Indoor growing cultivators

What is VÄXER fertilizer made from?
VÄXER fertilizer is made from a solution of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) fertilizers with micronutrients. The fertilizer packaging gives details of the quantities of each.

What are the benefits of using fertilizer in a hydroponic system?
As there are no nutrients in the growing medium, fertilizer must be added to give plants the nutrients they need to grow.

Why did IKEA choose not to use organic fertilizer for use within VÄXER hydroponic growing system?
Organic fertilizer is made from organic material such as animal or plant waste which typically has a strong smell. This smell is not pleasant when growing plants within the home.

Can I use other fertilizer?
VÄXER fertilizer has been tested for use in VÄXER hydroponic cultivation. If you choose to use a different fertilizer, we cannot guarantee the same results as you will get from using VÄXER fertilizer.

How often should I top up with fertilizer over the growing period?
Young plants require about half the recommended amount of fertilizer than bigger, leafier plants. After germination and within the first 3 weeks of growth, you will use less fertilizer than in the final 3-7 weeks of growing. It is important to check the water-fertilizer level regularly and not to let the pumice stones and seedlings within the cultivation insert set dry out. As a guide, you should top up with water-fertilizer solution every 5-10 days, but possibly more frequently in higher temperatures as the solution will evaporate faster.

How do I mix and handle the fertilizer?
1 cap or 25ml of fertilizer should be mixed with 6 litres of water. Half a cap should be mixed with 3 litres of water. Wash your hands after use, and rinse plant leaves before eating if concentrated fertilizer is accidentally splashed onto them.

What should I do with any excess water-fertilizer solution that I have mixed?
Whenever possible, avoid pouring excess water-fertilizer solution down the drain. Instead, keep extra solution in a watering can and use for the next top up the solution to avoid waste. You can also use the fertilizer on garden and household plants growing in other growing media such as coconut coir or soil.

What is the best growing environment for my seeds to germinate in?
A bright, slightly humid environment with fresh air circulation works best. Use a nursery box with lid until the first 2 leaves have appeared. The lid keeps in any build-up of moisture and heat and the vents allow fresh air to circulate - creating a perfect growing environment for seedlings.

How much fertilizer should I use during germination?
No fertilizer should be added at this stage, as the seed has enough energy stored within its shell to be able to germinate without additional nutrients.

How much water do my seedlings need in the germination stage (nursery)?
After placing seeds onto the starter plugs, keep the starter plugs moist. It is very important to not let the starter plugs dry out. If they are allowed to dry out, the seeds will not germinate and seedlings will die. The nursery holds enough water to keep them moist for a week when the temperature is not more than 20°C. Check the water level regularly if the temperature is higher than this, as the water will evaporate more quickly in higher temperatures. Lift one of the starter plugs out of the nursery. Then you can look into the hole to see if the water level is high enough to reach the starter plug.

How much light should I give seeds during germination?
Give seeds lots of light during germination by placing them in a bright area out of direct sunlight. Cultivation light can also be added if natural light is low.

Why are my seedlings long and thin?
If light is low, the seedlings will stretch towards the light and become long and thin. You can prevent this by giving the seedlings more light.

How do I stop the seed shell from coming up with the seedlings first leaves?
When some plants are grown on top of growing medium such as starter plugs, the first 2 leaves get stuck inside the seed shell as the seedling grows upwards. To avoid this, with chard and coriander for example, sow directly into pumice stones with a layer of 1 cm of pumice above the seed. The pumice stones hold the shell as the seedling grows upward.

GROWING PLANTS – CULTIVATION INSERT SET STAGE

Points to consider when transferring seedlings into the cultivation insert set:
• Seedlings are very sensitive during this stage. Take care when adding pumice stones around the top of the starter plug where the delicate roots are. Damaging the roots could kill the plant.
• Basil can be sensitive to too much moisture near its stem. Be sure to replant the starter plug and seedling with enough pumice stones beneath the plug so that the basil stem does not sit below the top row of holes in the cultivation pot.

How much pumice stone should I use within the cultivation insert set pots?
Add 1-2 cm of pumice to the pot before adding the starter plug with seedling. Fill the cultivation pots up to the top and carefully cover the starter plug and seedling roots with pumice. Cover the whole starter plug with at least 1 cm of pumice stones. This gives stability to the seedling as it grows, and protects the roots. For seedlings that are long and thin, add a little less pumice to the base of the pot and cover more of the stem of the seedling. This will give the plant extra support.

How often should I add fertilizer to the plants over the growing period?
Young plants require less water and fertilizer than bigger, leafier plants. You typically use less fertilizer in the first 3 weeks than in the final 3-7 weeks of growing. Top up with water-fertilizer solution every 5-10 days depending on the stage of growth. If the temperature is consistently high, above 20°C, you may need to top up more regularly. This is because the water-fertilizer solution will evaporate more quickly in higher temperatures. It is important to check the water-fertilizer level regularly and not to let the pumice stones dry out.

How much light should I give my plants during the cultivation insert set stage?
Tests have proven that a minimum of 16 hours light is needed to produce good results. Giving leafy plants 24 hours of light is a benefit which will speed up the growing process and increase antioxidants in the plant. You may need to rotate plants within the cultivation insert set, as some leaves can grow quite large to create an “umbrella” over smaller plants, blocking light and slowing the growth of these plants.

My plants are starting to droop even though there is enough water-fertilizer solution in the base tray. Why has this happened and how do I fix it?
If the plant droops when plenty of water and fertilizer is available, this usually means they are getting too much fertilizer. This can happen if temperatures are constantly above 20°C, as the water-fertilizer solution can evaporate quicker than the plants can take in the nutrients. This quick evaporation leaves a concentrated build-up of fertilizer within the cultivation insert set base. Then every time you top up with water-fertilizer, you rehydrate this concentrated solution and the plants get too much fertilizer and droop.

There are 2 ways to fix this:
1. Use water only for the next two times you need to top up. This will dilute the build-up and should allow the plant to recover.
2. Empty the solution from cultivation insert set into a watering can and clean and rinse the base tray. Place the plants back into the cultivation insert set and fill with water until the water gauge reaches the MAX line. Then go back to the normal dosage of water-fertilizer for future top-ups.

Some leaves should be red/purple but they are not showing any colour. Why does this happen?
The development of colour partly depends on light, so leaf colour develops differently with different lighting. Low light intensity can lead to less purple or red colour. Try increasing the amount of cultivation light or placing the plants near a sunny window to help produce more colourful plants.

The pumice stones within the cultivation pots have green algae on the top layer. Is this ok?
Water-fertilizer solution added to the cultivation insert set which then soaks into the pumice stones and travels up to the top layer of pumice where it is exposed to light. This creates a reaction which causes algae growth. This is not harmful in any way and can be removed between growing batches by cleaning the pumice stones.

When growing with hydroponics, will my plants get bugs?
Bug eggs can live in soil, which is usually how bugs enter the home and feed on your plants. With hydroponics there is no soil so there should be no bugs. This means there is no need to use pesticides.

HARVEST

Which plants can I take some leaves from (pinch) and leave the plant to grow?
Basil can be pinched after 5-6 weeks of growing and mizuna after 3-6 weeks, or when it reaches the LED cultivation light. Small harvests of the plants can be done early on, so long as there are leaves left on the plant. Harvest lettuce from the outside. Too much continuous harvesting will lead to less growth.     

How much can I expect to harvest from each plant?
The amount of leaves obtained depends heavily on the amount of light that has reached the plant. If only cultivation light has been used, the most appropriate use of the harvest after 4-6 weeks would be in salads, sandwiches and garnishing due to the number and size of the leaves. If the plants are grown in a combination of cultivation light and sunlight during seasons with stronger light, the larger number and sizes of the leaves could allow for more uses and dishes for the harvest after 4-6 weeks.

Should I wash the leaves before eating?
Usually this is not necessary when growing indoors as no pesticides are used. If there are pumice stones on the leaves, or if concentrated fertilizer has dripped onto the plant, wash before eating.

What dishes can I use the leaves in?
You can use what you have grown in a variety of dishes. We have worked with a Swedish chef to produce recipes that you can make from each 3 pack of seeds.

What are the benefits of growing seeds in a nursery?
The nursery box and lid provide a stable growing environment for seeds during the germination period. The vented lid allows air flow within the growing environment and keeps any build-up of heat and moisture inside the box. VÄXER nursery has been designed to hold VÄXER growing media starter plugs. By starting seedlings in the nursery, you can always have something ready to plant when your last harvest is all gone.

How much water should I use in the nursery?
The nursery base holds 4.7 litres of water which is enough for the seedlings during the short germination process. Always check the water level in warm conditions – over 20°Celcius – as the water will evaporate more quickly.

Can I connect a cultivation light to the nursery?
If natural light is low, for example in winter, it is possible to attach a VÄXER fixture for cultivation light 41cm and cultivation light 31.5cm to the nursery box to boost the amount of light.

What is the sprout box function in VÄXER nursery and sprout box with lid?
When you’re not growing seedlings in the nursery, you can use the included sprout tray to sprout beans, peas and seeds for use in salads and stir-fries.

How do I use the sprout box function?
Fill the base tray with water up to the “1” watermark line and place the sprout tray into the base. The water level should sit just below the sprout tray. Wash, then scatter your chosen beans or seeds onto the tray and place the lid onto the base. Each day and until the root starts to form, spray the beans with water to keep them moist. The sprout rate will vary depending on what you choose to grow. Be sure to wash the sprouted beans, peas and seeds thoroughly before eating.

How do I clean the nursery components?
The nursery and sprout box components are dishwasher-safe.

What are VÄXER growing media starter plugs made from?
The starter plugs are made from stone wool, a water-absorbing stone mass.

How are the starter plugs produced?
They are produced in heat recycling ovens. The stone is heated to 1500°C to simulate a volcano. 1 cubic meter of stone produces 50 cubic meters of stone wool.

What are the benefits of growing seeds on starter plugs in a nursery?
The many fibres within the starter plug retain water and give seedling roots something to hold on to. VÄXER starter plugs are designed to fit neatly into the VÄXER nursery. The starter plug is a tried and tested solution to use when germinating seeds.

Why did IKEA choose this growing media for VÄXER hydroponic system?
Many different growing media were tested by the Swedish university of Agricultural Sciences, on their capability to retain water and support seedling roots. This growing media was the best in test.

How should I handle the starter plugs?
It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the starter plugs, as dust from the fibres could cause irritation to sensitive skin. Pre-soaking the starter plug helps eliminate dust. This also ensures the plug is soaked all the way through, which is important for successful seed germination.

How should I store the starter plugs?
Store the starter plugs in dry conditions. Keep the package closed and out of reach of children and pets. Keep away from food and your eyes and do not swallow them.

Can I reuse the starter plug?
Once a seedling has been grown on a starter plug, the plug will have organic material throughout. It is therefore not possible to reuse these starter plugs. If seed germination has not been successful, then the starter plug can be reused.

Where should I dispose of the used starter plugs?
Dispose of used starter plugs in ordinary household waste.

What is VÄXER growing media pumice stones made from?
Pumice stone is a rock that is formed in volcanoes. It is sourced in Iceland and removal of it is regulated by the Icelandic government. A small percentage of what is approved for annual use is sold as VÄXER growing media, pumice stones.

Why did we decide to use pumice stones in the VÄXER hydroponic growing system over other growing media?
We worked with hydroponic specialists in the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) to look at and decide on which growing media was the best to use. Pumice stones are a common growing media used amongst professional growers, and were the best in test at retaining water while allowing essential airflow around the plant roots.

Can I reuse the pumice?
You can clean the pumice and reuse it up to 6 times.

How do I clean the pumice?
Place the loose pumice into a bucket and add boiling water. This removes any organic material such as roots, from the pumice stones. For full cleaning instructions, check the cultivation insert set information booklet within the packaging, or at www.IKEA.com.

Where should I dispose of the used pumice stones?
Once pumice stones reach their maximum usage in a hydroponic system, they can be placed into household waste, or with similar materials where local waste sorting facilities exist. Alternatively, you can reuse the pumice stones by mixing them with soil for garden and household plants to retain water and support airflow around the plant roots.

How should I store my seeds?
Keep seeds dry, cool and in the dark at all time before use. Problems with germination can arise when the seeds have been kept under moist and/or very warm conditions before sowing.

Can I keep the seeds for a long time?
The seeds have an expiry date on the packaging indicated by the month and year (MMYY). It’s best to use the seeds sooner rather than later, as the percentage of seeds that will successfully germinate decreases as the expiry date approaches.

What is the minimum germination percentage?
The minimum germination percentage is the minimum percentage of seeds from 1 packet that should germinate. The percentage is printed on the seed bag, beside the expiry date.

How many plants should I expect to grow from 1 pack of seeds?
The number range of plants you can expect to grow from each seed bag is indicated in an illustration on the back of the seed bag. This quantity varies depending on the seed.

How long will it take the seeds to germinate?
Different seeds take a different number of days to germinate. The seed bag indicates how many days it takes from sowing the seed until the seedling produces two leaves, then how many days until the plant is ready to harvest. Typically it takes between 5-7 weeks to grow a plant large enough to use the leaves in recipes.

Should I pre-soak any seeds before planting?
Place seeds with a hard shell in water for 24 hours before planting to soften the shell and help the seedling emerge faster. The seed packet will indicate whether it is recommended to pre-soak the seed before use.

How many seeds should I place into the nursery box on one starter plug?
The recommended quantity differs per seed but varies between 1 and 3 seeds on 1 starter plug. The seed packet indicates how many seeds should be placed on each starter plug.

Are the seeds gene manipulated free - GM free?
Seeds have been cultivated from non-genetically modified parent components using traditional growing methods, without the use of methods involving genetic engineering. This is according to EU regulations.

How are the seeds sourced and produced?
Seed propagation takes place in fields in natural conditions with free pollination, using traditional cultivation methods. The supplier meets all EU legal regulations for seeds as a product, meaning we can offer seeds which are sourced and produced to the highest quality level.

Why were VÄXER seeds chosen for hydroponic growing?
VÄXER seeds have been tested by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and were chosen based on their growth speed, height, taste and look. As you grow the plants inside your home, they should not only taste good but should look good too. The height is important as there is a 30cm distance between the cultivation light and the cultivation insert set where the plants grow. Plants that grow taller than this will get too big for the system.
 

What are the benefits of growing plants in a cultivation insert set?
• Designed specifically for hydroponic growing.
• The cultivation insert set comes in 2 sizes with either 8 or 15 pots to grow in.
• Combine each size with the equivalent size of cultivation light, and either a cultivation unit or fixture for cultivation light, both of which hold the cultivation light above the plants.
• Water-fertilizer solution is added to the base tray using the water funnel, which helps minimises spills.
• Check the water level using the water gauge. If this floats past the MAX line, remove some water-fertilizer solution from the base tray. If it sits at MIN, top up with the required amount of solution.
• The cultivation pots have slits in the sides which allow air and water around the roots. The top row of holes should never be submerged under water, as when covered, air cannot reach the plant roots and the plants can die. Check the water gauge doesn’t pass MAX when topping up to ensure this does not happen.
• Fertilizer reacts with light causing algae to grow. The top section of the insert set keeps light away from the water-fertilizer solution in the base tray. This reduces the amount of evaporation and keeps light away from the solution, preventing algae growth.
• The included small lids cover any cultivation pots that are not being used to grow plants, and keep light away from the water-fertilizer solution in the base tray to prevent algae growth.

What is the difference between the usual LED lamps I have at home and the LED cultivation light?
Plants are sensitive to different colours of light than the human eye. Compared to a regular lamp, VÄXER cultivation light has a special colour spectrum with more blue and red tones that help your plant grow and thrive. The cultivation light should not be used for home illumination.

Can the cultivation light harm your eyes?
No, it does not give off any harmful UV- or IR-light. It is as harmless as any other lighting.

Does the cultivation light consume a lot of energy?
Not more than ordinary LED lighting. Please see the power rating in the communication.

What is the purpose of the fixture for cultivation light?
• 30 cm was proven in tests at the Swedish university of Agricultural Sciences to be the ideal distance to optimise light exposure to the plants. The fixture holds the cultivation light at 30 cm from the plants growing in a cultivation insert set.
• The fixture comes in 2 sizes to fit each size of cultivation light and cultivation insert set.
• The 41cm fixture also fits onto VÄXER nursery and sprout box with lid.
• A cable tidy cover keeps the light cable away from the plants.

What is the purpose of the cultivation unit?
• You can grow from 8 to 45 plants over 1 to 3 tiers by combining each size of unit with the equivalent size of cultivation light and cultivation insert set.
• The unit has a small shelf at the base to neatly store the cultivation light transformer(s).
• Cable tidy clips are included to secure light cable(s) to the unit leg, and prevent entanglement.
• 30 cm was proven in tests at the Swedish university of Agricultural Sciences to be the ideal distance to optimise light exposure to the plants. The unit holds the cultivation light at 30 cm from the plants growing in a cultivation insert set.

What are VÄXER growing media starter plugs made from?
The starter plugs are made from stone wool, a water-absorbing stone mass.

How are the starter plugs produced?
They are produced in heat recycling ovens. The stone is heated to 1500°C to simulate a volcano. 1 cubic meter of stone produces 50 cubic meters of stone wool.

What are the benefits of growing seeds on starter plugs in a nursery?
The many fibres within the starter plug retain water and give seedling roots something to hold on to. VÄXER starter plugs are designed to fit neatly into the VÄXER nursery. The starter plug is a tried and tested solution to use when germinating seeds.

Why did IKEA choose this growing media for VÄXER hydroponic system?
Many different growing media were tested by the Swedish university of Agricultural Sciences, on their capability to retain water and support seedling roots. This growing media was the best in test.

How should I handle the starter plugs?
It is recommended to wear gloves when handling the starter plugs, as dust from the fibres could cause irritation to sensitive skin. Pre-soaking the starter plug helps eliminate dust. This also ensures the plug is soaked all the way through, which is important for successful seed germination.

How should I store the starter plugs?
Store the starter plugs in dry conditions. Keep the package closed and out of reach of children and pets. Keep away from food and your eyes and do not swallow them.

Can I reuse the starter plug?
Once a seedling has been grown on a starter plug, the plug will have organic material throughout. It is therefore not possible to reuse these starter plugs. If seed germination has not been successful, then the starter plug can be reused.

Where should I dispose of the used starter plugs?
Dispose of used starter plugs in ordinary household waste.