Gibberellic Acid Use and Information

Gibberellic acid (pronounced “Jib – er – illic’) is a very potent hormone whose natural occurrence In plants controls their development. It was first discovered in Japan in 1935 as a result of a study of “Foolish Seedling Disease” which caused rice plants to grow much taller than normal. 

With very small amounts, Gibberellic acid (GA) can enhance normal growth and quickly produce much larger and greener plants. At moderate concentrations (sprayed on seeds) GA can have a surprising effect- -on their development and growth. Some will germinate at a highly increased rate, other varieties of seeds will begin to grow much differently than untreated seeds. Still, other seed varieties will produce slight changes in development. 

As the amount of Gibberellic Acid is increased, the changes in plants become quite remarkable. At higher concentrations, plant growth becomes almost uncontrolled, producing incredibly large and ‘mutated’ looking plants that have little resemblance to the original plant. Some will grow so tall, So fast, that the stalk will not support the plant and some sort of wooden or metal support will need to be fashioned to prevent the plant from falling over and/or breaking.

In a well-known Department of Agriculture experiment, Walnut trees were treated with small concentrations of Gibberellic Acid. In one season, the growth rate for the control group (the untreated trees) was 1.5 feet. For the trees treated with Gibberellic Acid, growth averaged 8.5 feet. 

We recommend using Gibberellic Acid in 4 different concentrations, depending on what you want to accomplish. Please note that the recommended concentrations should be used as a starting point. Each different variety of plants will respond differently, and you will have to adjust the amount of GA to higher or lower levels as needed.

The Gibberellic Acid supplied is at a concentration of approximately 1,000 ppm (1 .5 g/L).

concentration of 375 ppm for a carnivorous plant seedling foliar spray
concentration of 750 ppm for typical carnivorous plant seeds
concentrations 1,000 ppm for Bybilis and Petiolaris Complex seeds

If using as a foliar spray on any other type of seedlings, depending on the particular type of plant, very high concentrations will begin to have a reverse effect and begin to interfere with plant growth. Only experimentation will reveal the ideal amount to use on your particular plant and in its particular stage of growth.

For seeds, we recommend spraying a paper towel until damp with a  750 ppm to 1,000 ppm solution, folding it over, and placing your seeds in between. Keep the paper towel/seeds damp, and in the dark. 

Plants in various stages of growth can be s prayed directly, or small amounts can be added to the soil. Spraying the plant directly seems to always yield the best results.