leaves. Curly has strongly crinkled leaves, flat-leaf has flat leaves and usually a stronger flavour. Root parsley also forms a thick storage root and is less suitable for the tower.
Is parsley suitable for hydroponics beginners?
Yes, if you’re patient during germination. Parsley germinates more slowly and unevenly than lettuce or basil. Once it has strong roots and several true leaves, it keeps growing reliably in the tower.
How do I sow parsley?
In the seedling box with lid. I put 3 to 6 seeds on each moist foam cube, spray with water and put the lid on. No feeding during germination yet.
Is parsley a dark germinator?
Yes. The seeds are lightly covered, and the lid of the seedling box keeps them dark and moist. As soon as the first green seedlings are visible, the lid comes off and the lamp goes on.
Why isn’t my parsley germinating?
Usually it just needs more time: parsley germinates in 1 to 4 weeks and not all seeds at the same time. Check whether the cubes are evenly moist and the temperature is about 15 to 20 °C. Old seed, drying out or waterlogging worsen germination.
What temperature does parsley need to germinate?
About 15 to 20 °C, i.e. normal room temperature. A little warmer, up to about 22 °C, it’s often faster. Don’t put the closed box directly on the radiator or in blazing sun, too much heat quickly builds up underneath.
How moist does the foam cube have to be?
Evenly moist, but not permanently flooded. The lid holds the moisture, I only spray again when the cubes look dry. Young roots need air as well as water.
How many parsley seeds go on one cube?
3 to 6 seeds. With herbs like parsley I don’t want a single plant later but a small bunch. If all germinate, they can keep growing together.
When do I take the lid off?
As soon as the first green seedlings are visible. Then they need light and fresh air, otherwise the stems get long and thin. Cubes that germinate later can keep germinating moist.
When is parsley ready for the hydro tower?
When it has several true leaves, stands stable and light roots grow out of the cube. Very fresh seedlings stay in the seedling station for now. After planting check whether water reaches the opening.
How high is the water in the seedling station?
At first so high that it touches the cube. When the roots grow out at the bottom, I lower the water level until about 0.5 to 1 cm of air remains between net pot and water. What matters is that the roots never dry out.
When and how much nutrient does parsley get?
During germination there’s only water. After emergence I add liquid nutrient until the EC is about 0.4, with the first true leaves about 0.8. In the tower it goes to 1.2 and for fully grown plants up to 1.6.
What does the EC value mean?
The EC value shows how well the water conducts electricity. Dissolved salts from tap water and nutrient raise it, so it shows you how strong your nutrient solution is. It doesn’t reveal which individual nutrient is in it. The unit is mS/cm.
What does the pH value mean?
The pH value says whether a solution is acidic, neutral or alkaline. It decides how well the roots can reach the individual nutrients. For parsley I set 5.8.
Which meters do I need as a beginner?
A meter for pH and EC, easiest a combination meter that also measures the water temperature. Indoors a PPFD meter helps so you see how much light really reaches the leaves. Rinse the probe after measuring.
Why do pH and EC meters need calibrating?
Meters drift over time and then show a precise but wrong number. Calibrate regularly with fresh calibration solution as the manufacturer says. If the values suddenly jump, check probe, cleaning and calibration first.
What pH value does parsley need?
A pH of 5.5 to 6.0, I set it to 5.8. First mix in the nutrient and set the EC, then measure and correct the pH. Stir well and measure again after every small correction.
What EC value does parsley need?
According to my book in four stages: seedlings 0.4, young plant 0.8, growth 1.2 and fully grown up to 1.6. Always measure your tap water first and then the finished nutrient solution.
Can I use normal tap water?
Yes, if you know it. Measure the EC of your tap water without nutrient: below 0.3 it’s soft, 0.3 to 0.5 medium, above 0.5 hard. Soft water leaves more room for nutrient.
What does a high EC of my tap water mean in practice?
It takes room away from the nutrient. If your parsley should be at 1.6 and your water already has 0.8, there’s only little leeway left. Then the plant can show deficiency despite a full solution.
What do I do with very hard tap water?
I mix it half and half with rain or RO water and measure again. I don’t use pure rain or RO water alone, it barely buffers and the pH then swings more. Rainwater has to be collected cleanly.
Why does the EC rise in the running tower?
The plants take up more water than salts, which makes the solution stronger. Top up with water, stir well and measure again. If the EC keeps rising for no visible reason, I mix the nutrient solution fresh.
How often do I change the nutrient solution?
In the seedling station about once a week. In the running tower I top up with ready-mixed nutrient solution, measure and balance. I change it completely if the water smells odd, the roots look bad or pH and EC don’t stay stable.
Why shouldn’t I always top up with fed water only?
The plant leaves nutrients in the water that it currently needs less of. If you always top up with strongly fed water, individual salts can build up. That’s why I measure before topping up and balance: if the EC is too low, nutrient goes in, if it’s too high, plain water.
What do I set first: EC or pH?
Always EC first. The nutrient also changes the pH. If you set the pH first, you’ll have to correct it again after feeding.
How do I mix fresh nutrient solution with a 10 litre watering can?
Water into the can, add nutrient, stir well and measure the EC. If it’s too high, add water, if it’s too low, a little nutrient. Only when the EC is right do I set the pH to 5.8.
How do I measure the EC correctly when mixing?
Rinse the probe and first measure your plain tap water. After feeding stir thoroughly and measure in the well-mixed solution, not in the stream of water. Wait until the display is steady.
What do I do if I’ve added too much nutrient?
Dilute. Gradually add clean water, stir and measure again until the target value fits. pH down doesn’t lower the EC. Finally check the pH.
How do I correct the pH without overdosing?
Only when the EC is already right, add a very small amount of pH down, stir and measure again. Only then follows the next small step if needed. Acid never comes undiluted onto roots or plants.
How long does the pump run in the hydro tower?
Indoors 5 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Outdoors in great heat I increase to 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. If the leaves droop, the pause is too long. The air pump isn’t on the timer.
How much electricity does the pump use?
Little. At 5 minutes on and 30 minutes off the pump runs around 3.4 hours a day. A 5 watt pump then uses about 0.5 kWh a month, an 8 watt pump about 0.8 kWh. Measure it exactly with an energy meter plug.
Why is a spare pump useful?
If the pump fails, the roots in the tower dry out quickly. With a spare pump of the same lift height you’re ready to go again immediately and can also pump out the reservoir in an emergency. Always unplug before working on the pump.
Does parsley need grow light in the flat?
For reliable growing indoors yes, especially in autumn and winter. A bright windowsill often isn’t enough for compact plants. Parsley needs about 200 to 300 PPFD at the leaves.
What does PPFD mean for grow lights?
PPFD states how much light usable by the plant arrives on an area per second. It’s measured where the leaves grow. For parsley I aim for 200 to 300 PPFD.
How long is the lamp on and how far away does it hang?
The lamp is on for 14 to 16 hours a day, never longer. It hangs at the side of the tower, 20 to 30 cm from the plants, so the lower levels get light too. Ideally measure the PPFD directly at the leaves.
Why does my parsley have long stems and thin leaves?
Usually too little light is the reason, often together with too much warmth. The plant stretches towards the lamp. Check the PPFD at the leaves and adjust distance or duration step by step.
Why does parsley need a fan indoors?
A small fan moves the air between the dense, curly leaves. Damp spots dry faster and the stems get sturdier. The leaves should only move gently. It doesn’t replace airing.
How do I prevent high humidity and mildew?
Air regularly, gentle air movement and enough space between the plants. I keep humidity at about 55 to 70 %. If a bunch gets very dense, I harvest outer stems, and I take out affected plants.
Do I have to plant every opening in the hydro tower?
No. Curly parsley gets wide and needs light and air. I close free openings with cover caps so no light falls into the reservoir and no algae grow.
Can I mix parsley with lettuce and other herbs?
Yes, if they tolerate similar values and don’t shade each other. With mixed plants in the tower I usually set an EC of about 1.1 to 1.2. Parsley gets wide, so plan a little space next to it.
Can I plant young and older parsley together?
Yes, if the young plants have several true leaves and light roots. Then set them all to an EC of about 1.1 to 1.2, the young ones cope well with that. Make sure the big ones don’t shade the small ones.
How do I stagger sowing so I harvest continuously?
Sow again before the old plants are used up, because parsley takes long to germinate. A few new cubes every two to three weeks are enough. That way seedlings, young plants and harvest-ready bunches grow side by side.
Why is parsley forming a flower stalk?
Parsley is biennial. After a cool phase it forms a flower stalk in the second year, heat and stress can speed that up. The leaves then get less tender. I raise new plants in time.
Does parsley from the hydro tower actually taste good?
Yes. Hydroponics only describes how the roots are supplied with water and minerals. The flavour depends on variety, light, temperature, nutrients and harvest time. I harvest regularly and use the stems fresh.
Does hydroponic parsley just taste of water?
No. The flavour develops in the plant and depends mainly on variety, light and temperature. Little light and weak growth can reduce the flavour, that’s just the same in soil.
Does curly parsley taste different from flat-leaf?
Yes. Flat-leaf parsley is usually considered stronger in flavour, curly often seems milder and has a different leaf structure. So a difference in taste isn’t a fault with the nutrient or hydroponics.
Does hydroponic parsley contain vitamins?
Yes. In the tower parsley forms its compounds, including vitamins, through photosynthesis and metabolism just the same. Whether it contains more or less than parsley from soil can’t be said across the board without lab analysis.
Which vitamins and minerals does parsley contain?
Parsley contains vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and carotenoids, plus minerals, among other things. The exact amount depends on variety, light, age, harvest time and storage. It complements a balanced diet.
Where does parsley get its nutrients without soil?
From the nutrient solution. Even in soil the plant only takes up minerals dissolved in water. In the tower I add nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and trace elements to the water specifically via the nutrient. On top of that it needs light, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Are nutrients and vitamins the same thing?
No. Nutrients in the nutrient solution are dissolved minerals that the roots take up. The plant forms vitamins itself in its metabolism. So you don’t add vitamins to the tower.
Does parsley take up the nutrient directly into the leaves?
No. The roots take up water and the nutrients dissolved in it, the plant processes them for its growth. Too much nutrient doesn’t make parsley healthier, it stresses the roots. That’s why the right EC counts.
Can you taste the nutrient in the parsley?
Not with a correctly mixed nutrient solution. An unusual taste is more likely due to heat, plant age, beginning flowering or a far too strong solution. I briefly rinse the parsley before eating.
Is hydroponic parsley artificial?
No. It grows from seed, forms roots and leaves and photosynthesises like any other plant. The only difference is that the roots get their minerals from the nutrient solution instead of soil water.
Is hydroponics just chemistry?
Hydroponics works with water, light, air and dissolved minerals. They can be described chemically just like soil and garden fertiliser. The plant takes up the same basic substances as from the soil, only in a controlled way.
Is mineral hydroponic nutrient harmful?
Not when used correctly. It supplies the necessary nutrients in water-soluble form. Wrong products, heavy overdosing or an unsuitable pH are problematic. I only use nutrient for hydroponics and edible plants and check the EC.
How do I describe my growing?
Honestly and precisely: without soil, with a controlled nutrient solution, under my own conditions. Instead of using labels, I’d rather show you what’s in the water and how I work.
Is hydroponic parsley less natural?
No. It remains a real plant with seeds, roots, leaves and photosynthesis. The tower only changes the root zone and the supply. Whether someone calls that natural is a personal judgement.
Do nutrient residues remain in the parsley?
The plant takes up dissolved nutrients and processes them, that’s not a layer of nutrient on the leaves. A suitable product and the right amount are important. I keep to the target values and rinse the parsley before eating.
Can I eat hydroponic parsley without concern?
Yes, if it grew with suitable nutrient, clean water and well-kept parts. Cut away diseased or slimy parts. With mould, a rotten smell or a dirty system, stop harvesting.
Do I have to wash parsley from the tower before eating?
Yes. Home-grown parsley can also carry dust, splashes or small insects. Briefly rinse leaves and stems in cool water and look under the curly leaves. Soap or cleaners have no place on food.
What do flavour and leaf quality depend on?
On variety, light, temperature, nutrients, water, plant age and harvest time. Heat and a beginning flower stalk make parsley more bitter, too little light makes the leaves thin. Too high an EC stresses the plant.
Does parsley from soil taste better than from hydroponics?
That can’t be said across the board. Well-supplied parsley under enough light tastes strong in the tower, poorly supplied parsley tastes weaker in soil and in water alike. For a fair comparison, variety, light and age would have to be the same.
Why are the roots brown or smell unpleasant?
Usually the water is too warm or oxygen is missing. Above 25 °C water hardly holds oxygen. Check water temperature, pump and air pump, remove dead remains and mix fresh nutrient solution if it doesn’t improve quickly.
What do healthy parsley roots look like?
Light, firm and neutral in smell. Slight discolouration from the nutrient is normal. If they turn dark, slimy and smell rotten, check water temperature, oxygen and pump immediately.
Why do algae form in the reservoir or at free openings?
Algae need light, water and nutrients. Keep the reservoir light-proof and close free openings with cover caps. Remove deposits early and clean the reservoir at the next fresh mix.
How do I harvest parsley correctly?
I cut single strong stems low from the outside, with clean, sharp scissors. The heart in the centre stays, that’s where new stems grow. Better harvest a few stems regularly than everything at once.
How do I clean the hydro tower?
Remove wilted leaves and loose root remains straight away. When mixing fresh, clean reservoir, lid and net pots with lukewarm water and a soft brush and rinse well. Don’t point hot steam at PETG parts and don’t use abrasive cleaners.
Can I extend the HydroFlex Tower or make it smaller in winter?
Yes. With single segments you make it taller, for indoors you can also shorten it. Before extending, check whether the pump manages the height and enough water arrives at the top. If you have questions, write to me on WhatsApp.
What do I check first if the parsley suddenly looks bad?
Don’t add more nutrient straight away. First check water level, pump and water flow, then water temperature, EC and pH. After that look at roots, leaf undersides, light and air and only ever change one value.
Why does my pH rise again after lowering it?
Usually the tap water buffers, mainly through bicarbonate, i.e. the carbonate hardness. It neutralises part of the acid, and the pH rises again. Lower in small steps, stir well and measure again after a while.
Can I use citric acid to lower the pH?
I don’t recommend it for the running tower. The effect often only lasts a short time, and as an organic substance it’s broken down by microorganisms. I use phosphoric acid as pH down.
How do I use phosphoric acid to lower the pH?
Drop by drop: with my soft water I start with two drops for 10 litres of finished nutrient solution, stir and measure, and add at most one more drop. With your product and water that can be different. Concentrated acid damages skin and eyes, so wear safety glasses and gloves and always add acid to water, never the other way round.
Is phosphoric acid in the nutrient solution harmful to parsley?
Not in small amounts and at a suitable pH. In the diluted solution it’s present as phosphate, and the plant takes that up as a nutrient. Only overdosing and too low a pH are problematic.
Why is my parsley getting yellow or brown leaves?
There are several causes. Check pH, EC, water level, water temperature, light and roots. Old outer stems may yellow over time, lots of pale leaves at once rather point to wrong values or root stress.
