Content
Succinic acid for pepper seedlings can be applied three times before transplanting into open ground. Seedlings are watered after picking (14 days before transferring to the garden bed), as well as immediately before planting. This makes the plants more resistant to adverse weather conditions, as well as to many pests and diseases. Experienced gardeners recommend pre-soaking the seeds in a weak acid solution. Thanks to this, the germination percentage increases significantly.
Is it possible to water peppers with succinic acid?
Succinic acid is organic, the name of which is associated with the extraction method - from amber. Chemical formula C4H6O4. This is a white crystalline substance that is produced in the form of powder or tablets. You can buy it both in stores for summer residents and in pharmacies (without a prescription).
It is quite possible to use it for watering and spraying peppers. The substance is characterized by high biological activity.This is a small molecule that dissolves well in water, penetrates through roots, leaves and is absorbed by plant tissues.
It is involved in the processes of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and metabolism. Also plays a role in the synthesis of DNA, protein compounds, amino acids, pigments and other vital components. Thanks to this, plants become more resistant to weather factors and pests. This increases yield and even improves the taste of the fruit.
Why feed peppers with succinic acid
Feeding pepper seedlings and adult plants with succinic acid is not only possible, but also necessary. This substance has several beneficial properties and benefits:
- increases the percentage of seed germination;
- acts as a natural growth stimulator, activates cell division processes and accelerates the appearance of sprouts;
- increases resistance to adverse weather factors (lower temperatures, changes, drought, excess humidity);
- accelerates fruit ripening;
- increases resistance to diseases and pests;
- improves the taste and benefits of peppers by preserving sugars and vitamins;
- promotes the proliferation of soil bacteria that form positive microflora, which has a beneficial effect on soil fertility.
Indications for use
Feeding peppers with succinic acid in tablets or powder diluted in water is indicated in a number of cases:
- depleted, infertile soil;
- poor seed germination;
- fruits that are not tasty enough (last season);
- instability of plants to adverse weather conditions.
Almost all varieties are demanding crops.But if some type of pepper is often affected by diseases, even suffering from short-term night cold snaps, this is a clear reason to treat the plantings with succinic acid.
Terms of use
The rules for using chemicals for peppers are quite simple. The main thing is to prepare the solution based on simple calculations.
Purpose of processing | Solution concentration |
Seed dressing | 0,2% |
Spraying seedlings | 0,5% |
Watering for good flowering | 1% |
If you buy the drug in powder form, you can measure the required amount on a scale. For example, it is necessary to obtain a 10 liter solution with a concentration of 0.2%. To do this, take 20 g of powder. And if you need to prepare 0.5% - 50 g, respectively for a 1% solution - 100 g.
In the case of tablets, the calculations are a little more complicated. The fact is that they contain a mixture of substances, the bulk of which is occupied by auxiliary components (starch and others). Each tablet contains 0.25 g or 0.5 g of acid itself (the dosage is indicated on the packaging and in the instructions).
For example, if you need to prepare a solution with a concentration of 0.2% (volume 10 l), you will need to take 20 g of the active substance, which corresponds to 200 tablets, i.e. 20 standards, 10 pcs. In practice, this is not very convenient, so the easiest way is to purchase powder. To ensure accurate measurements, it is recommended to use scales. You can also be guided by the fact that one level teaspoon contains approximately 5 g of powder.
How to feed peppers with succinic acid
Peppers are processed several times:
- Soaking seeds.
- Feeding pepper seedlings with succinic acid after picking (1-3 times).
- Spraying after transplanting into open ground or a greenhouse.
- Watering on the eve of flowering.
Fertilizing is given in two ways: root (traditional watering) and foliar (spraying the green part). In the case of seed treatment, they are simply immersed in a freshly prepared solution.
Soaking pepper seeds in succinic acid
They start soaking pepper seeds in the first half of February, since even after treatment with a growth stimulant they can take a long time to germinate (up to three weeks). You can prepare the solution according to the following instructions:
- Measure out 2 g of powder (in terms of pure substance).
- Dissolve in a small amount of warm water, for example, in one glass.
- To stir thoroughly.
- Fill with water at room temperature to a total volume of 1 liter.
- Place dry, unsprouted seeds for a period of 12 to 24 hours.
There is no need to reuse the same water. If you need to soak a lot of seeds (not only peppers, but also cucumbers, tomatoes and other crops), it is better to prepare 10 liters of solution, taking 10 times more powder, i.e. 20
Watering pepper seedlings with succinic acid
You can water pepper seedlings with succinic acid immediately after picking or after the mass emergence of seedlings. It is not always possible to plant seedlings; they are often grown immediately in separate containers. This is practiced by many gardeners, since the plants do not survive picking well.
At the stage of growing seedlings, it is recommended to water pepper seedlings with a solution of succinic acid three times:
- Two days after the dive.
- Two weeks before transplantation to a permanent place. Around the same time, pepper seedlings begin to be hardened by taking them outside for a few minutes, then the time is increased.
- On the day of planting in open ground or in a greenhouse (literally a few hours before).
In all described cases, a solution of 0.2-0.4% can be used. It is first prepared in warm water, after which it is brought to the final volume with liquid at room temperature. For 1 liter you need to take 2-4 g of powder, and for 10 liters, respectively, 20-40 g.
In this case, it is better to water by spraying from a sprayer so as not to destroy the surface layer of soil.
Watering mature plants
Grown peppers are watered with a solution of succinic acid on the eve of flowering, i.e. during the period of bud formation. Thanks to this, there will be more flowers, almost all the ovaries will be formed, which is guaranteed to improve the yield.
For irrigation, you can use a liquid with a concentration of 0.2%. It's quite simple to prepare:
- Measure out 20 g of powder.
- Dilute it in a small volume of warm water.
- To stir thoroughly.
- Then add water at room temperature and shake again.
- Water the bushes at the root, avoiding liquid getting on the leaves and buds.
Storage rules and conditions
Succinic acid tablets or powder for plants are stored in a dry place at room temperature (no more than 25 degrees). In this case, the humidity should be low, otherwise the crystals may absorb water vapor. In such conditions, the drug can be stored for several years until the expiration date (three years).
It is better to use the prepared solution at a time. But if necessary, it can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 days (in the absence of direct sunlight). Access by children should be excluded.
Precautionary measures
Succinic acid is relatively safe for human health.It is not harmful to bees and other beneficial insects. But during the preparation of the solution and the spraying itself, you still need to observe certain safety measures:
- Work with glasses and gloves.
- Do not eat, drink, talk or smoke while spraying.
- Prevent children and pets from accessing the area.
- If the solution gets on your skin, wash with plenty of soap and water.
- If liquid splashes into your eyes, use a stream of clean water.
- In case of ingestion, chew several tablets of activated carbon and drink plenty of water.
Recommendations from gardeners
Using succinic acid for watering, spraying and soaking pepper seeds is quite simple. At the same time, in order to avoid mistakes or inaccuracies, it is recommended to take into account the advice of experienced gardeners:
- You need to use powder or tablets in precise concentration, since too saturated a liquid can have a bad effect on the development of peppers.
- If it is known that the soil is acidic (pH less than 5.5), it is better to treat peppers only at the seedling stage. It is recommended to add 200-300 g of dolomite flour or 150-200 g of wood ash into the soil a month before planting (the amount is given per square meter).
- Succinic acid can be used not only for seed treatment or foliar treatment, but also for pest control. To do this, prepare a concentrated solution of 2.5%, i.e. 25 g per 1 liter or 250 g per 10 liters of water (in terms of pure substance). This measure is not the most effective. Systematic treatment with this composition leads to acidification of the soil.
Conclusion
Succinic acid for pepper seedlings acts as a natural growth stimulator. It activates metabolism, which has a good effect on seed germination, plant resistance to temperature changes and other unfavorable factors. Before processing, you need to make the correct calculation, and during spraying, take precautions.